Longing for adventure

As the summer wears on, one thing of which I've become painfully aware is the infrequency of my outings over the first month of summer. My days off have been filled with chores, responsibilities, and not a lot of excitement. That's about to change.
The reason why it's about to change is because I'm forcing it to. My new goal is to get the lion's share of the chores done after work hours, and save my days off for relaxation in the best ways I know how: hiking, fishing, and everything else outdoors.
Unfortunately, my next day off is Independence Day. Then coming up on July 12th, I plan on hiking, hopefully with my son Ben and my grandkids. My vacation week begins on the 18th, and if I end up not being able to go camping, I plan on spending at least three of those days hiking; Mt. Raymond in the Wasatch, then some places in the Uintas. My greatest hope is that I can somehow finagle a short backpacking trip to Red Castle. If so, Mt. Raymond will be put on hold. The full moon is July 19th, and I hope to be out in the woods for sure that night. That will be quite the adventure!
August through September is the best time to hike, in my opinion, especially in the Uintas. My reason for saying so is that  by mid-August, the mosquito population has dwindled. And, it's nice to be hiking when that first taste of fall is in the air. I love it! I'll be scheduling several hikes during that part of the season.
Needless to say, I'm expecting a lot from the back end of my summer hiking season, and the only way to meet those expectations is to get those things scheduled on the calendar. With that in mind, I'm thinking if I can arrange it, I just might go out for an evening hike this Saturday, to try and catch some sunset shots.

High Uinta lake along the Kings Peak trail.

Sunsets are worth taking time to see

I was finishing up mowing the lawn last night, just as the sun was going down. As I pushed the mower up the driveway to put it away, I saw great streaks of red, pink, and orange in the sky. Knowing great sunsets don't wait for lawnmowers to be put away, I stopped doing so and darted into the house for my camera.
Our house is situated low down with surrounding trees, so it's tough to get a good shot of the sunset. I got out the ladder and scrambled up on the roof. Good sunsets are worth it, by the way. Here's why.

Can you laugh at yourself? If not, you can laugh at me.

A couple of weeks ago my evaporative air cooler (known colloquially as a "swamp cooler") appeared to be on the fritz. Air was blowing through it, but it wasn't cool air. A few days prior, I had reinstalled the copper tubing that supplies the water to the unit, oiled it, and it had appeared to be working. Now, after a long day at work, it was still over 90 degrees in the house as it began to get dark. I got out the ladder to take a look. I had not turned off the unit, so the belts and pulleys were moving inside of it. I really didn't want to stick any parts of my body inside to figure out what was wrong, but I spotted it right a way. The hose that supplies water from the pump to the pads had come unhooked from the pump. I saw the end of the hose, that should be attached, and a connector to which I connected it and it was great--done in five minutes.
Until the next time it got hot enough to use a couple of days later. It still wasn't cooling. I was thinking that the pump must be bad, and that instead of spending the night peacefully at home watching a movie or playing a game, I'd be heading to Home Depot for a new pump and installing it. Once again, I climbed up to take a look, this time with it turned off.
At once I began to laugh at myself. I had hooked the loose end of the hose not to the pump, where it needed to be hooked, but to the drain spout. The pump was working all right, but it was sucking in water then spitting it right back out into the pooled water in the bottom of the swamp cooler. I quickly made the appropriate reconnection and the thing ran like a champ.
I think the ability to laugh at oneself is healthy, but if you can't laugh at yourself, go ahead and laugh at me.

Leather and Lace - Stevie Nicks and Don Henley

This song is simply great on many levels, but as a duet, it rocks as one of the greatest of all time. I hope you like it. I do.

Exploring Utah's Stansbury Range

This past Friday, I enjoyed a few hours exploring South Willow Canyon, parts of North Willow Canyon, and the Deseret Peak Wilderness area. I began hiking at the Medina Flat Trailhead at just around 5:40 am.

The trail begins off of a spur road that leaves to the right of the main canyon road (South Willow), and leads to a small parking lot where an outhouse and the trailhead are located. It begins steep, but after fifty yards or so flattens somewhat. This trail is part of the Stansbury Front Trail, which leads from South Willow Canyon over to North Willow and Davenport Canyons. I'm fairly certain it leads at least part way to Hickman Canyon to the south as there is another trailhead within the campground that's off to the left of the main canyon road (called "Boy Scout"). That trailhead is clearly labeled "Stansbury Front Trail"

It was the second time I had been on the Medina Flat Trail within the past three weeks. I was hoping to see the sunrise and get a few good pics of it. It was light enough to see as I began hiking, the first pale light of dawn lightening up the sky in the east. I knew I'd have to hurry to get any good shots at all, and probably should have arrived a half hour earlier. As it was, I left my house in West Valley just slightly after 4:30.

The sun began to rise as I was hiking, and I knew there was going to be a small peak in between the eastern horizon and me when it got at its best. It wasn't one of the spectacular ones that we see every now and then, but it was kind of nice. If it had looked like it was going to be one of the all-time great sunrises, I would have stayed down lower on the trail to make sure I got an open shot. It did have a best time though, and that little peak was right in the way.

I continued up the trail to where it crosses Mining Fork Road. Nearly three weeks earlier, I had followed this road for a ways, not knowing what it was called, nor where it led. I had wanted to go back to where I had eaten lunch that day and take some pics, so I followed the road again. The forest closes in around this road and I kept thinking that I'd like to find out how to access it and drive up it to see where it goes. Eventually, it becomes Mining Fork Trail and leads to South Willow Lake.

It was difficult to retrace my steps from the earlier trip, and I thought I knew where I had left the road to climb into the rocks above, but I wasn't sure. I had taken my GPS with me the previous hike, but had failed to check the batteries, so had been unable to mark my coordinates because the batteries had been dead. I walked past the place where I had gone up, thinking I wanted to see where the road went anyway, and to make sure that my point of departure from it hadn't been further up.

The place where I ate lunch three weeks ago.

It's just a little spot, up in the cliffs, using a rock as a tripod.

