Officially Old Man Winter

Old Man Winter officially arrived December 21st or 22nd. I never can tell the correct date, but know it is here. The weather has proven to be true to its calling, with storm after storm hitting the Wasatch Front. A nearby city had spent 75% of its snow removal budget before this cold season even took over.

Some people hate winter, complaining non-stop about the cold, wet and dreariness. Why not take advantage of all the fun activities such as ice skating, snow shoeing or skiing. Instead of looking at the plainness of each day, focus on the beauty of the barren trees, white-washed mountains or the frozen roadside ice shapes left over from snow removal taking on interesting designs.

Take a walk breathe in the cold fresh air while bundled up in many layers of jackets, gloves and pants. The quiet solitude reminds one of peace. Make note of what is still green, fowl wintering over and watch for signs of interest.

My beef is seeing people coatless racing from heated car into school or a store, headless of the dangers if they were stranded. I say, always carry a blanket, snacks, gloves and water in your car in case of emergencies. Keep a small shovel, flares and ice scrapers on hand. We will make it through another season, in about ninety days give or take a few.

Officially Old Man Winter

Classic Cars Conditional on Creating the Dream

A friend of ours had a classic 1955 Chevy he had restored. We caught the bug and bought a 1932 Ford for much more money than we should have. It was fun to attend car shows, consider paint color, design and stop to watch others in their restored cars get noticed on the road. Many years later, the antique still sits in our garage waiting for its new life. Hundreds of hours spent in trade labor, broken commitments and dreams of owning one, too, have been reduced to a junk heap desire.

How many people have been there, and done that as well? No matter how much we visualized it happening, imagine ourselves driving, wearing or enjoying the dream unless we actually see it through, it never happens. Many a person dies never seeing the fulfillment of their goals.

Are they too lofty or is it we don't have the drive to get the job done? Who knows! If we really want to make it happen, we must make a plan, work it out and "Do it!"

I like to travel, therefore, I make it happen by setting my sites on a location. Next I set a realistic date. Then I save, save, save by passing up all the extras and nonessential purchases. Seeing myself in the dream location helps keep it alive and real. Too often its easy to say, I never get to do or have anything. Who decides this result in the end is really us.

May we set priorities and see the dream happen. If that is what we really want it isn't easy but will be worth all the effort.

Wedding Bells in Rexburg

The Ides of October is the perfect time to get married. Brian Welch and Leah Rasmussen tied the knot in the Rexburg Temple with family and friends in tow.
Married by the Temple President, who performed a thought inspiring ceremony.
He chose to unite this couple, because they were both from out of state. Pictures of all were taken. Many lucky ones sported classy green outfits made by Paula, Brian's mom.

The luncheon and reception were held at a new double chapel on 2nd and 7th Street. Everyone joined in to help set up, decorate, prepare the food, entertain the kids and make memories that will last a lifetime. Tiny lights were strung up around the hall with photos of the love birds hung from the wires. A string quartet played while the rest of us ate, talked and the couple greeted their guests.

Many of us came from Nebraska, Colorado, Utah and points beyond. Several trips back and forth from the new apartment to the Super 8 to the store to the church were made. In the end it turned out to be a magical evening for all. The poor students that willingly helped hauled home the leftovers to sustain them for another week at college. The couple left for a star studded honeymoon around town & elsewhere.

One Hundred Days Until 2010 is Gone

With only 100 days until 2010 expires, enjoy it while you can. Take a hike, bike, walk or run. Look for the first signs of leaves changing or watch for the bird migrations south.

Today, September 23, 2010, is the first official day of autumn. The full Harvest Moon accompanied by a very bright star looking Jupiter matched the fall equinox by rising at yesterdays sunset and setting as the rising sun shone on the tops of our Oquirrh Mountains this morning about 7:20 a.m. I had to check both planet and moon out several times during the night to see if they were still together. The two coincide (full moon and fall equinox) on the same date every twenty years or so.
Take a look this week to see the pair keeping company.

What a blessing it is to be alive at this time. Although the world's people are experiencing many joys and tragedys, we can do our best to help make it a better place by giving generously and serving others.

When the Baby Weds

It can be a bit tough for the mom when the youngest in the family gets married. If they have chosen well, he treats her right and passes the 'Mother-in-law test', we have no other choice than to see the many blessings. When our children are in love, we as parents are happy and glad to have been a part of their lives.

