Snowy Weekend

We had several snowfalls this weekend in Farmington...probably a foot of snow with 6" remaining today. The driveway is a sheet of ice frozen under a powdery layer. The forecast for the week is occasional showers and highs in the upper 20s, so the snow isn't going anywhere.

The mugho pines are sporting a fancy frosting. Can you see my little mushroom by the pond?

On the way home from church on Sunday, Dad spotted this huge eagle in a tree on the corner as you turn east up Shady Creek Lane. He went back for a photo and the big bird graciously obliged.

Ladder Lady putting on the tiny ornaments at the top of tree.

3 lucky lovely ladies (Gallivan Center ice skating sheet in the background) just after the marvelous Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert (with Orchestra at Temple Square and combined bell choirs) at the Conference Center.

We're back together after 3 years with Randy & Melanie Lewis and Naida & Rob Stayner for our Christmas party. The Lewises returned this summer after 3 years in Alaska (Mission President). We had cold Alaskan King Crab (oh, baby) in drawn butter and cold shimp in cocktail sauce for appetizers, then moved on to stroganoff, rolls, spinach salad, fresh pineapple and brownies with cherry chocolate chip ice cream!!! We talked from 6:15 unil 11:30pm! Fun.

Randy & Melanie's front yard...Alaskan moose, of course!

On beyond zebra...last week in Relief Society, a member of the presidency (an elementary school teacher) gave the lesson on "Keeping Christ in Christmas." She had a number of people share traditions and at the end she talked about making white chocolate nativities. Then she passed out a tin of 11 individually-wrapped characters comprising the Nativity to each of 25 people in attendance! What a lot of work. But it is beautiful. Not sure when or if I'll indulge.......

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Yes, "Out of Sight, Out of Mind", it's becoming my mantra. Some nice neighbors gave us an Advent Candle. We haven't had one for a number of years, so we were excited. While Dad was in Vegas (see next blog) I dutifully lit it on Night 1, and on Night 2, and on Night 3, and on Night 4. On December 5th, I lit it in the kitchen and for some reason went into the study to sit down at the computer for a moment. Big mistake. I don't know how much later, Dad called to me from the kitchen with the news that I had burned right through December 13th! Of well, guess I won't have to worry about it next week. My how time flies when you're oblivious.

Skip to the middle (of the month)!

4 quail in the backyard today

3 more quail on the the rocky ridge...they come through in groups of 30 or 40 now, to and from spending the day foraging around Davis Creek.

Dad in Las Vegas

Dad just got back from a week in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand while attending the annual Gartner Data Center Conference. It was warm and wonderful. He brought home the usual array of pens and T-shirts and doo-dads.

Of course, Dad took the long walk (twice!) from the MGM to the Cheesecake Factory at the Caesar's Palace Forum, stopping at the the Bellagio Fountains on the way.

The MGM Lion checking out something or someone rather intently...

Toy soldier and giant peppermint and ribbon candy in the Bellagio

On Dasher and Dancer decorations!

Red poinsettias and white mums

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving 2008 was a delight. There were 7 of us around the table sharing a great meal, including a moist and tasty 19.5 lb. turkey. (I planned on a smaller one, but the 20 pounders cost the same as the 16 pounders, so...) The sun came out just as we sat down to stuff ourselves. Everyone helped with the preparations and Abram's turkey pan suggestion and the turkey lifter proved to make the gravy gathering the least traumatic of many years. Airie's rolls and Autumn's green olives added a lot. Baron and Colby came by after dinner for a few minutes. We watched a movie called "Stardust," played games and talked into the night. The 5 from Provo stayed over night. We had pancakes and bacon and grapefruit for breakfast, then worked together to put up the many little green lights. (Thanks to all!) There were plenty of turkey leftovers for lunch and then more games before the end of the day. How grateful we are for our many, many blessings!

Mr. and Mrs. Gobble, the salt and pepper shakers, with the boy's food and black olives in Grandma B.'s old blue bowl.

Dad carved the roast beast.

Putting the finishing touches on the table.

Moo Cow butter dish and Great Grandma Bernetta Bell Brown's Noritake china bowl.

Ready to eat!

Autumn Peanut chillin'.

Abram & Airie smilin'.

Leslie's brother David, wondering when the feast will begin.

Autumn's roommate, Leslie, helping in the kitchen.

Colby reading. It was a most amazing moment. Colby picked up The Spooky Old Tree from the hearth, jumped up in Baron's lap and read the book start to finish, every word. More words came out of his mouth in those 10 minutes than we have heard him speak in all 3 of his years.

Baron, Colby & Grandpa

Posing after dinner.

And don't forget the pumpkin pie!

In the traditon of Grandma Barker, little gifts after dinner...chap sticks.

There were plenty of games to follow including these, plus Pit and Scattergories on Friday.

Friday morning, the master electrician is getting ready for the big battle.

Trying to untangle the wires...where is that plug?

Part of the helpful crew. It went pretty fast with 7 workers. Well, it took 2 hours to almost finish. As usual, some strands lit up when tested in the garage and then went flaky when strung around the trees. Had to make an emergency run to WalMart and Target for more lights, of course. Finished up on Saturday...6 big trees and 2 big bushes. Luckily the weather cooperated very nicely.

Phew, this is work.

Once again, the man with all the height in the family conquered the getting-bigger-every-year blue spruce.

Leslie and David and Autumn took on the bosnians.The power cord is in place. One down and how many to go?? Now who's going to get up on the ladder?

Autumn (and the famous finger) keeping a smile on her face.

Goofing off!

Airie bringing down tools of the trade...almost time for lunch!

Golden Euonymus in fall finery. Winter is just around the corner. I'm sitting here typing in the details and listening to Deck the Halls and other Mannheim Christmas music!

A Quick Trip to St. Charles

On Saturday we made a quick trip up to Bear Lake to interview a prospective renter. It was a nice day, but cloudy in St. Charles. Took some photos of the old homestead. Dad took the ones of me and the pony. I had fun taking the rest of the shots. Good to have the house rented for another year.

Big Turkey in Brigham City

Top of the barn--Milking Parlor

If you look carefully you will see a light socket. 45 years ago it had chain. One of Dad's two milk cows figured out how to pull the chain and turn on the light. She was quite proud of herself.

calf shed

loading chute

outhouse and shed

wood shed and pine tree

back yard gate

clothesline and cabin

fence corner and plum

old plums behind garage and shop

Dad and apple tree

remaining apples

thorns and trellis

front gate

145 North Main with swing (the vine is gone) and Christmas decor

hedge along driveway

Dad and front yard cedar

the path

white pony next door

Mom feeding an apple to the pony.

Petting the pony's nose.

Paula and pony, posing.