Recipient of the Silver Beaver Award

A few weeks ago Jim Crane received one of the highest Boy Scouting awards given, the Silver Beaver Award. We attended the special awards ceremony at the Bountiful Regional Center. Bob Evans of Channel 13 News, was the Master of Ceremonies. About 60 received the award including Gail Miller, wife of the late Larry H. Miller, the Most Reverend John C. Wester of the Salt Lake Diocese, and many hard working, dedicated men and women to the scouting program.

Jim has served on both Cub and Boy Scout committees as well as working to help teach hundreds of young men the benefits of scouting. He was nominated by, Elaine, his wife. When others heard he was getting the award, they said that he definitely deserved it.

Congratulations, to you Jim for being such a great example and serving the youth of today.

Feeding Our Feathered Friends

For pennies it is easy to 'feed the birds' just like they did in Mary Poppins. Make a simple flat bird feeder or buy one of the many specialty kinds for the particular size of birds you want around. Bird seed is inexpensive and easy to store. Be certain it is an area free from predators.

The birds will find the food and love you for your generosity. Sometimes feeders need to be replenished daily during the winter months when food is scarce. Lots of pleasure is gained from watching the young fledglings new from the nest, hop around the feeding area in their innocense. Grab binoculars now, while the trees are bare and enjoy bird watching from the kitchen window. This is the best time of the year, as the birds return before leafing begins.

A Bit Like Bethlehem

For a change of pace we decided to journey to Bethlehem for the Crane Christmas party. Leaving the candy, Santa & games for another year, the children enjoyed making Driedels, Stars of David, scrolls and tried wood carving. We ate flat bread, olives and citrus peel.

It was definitely a different atmosphere. Everyone wore robs, head scarfs and more. Many pictures were taken enjoy seeing a few of them.

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.