Eventually, I returned and made my laborious way up to the cliffs where I had taken my lunch the last time. Just a little place to sit and enjoy the view. One thing I really liked about this place was that there were fossils in many of the rocks on the way up. This time, I picked up a small one to take home.

This kind of fossil was found all over up in the Mining Fork Road area.

I've been doing a lot of experimenting over the years with using large rocks in lieu of a tripod, so I don't have to pack the weight. This time I had my tripod with me and began setting it up, but halfway through I spotted a large rock in a great location and decided to use that instead.

I struggled and slid back down to the road, noticing for the second time in a month how dangerous hiking can be, because I spotted a prickly pear cactus hidden amongst the lush undergrowth--something I had remembered from the earlier hike.

Those sharp needles hide themselves very well amongst the foliage. Notice, there are some in the lower left of the picture too.

Once on the road, I headed back down to where the Stansbury Front Trail crossed it. I decided this time to continue down the road on the other side of the trail to see if I could tell where I could begin driving on it. The road ended up going up a sidehill to the small peak that had obscured my view of the sunrise earlier in the day. It took a hairpin turn and headed down to the north at that point. I decided to climb the peak so I could get a good view of the surrounding area. It took less than five minutes from where I had left the road, and was worth the time it took.

View from the small peak, looking south.

New cones on the trees.

I retraced my path, back to the trailhead, noticing the scenic wild flowers along the way. It was only 9:30 at that point, so I thought I'd give the Deseret Peak Trail a little time. The trailhead for the hike to the top of Deseret Peak begins at the Loop Campground, which is actually at the end of the South Willow Canyon Road. To get there, just drive to the far end of the campground. There are restrooms and the Mill Fork Trailhead is right next to them.

A view of Deseret Peak

The path through a sunny meadow filled with flowers.

I started up the trail and was immediately amazed at how beautiful it was. I had thought that the Stansbury Front Trail and Mining Fork Road had been gorgeous, and this was just as fabulous, or even more so. I set a time limit of 11:00 to turn around, having told my wife I'd be home about three, and wanting to do some other things before I left the area. Before 10:30 though, I made it to the stream crossing and it was raging. There were some wet logs and rocks that I probably could have crossed, though I would have felt much better about it had I remembered my trekking poles. The way it looked was that it was likely I would slip and endanger my camera by falling in. In no way did it appear to have enough water to have swept me away and killed me, so I'm thinking that if that's its peak at spring run-off, people would likely be okay around it. Just watch your kids.

It was simply magnificent up there.

Taking a few pics of the stream, I then turned around and made my way back. I was noticing all of the old dates carved in the aspen trees. I saw some from '43 and even older. Of course, someone could've carved fictitious dates into the trees, but looking at some of them, I felt they were legit.

Apparently lovers have been up here too.

I got back to the 4runner with still plenty of time to drive up North Willow and look for the beginning of Mining Fork Road, which I felt must originate over there, for I had found no such roads near South Willow. I drove up the only available side road in North Willow and it quickly became a bed of rocks, very slow going, and I decided that this couldn't possibly be it. Of course, later on, I checked the links above and found that Mining Fork Road does indeed begin near South Willow, so I have some more exploring to do.

And that isn't the only thing left to explore. All in all, the Stansbury Range has a lot to offer in the way of adventure, and I think I've only managed to see the tip of the iceberg. I anticipate spending many days in the future discovering its secrets.

My time was soon up. I stopped and took a pic of myself hanging out in the 4runner, this time, the camera on the tripod. It was at a place lower in the canyon that has special meaning for me.

Ready for adventure? Let's go!

My last stop was lunch in Tooele. I've always liked a burger joint called "Dairy Delight". It's a great place for lunch or dinner after a hard day's hiking or other outdoor activities.

I was going to get home about a half hour early. Ann would appreciate that. And I had left a lot on the table to be explored later. I guess that's what keeps me going back out--because the adventures are always out there waiting.

Stormy sunsets are awesome!

We sat and watched on Friday night as pockets of rain caught the light from the sunset and moved across the valley. This picture from my phone doesn't do it justice, but it was absolutely beautiful and amazing!

My advice is to take the time to watch a sunset when you have the time. It is time that cannot be deducted from anyone's life.

The rumors and the truth about my faith

Since my wife Ann has confided in several people and for other reasons (maybe things I've said or posted), rumors are beginning to swirl around about my abandonment of Mormonism. I'm not one to let speculation continue in regards to my personal beliefs. I've never liked one-sided stories, whether they are told by the liberal media, or whether told by individuals, my wife included. I love her and she's doing what she needs to do to find comfort and commiseration. I fully understand those feelings. However, there are always two sides to every story.

The truth is, I have left the LDS faith. Some of you reading this right now just had your collective jaws hit the floor, because you haven't heard of any of this. Some of you will never comprehend why I've left.  I fully expect this revelation will cause several of you to drop me as a friend, possibly on Facebook, possibly in real life. I hope you don't feel that way, but I fully understand how you might think and feel about it, especially based upon one of the temple recommend questions. But let me offer you my experience of what happened the last time I went in for a recommend interview, in the fall of 2014. When asked if I associated, affiliated with, or agreed with anyone who's teachings were contrary to the church I told them that I had friends who I associated with who believed and taught things contrary to the church. The counselor in the stake presidency kind of chuckled and said, "we all do".

I have written a paper, originally intended for Ann, that explains in detail my reasoning. You can find it here: clickety-click. The paper can come across as a little bit harsh and sarcastic in parts of it. Please realize that I originally wrote it after being severely criticized for my choice and that I was trying to defend my reasoning. I mean it as no personal attack against anyone. Then again, when I was a member, I used to think even slight accusations or condemnations of the Church were all-out anti-Mormon rants. I'll let you know without reading it that I still believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and as the Lord God omnipotent, come to earth in the flesh. The paper also includes my current beliefs and witness. Needless to say, in order for me to go through the ordeal it is to leave the church (especially within my own family and circle of friends), I must believe I'm right.