Allyson and Steven Daniels married on Sept 4th in the Jordan River Temple. It was an enjoyable day with good weather, happy smiles and for the family to be together for the blessed event. Orange and red made a colorful splash on the dresses, vests, table decorations and more at the classy reception. Allyson's favorite, oatmeal cookies, cream cheese chicken rolls, mints and apple juice made a yummy treat to share with the many friends and family that attended.

Produce Perfect from a Primer's Perspective

Mom Crane had the biggest, most scrumptious garden every year. We spent hours picking beans, cukes, tomatoes and whining even more. That paled in comparison to the time she invested pulling weeds, watering and pruning her plot to look like a pro's property.

Never appreciating that home grown flavor until it was gone, we are fighting our way back to the good ole days of our childhood. Jim is the best gardener of the family with over one half acre of produce supplying enough to feed his growning numbers. They even bottle a year's worth to boot. Julie takes second place with plants she starts as seedlings. She shares her abundance with family and friends.

My 4 x 12 raised bed in it's second year is performing well. It is a delight to pick the first fruits of the season. Thank you goes out to the ever dependable sun, water and seeds for making it all possible.

Always Arts At the Assembly Hall

Almost every Saturday evening of the year a variety of uplifting performances are offered at the Assemble Hall on Temple Square free to the public. No tickets are necessary. The ornate architecture of the building makes it a great place to be.

A few weeks ago Jenny Oaks Baker, a well known violinist and the Temple Hill Orchestra of San Francisco performed many enjoyable pieces. You know the performance is good when the audience is more intent on listening to every note than shifting in their seats.

Take in a little culture by stopping at the Assembly Hall around 7:15pm after enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. If your pinching pennies, eat at home & you will still call it a night on the town when you see a well healed group perform at the 'awesome arts' hall.

Minding the Mine

Grandma Crane had a chance to see the new Kennecott Copper Visitors Center recently when a bunch of us took a field trip there. The deep pit, old equipment and movie took her back to a time long forgotten when trains carried the valuable metals from the big shovel loads of dirt to the smelter in Magna. Each level or tier had a train on it. Dad worked there on the track gang, as a brakeman and eventually became an engineer driving the trains.

Mom couldn't believe the enormity of the pit and how it has changed over the years.

Days of '47 Encampment Park

One of the first places the Saints stopped when they arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 was about 1700 South and 500 East. Their first few days were spent scouting around the valley in the eastern area to look for water, shelter, wood and such.

This was the forward party that came into the valley a few days before Brigham Young, who was ill at the time. Later the group moved further north near downtown Salt Lake to settle and build the city.

That corner now has a miniature park showing names of people in the traveling party carved into stones.

I paid the spot a visit a few weeks ago to see what it had to say.

Take a Hike!

Julie's family & I hiked Stewart Falls by Sundance a few weeks ago. A pleasant drive through American Fork Canyon arriving and Provo Canyon returning was a nice respite from the noise and heat of the Valley.

Worried about getting too much sun, the old grannie hat and 45 sunblock protection, made me look the part. I'm at the age where looking gorgeous while hiking doesn't matter any more.

The Falls were not only awesome, but refreshingly cool as the mist floated by us. The trail is dotted with Stinging Nettle making those marvelous looking gals in short shorts miserable more than ever by the end of the day.

Year of the Yucca

A few years ago I dug up a yucca plant start, from Jim & Elaine's yard. It was early spring and the one inch root was not easy to chop loose from its mother plant. When the pointy guy stayed more green than brown in its new home, there was hope. The next year it was still warming up to my yard producing nothing. Last year as the blooms grew the aphids claimed it as their Chuckarama buffet, leaving the flowers atrophied and ugly.

Fast forward to 2010 my plant has only one cane, but it is very 'fat' and healthy. To top it off it's bug free. Maybe in 2011 it will have a mate or even a whole family. If you look, all over town you can see multiple canes shooting out of the spikey plants, like popsicle sticks from an afternoon treat.

One might say it is the year of the yucca.

Nick at the Neighborhood Nursery

Nick has been working at Glover Nursery for over a year. It is literally next door to my home. This week I caught of glimpse of him helping a customer. It was time to stop by & see what he does. King of the shrubs, Nick helps the clients with selection, loading & taking them to their vehicles. He was great to help Allan with some ornamental grasses for my Mother's Day gift.

