Condo is Ready to Rent

Well, we finally did it. The renters moved in yesterday and our Saturday trips to SG are finally behind us. The renters are a great couple and we look forward to working with them. We have everything in place, and I think they will enjoy the house. The real news is that Babsy, Chuck, and Fam came breezing through this weekend. We hooked up with them on Friday night when they were on their way to Grandma Marsha's (this is the rescheduled weekend for the birthday celebration). Aaron had never had Costa Vida, and wanted it, but of course when in Cedar City, Jake only wants Bruno's. So, we picked up spaghetti and meatballs for Jake and Kate, and buttered penne pasta for the Ly, and met the Wells at Costa Vida. As you can see, Jake is supremely happy with his dinner.

Ly didn't waste any time either. She dove right in. She enjoyed her meal, but really enjoyed running around the restaurant and making new friends.

Not to be outdone, Katie ate a meatball so fast that I thought it had rolled on to the floor and then began to circulate around the room. She had made about five new friends before we left. Like her Mom, Katie likes people, and seems to have excellent social skills. I feel for Aaron when she turns 12 and wants to start dating and having a great social life. It seems like it was just yesterday that Sarah had that talk. I am so grateful that Sarah was reasonable. We could have had a really wild few years if she had not been willing to accept council, but instead things were very pleasant.

This one is just for you Laur. We were wishing the whole time that you and Booty were with us. We know that Costa Vida is one of your favorites. I am not sure whether Aaron was impressed or not (he is kind of a Cafe Rio-guy), but he kept his head down a cleaned up his dinner.

Of course I couldn't resist a reunion photo of Jake and his Bubb. They were happy as they could be together. Jakie is reading "chapter books", and wanted to talk about them and the details of the sinking of the Titanic (of all things). He jabbered on and on, and Bubby was perfectly happy to sit and listen attentively.

By the time that we arrived at the Condo Saturday morning, Babsy was already mopping the floors. She said it was fun to see the place, her words, "it sparkles". We spent the morning doing some final things and meeting with the renters. Babsy went to the breakfast celebration for Grandma Marsha. When she returned, she had the girls and we ran to Costco. The ladies wanted a hot dog, which they are sharing in the photo. You will note, that the Ly has a death grip on the drink. It is only water, but if it comes in a cup with a lid and straw, she is not going to let it go. Babsy went off to lunch with Carolyn W., her old boss, and Bubb and I did a Jimmy John's and got ready for stake temple day. We had a great response (about 200 members) and we overfilled our session.
After the temple, Bubby and I picked up all of the tools and cleaning supplies in the Condo and put them away. The Wells arrived shortly thereafter, and we spent a pleasant evening together. Jakie requested homemade mac and cheese, and of course got it. The adults all ate sandwiches on Harmon's artisan breads, which beats macy cheese anytime.
The Wells left for home about 11:30 Sunday morning, trying to beat the storm. I had a ward conference, so I didn't see much of them on Sunday. Daniel and Rosalyn arrived at about 3:30 PM, returning from their whirlwind tour of the Magic Kingdom. Andrew was just happy to be out of the car, and at his Bubby's. As you can see from their blog, they had a wonderful time.

We were good and tired by Sunday night, and didn't do much except watch Masterpiece Theater (Jane Austin continued). It was so fun to see 2/3 of the family, and talk to the other third in Dallas. We are so excited for mid-March. We want to see Dallas, and how Booty and Laur are getting along.

Buboppy

One Last Pre-Disney Post

While we were waiting for the ultimate departure, Bubb grabbed her camera and got a couple of cute poses out of Drewfus. He was feeling better than the night before. We can only hope that he is over the worst of his flu. He thought he wanted candy, but in the end was easily distracted.

Part of the reason for the waiting around was that Andrew's coat was in the dryer (he hurled on it the night before). Bubby was trying to help the exodus, so she offered The Boy this flannel shirt. She told him it was a hunting shirt. Upon wearing it, he immediately exclaimed, "I go hunting"!

Finally, here is Samuel and Enoch (aka Icky). He is really a good baby. We never heard a peep from him. We could sure have some fun with those ears if he would hang around.

Buboppy

A Quick Visit From Disneyland Hopefuls

The gang arrived about 8:30 last night. Everybody was tired and hungry, and Mr. Andrew is suffering from some flu bug, so he was tired and quite miserable. I'm sure that he and his mom had a wonderful time trying to pass the hours from bedtime to morning. When the gang arose, the fun began. Jenny, Samuel, and family slept in the basement, and when they emerged Daniel and Bubby had a breakfast of ham, egg, and muffin sandwiches. Daniel posed for this Bubby-taken photo. I had run off to work to try and get something done, and was called back for breakfast.

Jenny enjoyed her breakfast, and shows it in this photo. I don't know how they slept, but I guess they got along fine. Their baby, Enoch (aka Icky) didn't want to go to sleep and looked like a prairie dog while his mom was trying to get him there.

Of course, Bubby's baby tea cups came out and all of the children loved drinking their chocolate from the cups. I didn't get a chance to observe it first hand, but Bubby says this little dolly is quite the conversationalist. Cute little girl.