I hope we can all remain friends and that I can continue to associate with you whom I love. My love for you has not diminished, though you may no longer know what to do with me  and I may wonder what you're thinking. So be it. A man has to do what he believes is right. Here's a very good article, by the way, on how to respond to one of your friends who is leaving the church: check it out.

May our gracious God bless you all.

Identity theft is a pain in the behind

Sometime in 2014 or early 2015, someone opened our mailbox and took some mail. A few months later, we began getting notifications from our health insurance company (Blue Cross Blue Shield) of how much they paid on certain bills--always in my wife's name. Unfortunately, the bills they were paying were for someone who was masquerading as my wife, up in the Seattle area. My wife Ann hasn't ever set foot in Washington State.
As we continued to get more insurance statements we reported them to the fraud people at BCBS. One time, the employee of BCBS told us that the woman who was using Ann's name was checked into a hospital at that very moment and they could catch her red-handed.
Sadly, that must not have happened because we got a statement of the hospital stay, amounting to over $51,000. I called the fraud line immediately, but had to leave a message. The next day we received statements for ambulance service, and a couple of checks amounting to over $1600 in the mail to pay for those services. Okay, we're not stupid enough to cash those checks, and we're not going to do anything with them until I talk to the guy from the fraud department who returned my call when we were gone, and by the time I could call him back, they were likely long gone for Memorial Day weekend.
All I need is to start receiving actual bills from these hospitals, ambulance companies, doctors, etc. I don't understand why, with the number of times we've reported this woman, that they haven't caught her. How is it that you can use someone else's name for a hospital stay, then we call the fraud line right in the middle of that stay, and they still can't catch this woman?
If they don't solve this soon, I may need to call Vito to take care of it.

Fitness: It's much easier to get out of shape, than into shape

I have found, through sad personal experience, that it's much harder work to get back into shape, once I lapse and let myself get out of shape. Here's my real life example. I had posted some pics as I reached or nearly reached my fitness goals last fall. I was in very good shape, physically. As a mail carrier, last fall, like every fall in the history of the U.S. Postal Service, business picked up because of Christmas. Beginning about mid-November, I personally became so busy, that I was making it to the gym only 1-2 times per week, when prior to that, I had been going a minimum of three, and more usually four to five times per week. By December, it was down to 0-1 times per week.
As the only bread winner of our family, as the year ended, I found myself needing to get more hours at work to help with some upcoming expenses. So I signed up for the overtime list. I knew going into it that doing so would have an effect on my ability to exercise, but I felt that our needs were more crucial and that I could withstand the three months that I'd be on the list (we are able to sign up each quarter). My trips to the gym followed the same trajectory as they had done during the Christmas season.
Sometime in March, it became unbearable and I removed my name from the list with two weeks to go in the quarter (though we can only sign up on the list at the beginning of the quarter, we are able to remove ourselves from it at any time). I thought that this would create the opportunity for me to get back to the gym on a much more frequent basis. At first, this is exactly what happened. But starting the next quarter, I got back on the list for my own work assignment. There are basically two levels of O.T. that we can sign up for. One is to work only the O.T. on our own routes, and the other is to work O.T. on any route. Since I am a T-6, I do five different routes on their days off, thus, any one of those routes constitutes my own work assignment should there be a sick call, or one of them on vacation etc. Generally, when I have been on my own work assignment, I have gotten far less overtime than when I've been signed up on the other list. That wasn't the case this time.
Our office has had a veritable cornucopia of vacancies over the past few months and this has moved people who would generally have filled in the gap on sick days and vacation days to other routes, and left me (because I am on the "own work assignment" list) to do those routes when needed. The bottom line is, I'm still going to the gym quite a bit less than necessary to get back into shape, let alone reach the fitness level I had achieved back in October.
All these months of not being able to workout like I should be have taken their toll. I'm experiencing physical ailments that I should not be experiencing and wouldn't be if my health regimen was in place. It has not only physically effected me, but mentally, as I have recognized what's happening, but been powerless to change it. I spent several months a few years ago unable to do vigorous exercise because of a shoulder surgery that wouldn't heal properly. So I know all the signs of poor fitness.
I have a solution to that. I have put in a bid on another route, a single route this time. I will get less overtime if I get that route, but I will have much more time to get to the gym and I will take advantage of it. I should find out sometime next week if I get that new route. Likely, I will and I will need to make adjustments on spending and/or retirement withholdings in order to make ends meet. But the peace of mind I feel will be well worth the sacrifices.
Just so you know, my exercise of choice is walking or hiking. I do a lot of running only because of limited time and I can get a lot more calories burned and cardio done in a far less amount of time. Actually, hiking burns a lot of calories fast too, but I don't have mountains close enough to do it frequently enough. I don't like running, and never really have other than when I've been in really good shape, it was fun to run and test myself against other runners. So, I'm doing something I don't especially like, because of the results I get by doing it. It's quick, and it does the job. But if I had the time, I would walk or hike for fitness.
My advice is this. Find an exercise you'll do and do it. Get in shape and stay there, but if you find yourself in a situation like mine, don't lose hope. With determination, you too can get back in shape. I'll be waiting for your pics once you do.

Every which way but loose

Who could ever forget this song? It's an oldie from the movie of the same name. I think I'd actually like to see that movie again sometime.

Injured, but chipper

Apparently, on a recent hike, I re-injured a part of my body that I had initially injured while skiing in January or February. The pain of the ski crash had never fully gone away and I had already been thinking I would see a doctor about it. Today, I called in sick because it hurt to move my legs.  Lifting my right leg up, such as in putting on a pair of pants, or rolling around in bed, hurts like crazy. It was hurting yesterday and got increasingly worse. I couldn't imagine getting in and out of my mail truck as much as I would be doing today.
I'll try to schedule an appointment with my usual guru for injuries, Jim McIntyre, hopefully for today if possible. If not, I have a day off tomorrow, so maybe then. I'm thinking that if I can get in today, and it checks out as just something that needs time to heal, rather than surgery, I'll still go to the gym tomorrow, but not do any exercises that hurt the area affected.
I'm upbeat about it. I'm not dead or dying. I'm actually feeling great other than this particular wound, so I'm anxious to get back into the gym and continue my workouts, which have by the amount of overtime I've gotten over the past six months, been severely curtailed. This isn't really a setback and I'm thinking it's kind of minor, but the fact that it hadn't healed in several months tells me that it may have been a bit more egregious than I originally thought. I'm fairly certain though, that if I had the inclination, I could still do plenty of stuff today that requires upper body strength--you know, like canoeing or kayaking. Well, I could, but I never call in sick to go play.