Karen is a Master Gardener and has been with Glover's for several years now. If you have a question about plants, she is the one to ask. Her expertise will help you get the best item for your yard.

If you are in the area stop by to see Nick or Karen at the Nursery. He is one good looking man! And to think he is related.

What's Up in Washington

Jenn & Mike have been in Washington state for five short years now. I paid them a visit over the Memorial holiday week. The fields are green and growing with the giant sprinkling systems shooting wide arcs of water. Alfalfa lay in the fields waiting to be baled as tractor convoys marched up and down row after row.

The children are growing and enjoy helping with their baby sister. Mike keeps busy volunteering at the local fire department. Jenn is heading up the MOPS preschool and Emergency Preparedness groups. What a wonderful time to be alive.

Tell us what you and your family is busy doing.

Keep Christ in Your Thoughts

For Easter, keep Christ as your main thought.
It was our eternal life he so generously bought.

Wightman's Wooed to Utah

It took a wedding to bring the Wightman family to Utah. Living out of state most of their lives, they were like the illusive butterfly. The Park family (June's maiden name) seldom saw these cousins, but longed to know them.

Here's a photo of Aunt June, Tony (the bride's dad) & Bret Wightman (on the right) at Courtney's wedding in Salt Lake on March 6th. What handsome men they are. Last time most of us saw them was thirty or more years ago. It's quite rare for this many Wightman's to be in the same place at the same time with their Park cousins.
Many of us had to be reintroduced or would not know who they were.

Aunt June's, six children almost never see each other. Joe the youngest, lives in Germany & visited Tony in Florida last winter. They hadn't been together for about twenty years. Cheryl the oldest is in Portland, the twins, Ned & Neal live in California, Tony is in Florida & Brett in Colorado.

June recently returned from a mission to Nauvoo. Both Tony & Brett are active in the Church & have worked together in several businesses. It's been a challenge to keep close with children & grand children, but June has done a great job.

Remembering Oldies, But Goodies

In 1961 the car we drove around in was a Woodie, considered a novelty by my friends. They fought over who would sit in the back seat loft. The station wagon had wood trim exterior. I was embarrassed to be seen in this run down, 1940's car. It ran well & that is the best my parents could afford.

Nowadays they are collectors items & many more styles can be viewed @woodiesusa.com. I'm not sure the make & model we had. If ours was classy, shiny & souped up back then, we would have valued it more.

After getting a job at Kennecott Copper with its steady income, we moved up from the jalopy rung of life. Exciting was the day our dad drove home, in a new silver blue 1959 sleek wagon. Its tail fin lights, chrome grill and automatic windows were state of the art. Even if Mom was just driving to the neighbors, we all climbed in for a ride. How we loved going on trips or just around town in the spacious, house boat of a vehicle. A small miracle for the Crane's to own a car that was less than five years old.

Sad was the 22nd of November 1963, the day after President Kennedy was shot. Normally riding in a carpool leaving at 2pm, Dad drove alone to work instead. On the way he was broadsided by some teenage girls running a stop sign at about 4800 West 11800 South. I remember it well, when he came through the front door a few hours later injured & bleeding telling us the news. One girl, Karen Hatfield of West Jordan was killed. The other one, Margie of Copperton had severe head injuries that kept her out of school healing for 6 months or more. Broken ribs, bruises & cuts was what father sustained. Our beloved car was totaled.

Needless to say we pulled out & repaired our oldie but goodie Woodie of a clunker. What a blessing & tender mercy from the Lord for protecting Dad from serious harm.

Cottage Cheese- A Better Choice

Do you love lots of dressing on your salad? A look at the label will reveal two tablespoons can be up to 150 calories of fat, sodium & sugar. There's absolutely no nutritional value in it. The fat free or low fat alternatives aren't much better.
It's expensive, but often on sale for $2 a 16 oz. bottle or $6 for the 64 oz of Greggs Dressing. I'm on the war path to better health, though.

Here's how to get protein & calcium instead, with a fraction of the calories. Use cottage cheese! Yuk, my son-in-law & grandkids say! Try it, you might like it! Put a generous helping of plain old cottage cheese on your salad. It's delicious!

If that's not enough flavor, blend a 16 oz creamy Knudsons (or any kind) cottage cheese with 1/2 Hidden Valley Ranch packet and add 1 cup plain yogurt. It's better for us than the slimy alternative. Allan is on the band wagon with this one. Success!!