I busted out the fruit snacks for Mr. Man, and asked him to smile for me while he consumed his. This is what I got. I guess he inherited his father's photophobic genes. They were off for Anaheim by 9:00 AM, and we expect to see lots of photos posted.

Buboppy

Not much to Report

We have no photos! On Friday, Bubby and I went to see Cloverfield. Don't bother! It was wholly unimpressive even if it got 70+% at Rotten Tomatoes.

Bubby and I spent a good part of Saturday in St. George. I don't want Sarah and Aaron to feel bad, we are not just cleaning. We are taking care of some of the little things that go unnoticed on a day to day basis. You know, you just ignore the fact that the paint in the laundry room is applied to thinly, that you can't use the pocket doors, and that the bathtub won't drain unless you hook a wooden spoon on the drain lever. We went back on Monday as well, and things are really getting close to completion. We have put vinyl in the laundry room, replaced the two pocket doors, put a new main shut off, kitchen faucet, emergency shut offs for all of the toilets and sinks, and a new drain in the bathroom. I have also painted extensively, put fool proof door stops on all the offending doors, and lots of other little things. The carpet is being cleaned today. There are a couple of floors to mop, some final touch up, and we are done. We will need to have the Bug Man come after I do my final baseboard touch up, cause we saw evidence that the spring breed is not far away. The new tenants are wanting to get in before February 1st, and it looks like we will be ready.

Sunday was another marathon. I started at 7:00 AM, had a presidency meeting at 8:15, made a 9:00 AM sacrament meeting, and then did priesthood meetings at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00 (we are reorganizing elders' quorums). We did recommends at 4:00, and I went to preside at the fireside at 6:00. It reminds me of my bishop days, but it isn't nearly as persistent (or should I say relentless?). Bubby had a pleasant Sunday with time to read and enjoy the day.

Cardine was called to be one of the RS presidents in her ward. Way to go, Cardine.

Daniel and family are coming tonight. Not sure if Jenny and company will accompany, but we are ready. Bubby bought English muffins and plastic cheese this morning to make ham muffins for them, and of course little sausages for the kids. I am sure hot chocolate will be in order, it is cold here and it snowed a little this morning.

Buboppy

Twinkle Twinkle

Sarah just sent this to me and even though I didn't take it, and many will have already received it, I thought it worthy of a posting.

Our Ly is quite the singer.

Buboppy

Thai Dinner with UP and AK

After running into UP and AK at our viewing of the "Bucket List" last Friday night, we organized a little dinner party that took place last evening. We had planned a Thai spring roll party awhile back, but it got canceled for some reason. Because UP had never tasted spring rolls, and because we always enjoy them, we put together a nice, light, Thai dinner. I was caught up in classes and meetings, and was unable to help the Bubb, but she came through. She said it took her two hours, but the meal was delightful and consisted of green curry soup with chicken and lots of other things. The spice was just right, and we all had seconds. Bubb also made lots of spring rolls topped with sweet Thai chili sauce, a carrot salad dressed with soy ginger dressing, and some hot sticky rice. The meal ended with a place of fresh seasonal fruit. We had a lovely time talking and enjoying our repast. (Food descriptions are for you, Jana) Bubby got to use all of her cool square Pottery Barn dishes, which always makes her happy and keeps my hands in dishwater for an extensive period of time.

After dinner, we decided to play a new game that AK brought along. It is called The Game of Curses, and Cindy told AK about it. The game consists of a series of challenge activities (like convincing another player that they should buy life insurance from you) and then a curse, which the player gives to an opponent. The curses consist of things like having to make dance moves or itch like a monkey every time one speaks. I captured UP while he was cursed to have his wrists stuck to his head.

It isn't long before the various curses start to conflict, and then someone shouts "curse breaker"and you have to turn over the curse card you broke. Three overturned cards, and you are out.

I this photo, AK, must preface every statement with Mr. T's famous line, "I pity the fool!" She is also required not to bend her elbows and to speak with a French accent, which sounded strangely Italian.

Bubby had some dandy curses including always biting her tongue while speaking and pretending to be a ventriloquist (minimizing lip movement). Then of course she also was cursed to pretend she was talking around an imaginary golf ball!

Lots of fun for the old timers, but younger more energetic players would probably enjoy the game more.

Buboppy

No Photos

This will have to be a photoless update. It has been business as usual for the first week of school. I am trying a new engagement activity in my "How the Earth Works" class, entitled the Pet Rock Project. It has been interesting to see the response. I look forward to working through this and seeing if it is of any value.

Bubby and I spent Thursday afternoon and all day Saturday working at the condo. My plumbing efforts came to naught, and I ended up having to call Malcolm Plumbing to bail me out. It turns out the main water shut off is corroded and no longer shuts off the water. So when the plumbers come today, the first order of business will be to replace the valve. Then they can change the individual shutoffs for the kitchen and bathroom sinks and toilets. Nothing earth shattering here, just long overdue maintenance items.