Hiking: Taking joy in the journey

As a young man, whenever I would go out hiking, my goal was to get to the destination as quickly as possible. There was always some sound reasoning for that--either the destination was a lake, and there was good fishing to be had, or the destination was a mountain peak and I was expecting a magnificent view. But the third reason, pride, was no real reason for my rush to the end of the trail.
The thing I've learned over the years is that there are still times to get up, hurry, and make it to the lake before the good fishing is done. On the other hand, planning ahead, hiking in the night before, and being at the lake when the good fishing begins, is a much better plan. I can still make it to the top of the peak, even if I take time to enjoy the views along the way.
Nowadays, I hike much slower. It's why I don't join various hiking groups who state such things in their "you can join..if" statements as, "you must be able to hike at least four miles per hour", or something like that. Yes, when I'm at my peak, physically, I can keep up with those kinds of hikers. But is is worth it to me? No it is not. Because hiking, to me, is exploring. It is taking the side trails a little ways, or studying animal tracks, looking at cavities in rocks, and finding mushrooms. It is sitting and picnicking and talking with your friends. That's all part of it for me. And planning to come back to a place that's real exciting some day, is also something I do.
Because at the end of the hike, I want to say, I have no regrets. I want to say that I'm not sorry I took the time to do those extra things, because those extra things are part of an adventurous life. So is racing to the top, by the way, but you miss so much along the way. And that is what I mean by regrets. There are things I have done along the trail that if I was racing to the top, never would have happened. And that, would have been something to regret.

Yours truly near the Deseret Peak Trail.

Some photos from our trip to Ventura, California

We've been on a vacation and have spent the last few days in Ventura, California. It has been nice and relaxing, with no real plans, we have just made up what we have done as each day transpired. For me, this time, not scheduling very much has been better than running around like over-scheduling soccer moms. Most of the days we have spent some time on the beach, though with Ann's disability, it has been mostly me spending time on the beach, and her sitting and watching the people and the waves from a distance. I have tried to park the car in strategic locations so that she can watch people and the waves at the same time, and I have walked up and down the beach, mostly looking for shells to take home to show the grandkids. Not wanting to spend all day by myself walking the beach, nor to leave Ann sitting in the car for too long, has led to my not spending all the time I'd like with the ocean, but that's okay. And she has actually gotten out a time or two and touched the sand, once even using her walker to go out on a point, called "Rehab Point" to get a better view. I think she had a lot of fun that day, watching the waves and having brief conversations from people as they passed her on the walkway.
One night we got together with the Emmons, whom we knew from online communications, but had never met in person. Surprise, we found out they were people, just like us, who have to live with struggles every day, and who have great things happen from time to time. Getting together with them was one of the highlights of our trip.
Another highlight was visiting Serra Cross Park/Grant Park. Grant Park is a place where you can drive that's up higher and has a great view of the city and the ocean and beaches below. Within Grant Park is Serra Cross Park. Serra Cross named for Father Serra who put up the first cross in the area in 1782, down lower, to note the location of the nearby mission. The cross itself had gone through several incarnations and early in the 20th century was moved to its current location. In 2003 it came under fire from those who think it was a violation of separation of church and state, because it was on public land. The city sold the land to a private group who kept the cross there.
Last night, our last night there, I left Ann in our room and went down to the beach, one called Surfer's Knoll or something like that, right by Ventura Harbor, to attempt to take some pics of the waves and the sunset. The sunset itself wasn't spectacular. It was hazy as it has been all week, and the sky didn't have the wide array of hues that one loves to see in a sunset, but I got some pics and they didn't turn out too bad.
Now today, we are homeward bound. We'll spend the next two nights in Las Vegas, and then get home Monday. The trip has been relaxing, if not amazing, and it has been nice to get away from work, but Tuesday I'll be back at the grind. In a way, I'm looking forward to getting back to normal. But in the back of my mind, I'll be waiting for the next big adventure.

This bird on the beach appeared to be injured or sick.

One of the places where Ann got out to take a closer look.

Pelican

Views from Grant Park/Serra Cross Park were amazing

The cross at Serra Cross park. This was lifelike in size.

Sunset at Surfer's Knoll, near Ventura Harbor

A thud in the middle of the night

Last night I was startled from a sound sleep by loud thud. Instantly I thought it was my wife, Ann, who wasn't at my side in the bed, but just a couple of seconds later I could hear her footsteps in the hall. "Did you hear that?" I said. "It scared the heck out of me. I thought it was you." It wasn't, praise God!
But it was uncanny because the noise I heard sounded exactly like someone falling to the floor in a heap. After making sure Ann was safe I decided that I could wait until the morning light to find out what had happened. Unfortunately, the adrenalin I had experienced in my brief moment of panic kept me awake for the remainder of the night.
The wind had been blowing hard and I suspected maybe a branch from our large evergreen tree to the south of our house, the one I had talked about with a friend just yesterday. Sure enough, when I walked outside in my pajamas this morning, there was a four inch thick branch lying on our house, right above our bedroom. I pulled it off and inspected the roof which had just been put on in October. Thank goodness, there was no damage. I will be grateful for that, and likely, the nap I will take this afternoon.