Now how do we replace chips, french fries & pop? We could just not buy them. Ouch!!

Looking for a Great Night In?

With Valentine's Day this weekend. I don't recommend eating out, because every restaurant will be crowded & the wait long. Irritating!!!

Instead pick up a few steaks at the store. They're on sale this week (T-bone or Ribeye for $4.49-$4.99 pr lb). Toss a yummy salad, pick up some fresh veggies & garlic toast. Grill those steaks, salmon or chicken. Pull out the Zatarin's rice (Jambalaya or black beans is my favorite). A nice baked potato or Stovetop is quick. Have strawberries, ice cream or a brownie sundae for your sweet tooth.

Light a few candles to set the mood. Throw on a table cloth & your best dishes. Flowers are expensive right now, so use photos or a branch with red hearts attached. Feed the little ones before, they can be the waiters or invite them, too. Use your best manners, eat slowly & talk about fun memories. Now enjoy! You have just saved yourself $50+.

Here's a Tip: Call this or any handsome young man to do the work. It looks like he's having fun. Turn on some music & wah lah you have a very nice Valentine's meal on a dime.

Wanted: A Birthday, Come & Gone

Why is it when we're young our birthdays don't come soon enough.
As a teen we want to & often say we are older than we are.

After arriving at the ripe old year of ?, we hide, stuff
or forget our real age & start wishing on that star.

But sooner than you imagine we're old & tough.
Our senior citizen years aren't really off, very far.

Happy Day, Sis, Happy Day!!

Wonder in the Winterland

Dreary as the days are this winter there's always fun to be found outdoors at a small cost. Bundle the kids up & get out there. Make snow angels, a family of snow people or forts for the ambitious.

Sleds are cheap now, garbage bags work or get the old one out. Many city parks, neighborhood drain basins or schools have hills adequate for weekend adventures. No snow, try ice skating. Many places offer free/discount coupons. Check the DI or friends/family for their cache of skates, snowshoes or skiis. All are welcome to borrow my ice skates (size 7 women or 1 youth). I have both men's (11) & women's (9) cross country ski & snowshoes (one size fits all).

Years ago I got a four piece set of penguin dishes (dinner plates, bowls, cups etc) for Christmas. The salad plates were especially cute with the cold weather cupids doing antics. I get them out every winter to enjoy. Four wasn't enough for entertaining & none in the stores to increase my collection. I found these four matching plates at the DI last year & was excited to have enough for guests. There is wonder in the winterland when we look for it.

Doug-A Pancreas & A Prayer

Many of you may have heard that Doug Burton had his kidney & pancreas transplant on Tuesday, January 12th. Things were looking good as the new kidneys stepped up by doing their job. Unfortunately on Saturday, they began working less & less. This caused great concern for the family & doctors. A meeting was called.

A second surgery this week, discovered a tiny hole in the pancreas incision causing a leak. The kidneys were surrounded in 2 1/2 liters of liquid, the root of the problem. No wonder they slowed down. A drain was inserted & now Doug is doing much better with the kidneys plugging full speed ahead.

Food was out of the question for five days while the pancreas healed. When he had morsel of graham cracker on Sunday, sickness & nausea reigned. Hopefully, on Thursday when they try food again things go better. Imagine not being able to eat for ten days. IV's can't be fun.

Continue to pray for Doug to improve as his body gets stronger & healthier. No date set for his release, but will keep you posted.

Plaid Granddads

In a night on the town, the younger generation had to sit while the old men stood their ground.
One thing they had in common, the elders wore plaid & the others plain we found.
After eating, playing games & staying until midnight, all were homeward bound.
On New Year's Day many claimed they slept very, very sound.

Crane's Post Christmas & New Year's Party

We made it to the 2010 New Year!! Some of us did. See the pictures of the fun we had while eating, playing games, chatting, chasing kids, shooting hoops and more. 'Crane Basket' with chickens, cows, horses, sheep & geese, was a hoot & is now the designated family game.

It was Julie's idea to combine our after Christmas party & New Years celebration.
I wasn't sure the over fifty crowd to stay up that late. Martell a young forty something wanted to crash about 9pm, but we kept him awake til the sky lit up with fireworks.

Thanks to all those that helped plan, set up, decorate, do games, clean up & so much more. A Special thanks to Elaine for spearheading the entire production.