The pocket door replacement has also begun and it is surprisingly less of a mess than I had thought. I have to contact the contractor this morning and go over a couple of things with him.

Bubby and I made arrangements to have vinyl laid in the laundry room. We had to tear up the carpet squares on Saturday, but the only challenge there was the few squares that got covered up by the water heater when it was replaced. I took up the majority of the base board, as well, so we can get the vinyl under the baseboards. They are supposed to put it down on Thursday this week.

By the end of this week, we are hoping that everything will be pretty close to completion. There is still a little cleaning, and painting to do (we will have to repaint the walls with the pocket doors in them), but we are getting close. I am already tired of spending my free time in that condo.

We had a dinner party with Dr. and Mrs. Snow on Saturday evening. Dr. Ron did the cooking. Very nice. He bought a new car on Saturday, and we were among the first to see it. It is a two year old Civic with a five speed transmission. Before you all go nuts about his celery wagon, it is going to Rick. I saw it on Saturday night, and it still looks very good.

Uncle Roland did email me a photo of myself in the midst of painting, but I will spare you.

Buboppy

Dinner with UJ and AB

Saturday, January 5th, was a busy day. We had planned to spend the majority of it in St. George because we need to get the condo ready for the new renters. However, never ones to miss the opportunity to mix business with pleasure, we left here early, drove down in a pounding rainstorm, and met up with Barb and The Pearl at the Temple. We did the 8:00 AM, and had a bite of breakfast before beginning our work at the condo. We met with three handymen and I went through and made a list of what needed to be done in each room. While I made the list, Bubb and Auntie Nell oiled cleaned cabinets, etc. I went over to Lowe's and got most of the supplies, including a new cordless drill (mine died recently). Unfortunately, it takes nine hours for the batteries to charge, so I was not able to do any of the drilling jobs (new mini-blinds, door stops, fixing the sweep on the screen door, etc.). Instead, I had to be the plumber, a job I am ill equipped for. I changed both toilet seats, changed the hot and cold water feed lines to the master bath sink, and replaced the drain/stopper assembly in the kitchen. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish either sink job (more parts are needed).

The bright spot was our dinner appointment with Jim and Barb and Rol and Nell. Auntie B has been making tamales, as she does each holiday season, and we shared in the bounty. They were wonderful. She had made a fresh cranberry relish (it had a jalapeno in it) to go with the tamales, and it was exquisite. You can see she set a lovely meal before us.

Our hostess also prepared a lovely, decadent, and limey dessert for us. Auntie Nell supposedly provided the recipe, but can't remember the occasion (it sucks to get old!). It tasted as good as it looks in the photo. A very nice evening was enjoyed by all and our thanks to our host and hostess for entertaining us.

After dinner, the talk turned as it does more and more these days, to morbid topics like burial plots and funeral arrangements. Uncle Jim has said for years that he wants a Viking funeral on Ivins reservoir. He even wrote a column about it in the local paper. We talked about the plans and the great wake he is anticipating. He even showed us his new sword, adorned with the symbol of the "Brotherhood of the Monkey Head", and demonstrated how it would be laid on his chest as his funeral barge is pushed off from the shore. Uncle Roland pointed out that we might be able to see the sword after the pyre sinks, because Ivins reservoir is only a couple of feet deep.

Buboppy

Moving from St. George Day 2

Well, it is over, and all is well. Sarah and I took off from Cedar City just before 6:00 AM and with a top off of both the diesel and diet coke, we headed north. The truck actually did quite well, and my speed never fell below 45 mph on the trip north. We ended up using about $135 in fuel, which was good news to Sarah. The truck even had cruise control that worked pretty well, and made the trip so much easier.



We made such great time that we had a chance to stop for breakfast in Springville. IHOP treated us well, and when we got back on the freeway, Sarah started notifying our crew. Aaron, Jake, and Brandon were following us from Cedar City, and were in Nephi when we contacted them. Jason and Liza agreed to help, and Sarah also lined up Daniel and Riley and his boys. With the two volunteers from the ward EQ, we made short work of getting everything into the house. Sarah is surrounded by boxes, but relieved to be moved. The house has a big, unfinished basement where the kids can play and serious storage can take place.



The duplex is located in an older part of town, surrounded by homes that were mostly built in the 30's and 40's. It is a nice neighborhood, with a homey feel. They are only about 10 blocks from Jason and Liza, which will be fun. They are only about six blocks from Jake's school, and it is brand new. I talked to Sarah this morning and his new teacher is Ms. Lemon (like the fruit), and she seems great.



After returning the truck and helping with some setup and unpacking, Aaron, Dan, and I stopped for a big slurpy (Aaron is one block from a 7-11 and beloved frozen treat) and headed south. We dropped Dan off in Provo, and arrived in Cedar City at 8:30 PM. I was beat. Katie was awake and waiting for her Daddy (she had an afternoon nap, so she was going strong when we arrived). Aaron and the girls got off to Sugarhouse this morning at about 9:15, and are on their way. I spoke to Sarah. She has the girl's room just about put together. It is a good thing, because "help" with the unpacking is on the way.

Buboppy