There's nothing like a shedding cat

I don't know what to do about my cat, Scout. She's shedding like crazy and she likes to jump up on the bed and lay down right below my pillow. Ann doesn't like to pull the top blanket up to the pillows, in other words, make the bed, because then Scout puts hair all over the part of the blanket that gets pulled up to her face. So, I end up having to place something on the bed that will reduce our furry friend's ability to lie in her favorite spot. I have a large pile of books on my nightstand, so I spread them around and that keeps her further down on the bed--unless I forget. Which is too often. And every time I forget, there she is, by my pillow. I think one solution would be to keep the doors closed on the bedroom so that the only time Scout can get in is when we are in there with her. Then, we just have to never turn her backs on her, because that's when she makes her move.
It's a tragedy of epic proportions.

"Weird Al" Yankovic's "One More Minute" is classic comedy

Okay...so this isn't my usual love song posting. But I think that every once in a while, people need to break away from the serious, and contemplate, well, the ultra serious. "Weird Al" does it in the best possible manner--ridiculous hyperbole. If you've never seen or heard One More Minute, you are in for a...treat. This one is in my top ten all time novelty songs. Here you go.

Al Green's "Let's Stay Together"

I would say that Al Green's Let's Stay Together is in my top five of greatest love songs. As a music lover, I gravitate toward songs that move me, and this one, most definitely touches me in my deepest emotions. I hope you like it.

Till there was you...a great cinematic love song

I have been accused of posting links to no songs later than 1980. It's a wrong accusation. I was made aware of this situation just a few days ago, that I had finally posted a link to a post 1980 song. This one though, isn't such a song. This one, from The Music Man circa 1962, is one of the all time great movie love songs. I hope you like it.

Skiing at Deer Valley was a great experience

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to go skiing one more time this season. I had never gone skiing this late in the year. My lift pass, thanks to my son Sam who acquired a free pass for me, was to Deer Valley. I had also never been to Deer Valley and had no idea where anything was, nor what to expect once there.
I got to the parking lot and asked directions from the attendant. A few minutes later, I was exchanging my voucher for a ski pass and heading up for my first run.
It was crowded with a bunch of kids taking lessons. As I swept down the first run, I found myself narrowly avoiding people because there were so many. I thought it odd, considering it was a school day. The days had been warm in the past week and the snow had melted then refrozen in some places, making those places a bit treacherous.
As the day warmed up. the icy places diminished and the snow got better. I found myself riding the list with three kids, probably aged 9-13. We began talking and I found out they were from Manhattan, here for a two week vacation. They marveled when I told them I didn't ski more than 3-4 times per year. One of them told me he had season ticket to the Knicks, Jets, and Rangers.
On another ride up, I sat with two parents and a young teenager. They were involved in their own little world, talking amongst themselves, although the woman did say "hi" to me as we boarded the lift. The guy was talking to her about this huge deal that he had just received a confirmation on on his phone. It was some kind of huge trade and it was one of his account that someone had completed in his absence.
Clearly Deer Valley is a ski resort for the wealthy.
I stopped for a rest at about 11:30, then at noon I started again, this time figuring out that if I worked my way around the resort, further away from the original lift, the crowds were quite a bit smaller and there weren't any kids taking lessons (most of them were skiing better than I was, btw). I stayed in the lesser used areas for a few runs, then began to work my way back.
As the day wore on, the snow began to deteriorate again and in some places became so slushy that it was tough to ski through. I was getting worn out at around 2:00 so I decided to leave. All in all, I really enjoyed my day skiing. The only thing that would've made it much better would have been to have someone along to enjoy it with me.

Trying something new: a bad reason to vote for Sanders or Trump

While we know that our world is being turned topsy-turvy by the things that are happening in it, it can be instructive to look at each of our personal lives before deciding that what we have isn't working.
I hear all the time that what we have isn't working and that it's time to "try something new". Pundits from all avenues in the media do their best in their own gripping way, to convince us that the world is falling apart. In many ways, it is, but one way to look at things has always been the world's effect on one's own life. Take the time to introspect and say, "Is my life going worse now than it was ten or twenty years ago?" In many cases, we are better off than we were years ago. In some things, not so much.
I would say that our freedoms have been reduced in the past couple of decades. I would put the responsibility for that reduction in liberty squarely on those who believe that more government involvement in our every day lives is good. While it may have led to safer playground equipment at elementary schools, it has also led to intrusion into individuals and family's lives that wasn't there in the 1950s, for example.
Those on the left claim that they are worse off, that poverty is worse, that racism is increasing, and that curtailing certain industries in America will affect the world climate enough to reverse climate change and will be worth the vast toll it takes on the economy. The facts don't bear this out. Poverty may be on the rise, but it is a general poverty of a nation that because of intrusive over-regulation, is moving slowly out of first world status. Racism, despite what you hear from the race-baiters and the media, despite what you hear from Black Lives Matter, isn't worsening and has instead seen vast positive changes since the days of Martin Luther King Jr. Climate change cannot be appreciably fixed by the U.S. stopping it's coal production and other extreme measures. These measures are designed to make people feel good about what they're doing and have virtually no impact on world climate.
People have this insane desire to "try something new" when what they have had, has largely been working. On the left, people want to vote for Bernie Sanders because he represents a change. He also represents a profound detachment from reality when it comes to advocating free this and free that, with no money to pay for it. Electing Hillary Clinton for no other reason that because she is female is an idiotic reason to elect someone. People voted for Obama because he would be the first black president, and that was equally stupid.
On the right, people would elect Trump because they are sick of the "establishment" not doing what it was elected to do. Never mind that from all indications, Trump is the kind of man who would be dictator if he could (not unlike Obama), and who has misrepresented himself on many fronts. Trump truly does not represent conservative values, which is another topic in and of itself.
The bottom line is, change for the sake of change, just to "try something new" is a poor reason to vote for someone who will likely make life worse for most people. Though our current system has produced some bad results lately, it is a system that largely has worked throughout American history. Would it not be better to try and find better candidates and encourage statesmanship than to throw out the baby with the bathwater? I'm thinking it would, but then again, I'm more optimistic than some.

You're the Only Woman

Speaking of love songs, who could ever forget 1980's, You're the Only Woman by Ambrosia? It was a hit then and it's still great now. The thing is, if you look for this song on youtube, you're going to find at least one that is highly suggestive. That's probably true for all love songs posted on youtube. Anyway, it's an incredible song. Put it on your love song tape...er...cd...or whatever....

