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.