Amidst all the mayhem...

This world is crazy. The political and social situation in America is unreal. Times seem tough. And it's just these kinds of times that we should sit back, take some time, and ponder an amazing sunrise. This is today's sunrise.

If that doesn't make you feel good, very little else will. God is still out there.

Rainy Sunday mornings are awesome!

When I walked outside this morning to go to church, the first thing I noticed was the strong wind pushing north. The skies were gray and I could tell that a storm is out there, waiting to pounce. It began sprinkling as I parked and headed into the church building. The smell coming from the rain on the nearby farms, carried on the wind, caressed my nose and it was wonderful. There's nothing like the smell of rain, and nothing like the feel of it on your skin. I looked toward the Wasatch Mountains and the clouds lowering around them made me want to be up in the peaks, playing, waiting for the rains and possibly damp, heavy, snow to come down. But I couldn't just go up there right then. Commitments sometimes keep us from enjoying God's blessings of the scent of rain, and the feel and sound of the wind. It's okay though. I can thank Him for them now, and go out and play in them later.

Just thinking about the great things the Lord has done for us is enough to keep one humble. We cannot fathom all that has been done on our behalf. I know some of you don't believe in God. For me, I cannot go through a single day of my life without having his presence manifested. And for that, I can offer nothing but praise and a heart that yearns to do His will, but can never fully do so. I am, after all, a mortal and sinful man. It's not an excuse, but a fact. I will rely upon the strength of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, to see me through. He died that I might live, and for that, I praise his name forever.

Time in a bottle

This song, by the late Jim Croce, who died well before his time, is a timeless classic. February is over, but there are more great songs out there then there are days in a year. Enjoy this great one!

Liberty and the current government crisis

I cannot go along with those who claim doomsday is just past the horizon. Though I believe there may come a time when the foibles of our political leadership have led us down a road of no return, I find it counterproductive to assume that we are already there. That may be the case and preparing for it should be on every thinking person's mind (and not only on their minds, but in their plans and in their actions, such as acquiring needed resources in the eventuality of such a disaster as the collapse of our economy) from time to time, but to continually dwell upon it removes all hope and joy from life.
So what do I think needs to be done, right here, right now? If the elections are truly a farce, rigged, and people are truly fraudulently elected--if the American people are truly fools who will elect whomever the media convinces them should be elected--if no matter who I elect caters to the media, the corporations, George Soros, or anyone else who is out there pulling strings, then nothing I do matters. Why should I do anything other than prepare for the eventual war that will occur?
The reason is this, I do not believe that we should give up non-violent measures to preserve life and liberty until all other measures have been exhausted.
That being said, we see through national polling (not discounting that the polls themselves could be rigged, but I'm not as much of a conspiracist to believe that every pollster is bought and paid for) that all of the Republicans, save Donald Trump, beat any Democrat running. This looms large because of one thing--the recent demise of a true champion of the Constitution on the Supreme Court--Antonin Scalia. With the Court in a crucial balance right now, one more leftist on it could totally undo our Constitution. If we get another Supreme Court justice like Sonia Sotomayor to replace Scalia, say goodbye to our 2nd Amendment rights.
That makes it imperative for any Constitution loving American to vote and to vote for the most conservative candidate who can actually win. Voting for a Libertarian or Constitution Party candidate doesn't get the job done of electing a candidate who will nominate a justice who actually believes in and affirms the original intent of the Constitution. This election is more crucial than any other, and the death of Scalia makes it even more so. Trump isn't the candidate who would defeat Clinton or Sanders, and it's arguable that he's even a conservative. It's highly questionable who he might nominate as a Supreme Court justice. Yet for conservatives to say that they won't vote for him if he's the Republican candidate is to virtually give the presidency to the left, and thus tearing to shreds the remaining fabric of our beloved Constitution. The best thing is to make sure that Trump isn't the candidate representing conservative values, but if he is, he is a far better choice than either Hillary or "the Bern". Unless, of course, your goal is to undermine the Constitution and reduce liberty in America. If that's your goal, my advice is to vote for one of the leftist candidates, and then, when you find that your liberty has been usurped by those who would curtail your freedom of speech, your ability to call terrorism terrorism, your ability to speak your mind without recrimination, your ability to drive as far as you want to in whatever vehicle you want to drive--then you can take full responsibility for your actions. For each man or woman must own up to the decisions they make and the causes they advocate--and the results that come from those choices.
Yes, we might be headed down a path of destruction, but to do nothing to stop it, or if we try and hasten it, is in my mind a trail to ruin. I will be there to fight, if and when the time comes, but I will not give up on the America in which I grew up. I will not give up on the fighting spirit of liberty that has dwelt in the heart of every true American since the day our Founder first signed the great Declaration. Those Founders fought for liberty, even to be wrong.

Today's keys for better health

I've recently been seeing a naturopath to try and figure out ways to lower my blood pressure without resorting to blood pressure meds. So far, so good. My last three measurements have been 110/62, 100/58, and 128/78. Those aren't bad readings. There is really no clear cut answer for what levels blood pressure measurements would be considered "low" other than how a person feels. If you have reading, like say, my middle one of 100/58, well that would typically be low, but not necessarily. It's more based upon whether or not you feel good. With low pressure you may feel dizzy or light headed. I felt none of those symptoms when I hit my lowest figure.

So what's helping me? I've been eating better. I have a smoothie for breakfast, try and eat less grains (the doc says it's not because they are bad for me, but because eating grains keeps us from eating veggies and fruit). I'm also avoiding foods with added salt, such as canned cream of mushroom, tomato, or cream of chicken. Though I still eat the occasional bad meal (yesterday I had chili cheese fries for lunch), I'm mixing in more lunches from home and progressing in a more positive direction--away from the fried foods in general, bringing tuna sandwiches to work, eating apples on my breaks etc.

I've also been doing things to control stress. Relaxing, deep breathing, controlling my own reactions to things.

My exercise levels have gone way down during the past couple of months due to being on the overtime list at work. I can only believe that once I'm back exercising like I should be, at the beginning of April at the latest, my health will improve even more. I will be able to go for a walk this morning while I'm waiting for Ann at her doc's appointment, and I will be skiing this afternoon, so it's not like I'm totally ignoring the exercise part.

So, here are the keys: avoid fast foods and extra salt intake, eat wholesome veggies and fruits, practice stress relief, exercise, drink plenty of water. A guy in my study group last night said that giving gratitude to God for the water as you're drinking it actually makes the water respond is a positive way and that studies have shown that. Though a cursory look found no studies to confirm this, it doesn't hurt to have an attitude of gratitude in all we do. A positive outlook, keyed by gratitude goes a long way to creating an atmosphere in which good health can flourish.

Life amid its busyness

I have taken on extra work since the beginning of the year. At the post office where I work, employees can get on the overtime list at the beginning of each quarter. I generally stay off the list for three quarters of the year, but get on it for the first three months of the year. As time has gone by, however, and my responsibilities at home have gotten greater, I see the need to stop this practice. Either that, or find ways to make my home responsibilities less than they currently are. Most of the home responsibilities depend upon Ann's health. She can do things to improve her health, but with the auto-immune disorders that she has, there is a limited ceiling to what she can reasonably be expected to do.

Still, anything helps. And, it should snowball. If she can have one success, like making one dinner per week, she will see that she can do more and progress from there. It's a win win situation.

Getting on the OT list has been a big help for this particular first quarter. We have some added expenses like paying taxes, doing the timing belt on the car, and some other things that weren't really projected. It has, however, made it much more challenging to write in this blog.

That being said, it's part of life, and I kind of like the challenge. I just don't want things to get too challenging. This level is about my max for not being too stressed.

Where would I be? Without Your Love--Roger Daltrey's love ballad is a classic

Not as well-known as some love songs, still, this one touches my heart. One of the great love songs, for your post-Valentine's Day pleasure.

A night at the Harlem Globetrotters

A few weeks ago, Ann mentioned that she'd really like to go see the Harlem Globetrotters since she'd never seen them live before. They had two nights that they would be playing within driving distance. Monday night they were in Salt Lake. We decided we'd rather go Tuesday night when they would be playing in Ephraim--a two-hour drive, but a chance to see them in a more intimate venue--the Gymnasium at Snow College. I hadn't actually told her I was buying tickets until about two weeks ago when they came in the mail and she got to see the mail before I did.
We stopped at a Mexican restaurant called Malena's Cafe before the event to eat dinner. I really liked the chicken fajitas, which was the special of the day. Ann had a sweet pork burrito and thought that it was okay, but not as good as Cafe Rio's.
When we arrived at the Gymnasium, there were no ushers other than at the door, and the guy at the door told us that our VIP tickets were for the blue seats. As we approached the blue seats, we saw some folks seated on some orange seats, courtside and we asked if we were allowed to sit there. One woman said that that was where one of the workers at the place told them they could sit. I personally had a hunch that these were the seats the teams would sit on, because there were no other seats near courtside.
During the pregame activities, a few of the people got up off the orange seats and participated in a dance contest to be voted on by the crowd. After the contest, those people never returned to the orange seats. The only people left on the orange seats at this point were the woman who had been told (allegedly) that they could sit there, and one of her kids, and Ann and I. She got up and said that she didn't want to be part of any kind of dance contest, and left, leaving Ann and I as the only ones there.
Soon the teams came in and my fears were realized. The team opposing the Globetrotters was called the All-Stars and we were sitting on their bench. They filled all the seats except for the last three, and we were on the last two. We asked one of the players if we should leave. He told us we were fine to sit there, so we ended up with great seats for the entire night!
It was great fun and typical Globetrotter antics ruled the evening. I suggest if you've never seen them to do so at least once in your life, I had seen them many years previously.
The fun event was over at about 8:30, and we got on the road by 9:00. As we got into Salt Creek Canyon, where there was once an infamous massacre I took the chance that I take when I get it and stopped by the side of the road. I opened the sunroof and we looked up at the stars. Then I got out and looked at them. I cannot believe how much different looking at the stars is when I am away from the city. I got back in and told Ann, "I would move here just for that."
We arrived back home at about 11:00. It was a fun time. I don't know that I'll ever need to go to the Harlem Globetrotters again, and Ann says she doesn't need to, but the experience and the adventure was well worth it. Check out the pics below.

Getting pics with a camera I don't know how to use was a challenge because of the fast movement of the ball.

High flying dunks were part of the show.


Here's our view of the bench and game.

We were practically a part of every team huddle for the All Stars.

A few of the All-Stars looking on.

Ann liked being a part of the All-Stars bench and cheered for them.

911 is for emergencies? Hmm. I'm not sure I like the way it worked last night

The night was dark and I was returning from a trip to the grocery store. I had stopped in a parking lot on the way home to put some things away, and when I went to pull onto the street again, I noticed the traffic was really congested. I had a hard time getting back on the street. As a gap appeared in the line of cars, I saw an accident had occurred. A rollover and the wheels were still spinning. One or two people had already made it over the the vehicle and I pulled over to the side. I pulled out my phone to report the accident that apparently, I had just barely missed witnessing first hand. I dialed 9-1-1. You have reached 911 a masculine recorded voice said, please do not hang up and the next available operator will assist you. I waited and waited, perhaps 4-5 minutes before a different voice came on and said, the person you are trying to reach is not available. Please try again later. I'm not sure if those were the exact words, but that's pretty close.
I redialed 9-1-1, and began getting the same please do not hang up recording I had gotten the first time. I finally heard sirens. Apparently someone had been able to get through, thankfully. By now a large group of people were over there trying to help. While I had been on the phone trying to report the accident, I had seen a guy rush over there with rubber gloves--apparently he had some kind of medical know-how. I'm not sure if any of them had been able to do anything. One guy came back past me and said, "it's bad", and walked on to his vehicle.
I don't know what the outcome was. I do know that if I had been under attack in my home, or my house was on fire, and I had to depend upon the 911 system at that time, I would have been in serious trouble. At least, if someone was intruding at my house I'd know how to defend myself, but other kinds of incidents, such as accidents and fires, require a swift response time. When people's lives are at stake, as in an accident of that magnitude, the system should work better.

Longer--a great Dan Fogelberg Classic

Dan Fogelberg's Longer. I don't think anything else needs to be said.

Tax time--do it early this year

I think I'll figure out my taxes tomorrow. It's my day off, and it needs to be done. Of course, I hate doing it. I had planned on doing it on my last day off and ended up postponing it. There are several reasons why doing taxes is a pain the butt, and that's why I abhor doing them. Chief among the reasons is the paperwork involved. I have to have that document, and this document just to get started. I have to sort through stacks of stuff to find what I need. I could take it to a professional, but I'd still have to sort through my own pile at home before I took it.
My taxes aren't that complicated. I don't need an accountant to do them. Generally, I use an online free tax program and that works just fine.
Still it gives me a headache.
There's a good reason though for me to get on it and get it done tomorrow though. Thieves are using identity theft to steal people's refunds, so the sooner you can file your own taxes, the less chance that you will be a victim of fraud. Not that I'm expecting much of a refund, if any. I do adjustments to try and break even. I may even have to pay a little. But that's another good reason to get my taxes done early, so that I know if I owe anything prior to the deadline.
I sure wish we could adopt an easier system. I like paper. It's great for writing, gift wrapping, books, and making airplanes. What I don't like is the headache of taxes each year. I really support the Fair Tax. But if that doesn't fly, I want some kind of flat tax.

More in the classic love song series. Put your head on my shoulder.

Lest we forget one of the all-time great love songs. Put Your Head on My Shoulder.

You are everything. I'll never forget this song.

What a fantastic group The Stylistics were. And this is one of a number of great songs they did. You Are Everything.

The state of the nation...and the Republican debates

The more I watch the debates, the more I realize that in many ways the same old promises to lower taxes, protect and defend America, and move away from the politics of the current administration are being made.
They are being made, but will they be kept? I haven't seen evidence that any of those on the GOP stage will actually be able to do what they promise. And if they can't, or don't intend to at all, our nation will be in a free fall.
The popularity of Trump proves not that there are a lot of stupid people out there, but that there are a lot of people who are very, very angry with the way Washington has handled things. I am one of them. Though I don't support Trump, my anger over the lies and corruption in our national leadership, is nearing the boiling point.
Where are the statesmen of yesteryear? Where are those who can lay out a strong vision for the future success of America? Where are those who have the will and ability to convey the need for moving the country back to sound, constitutional principles? Where are those who can turn the tide away from a nation floundering under the heavy burden of massive debt and the crushing demolition of unbridled political correctness? I'm sorry to say that I did not see that leader any where last night. And of course, the democratic side is a complete joke--an aging madman and an non-convicted potential felon. Clearly, anyone who would vote for Sanders or Clinton doesn't have the remotest ability to use reason.
I don't like to scream gloom and doom. I personally believe that we will find our way out of this morass in which we currently find ourselves. But if we don't do all in our power to hold those in high office accountable to us, the American people, then we are to blame for the disintegration of the finest and greatest nation to have ever existed.

Love songs for loving lovers

Here's another great one!

Two great days of winter sports!

Part of my "stay-cation" involved actually getting out and doing something fun. One of the great things about living in Utah is how close I am to great things I can do in the outdoors. On Friday, I went skiing up at Solitude with my friend, Boyd Lythgoe, and his dad and brother. But before I left, I looked outside and saw this:

Gorgeous sunrise from my front porch.

Once skiing, the snow was great and we had a good time. I took one good spill, one in which I kind of spun around out of control, lost both skis, and banged my head on the snowy slope. I sat there for a minute afterward, making sure I knew what day it was. I thought at first that the only injury I got from that was a pulled muscle in my upper thigh, but later on, when I got back from snowshoeing on Saturday, my neck muscles on both sides of my windpipe, and my lower abdominal muscles were in a great deal of pain. I didn't do anything snowshoeing to hurt them, so it had to have been from the crash skiing the day before.
Sometimes the effects of injuries don't show up right away.
I was skiing on some used skis that I picked up at the thrift store last year, along with boots and poles. I was into the entire set for less than twenty bucks. I'd tried to get a ski shop to adjust the bindings properly for me, but the said that they were too old and there were liability issues on older bindings so they wouldn't do it. I found a video on youtube that showed me the basics. Apparently, I adjusted them properly because the skis came off when they needed to and didn't come off when they didn't have to. I had also tested them prior to hitting the slopes a couple of weeks ago (I never took a bad enough tumble that week for them to be tested).
Anyway, we did over twenty runs (I actually lost count at about five), and I didn't have any falls until the afternoon, which were products of tiring legs and waning light.
Two of the original four of us stayed until the lifts closed. Here are a few more pics:

My friend, Boyd Lythgoe (far right) and his dad and brother who went with us.

That's me coming down the slope.

On Saturday, I went snowshoeing up Big Cottonwood Canyon. We started at the Mill D Trailhead. It was fairly well packed down and we could've hiked it in our boots. We went in about 1.7 miles to where the trail forks. One side goes to Dog Lake, which is another .6 miles, and the other fork goes to Lake Desolation, another 1.9 miles. We decided to go off trail at this point to get some actual snowshoeing in, so we headed over to a powdery patch and ate lunch, then snowshoed through the powder for maybe 100 yards, and joined the packed trail headed back down. After a while we took off the snowshoes and just hiked. It was a great day to be out having a mountain adventure. Of course, it's rare that it's a bad day to be having such an adventure. It beats staying in doors nearly any time.

Yours truly cutting back to the trail.

From L to R: Boyd Lythgoe, Steve Nye, Darren Nye

The nearby peaks were beautiful

Boyd and the others checking out the view across the canyon