Having a Wonderful Summer

This is actually a photo from our first outing to New Castle. It represents the first smallmouth of the year on that lake (at least for me!). It isn't much of a fish, but I was glad to catch it. I hope to be out tomorrow morning at first light to see if I can catch some of his older (and larger) relatives.



On Friday morning, Travis and Jacobody went off to the Cedar Mountain Science Camp. This is a resident science program that runs for about nine two-day sessions each summer. It was Jake and Travis' first experience, and based on their feedback, they had a great time. They tested water quality, looked for fossils, learned about the hydrological cycle, participated in some sound and chemical "magic", and learned about electricity. It was certainly a very full two days. I am sure that the overnight portion was a little daunting to start with, but they both survived. I asked Travy if he would come again and he indicated, rather enthusiastically, that he would.



On Friday evening, Jon, Uncle Rol and I went fishing at Minersville Res. I haven't been bass fishing there since they poisoned it last, but I have been hearing some good reports. Jon Lee forgot to bring a hat. I looked around in the truck and boat, and the only thing I could find was Jake's good luck fishing hat. John looked particularly dapper in it, so I had to include a photo.



It was great to be on the water, and we started out catching lots of small fish. As the evening wore on, and the sun was lower in the sky, we started to catch some bigger fish. Uncle Rol caught two in a row like this one just before the wind came up (there was a squall in Beaver) and we decided to head for shore. We would have loved to fish until dark, but the lake was starting to whitecap, and we knew we had to get across before it got worse. My bass boat is not all that seaworthy, especially with three large adults in it.



On Saturday morning, Jon dropped by and brought Hanna and Max, along with cousins Kade and Zach. They all had a terrific time playing Katie and Lydia and with Bubby's toys. Jon wanted some music, video, and audio books, so we spent out time transferring computer files for him. He also borrowed several audio books to take home.

We were waiting for Daniel and family to arrive Saturday, so Jon's visit was a great way to fill in. Dan and fam arrived about Noon, and the party started. Daniel and Rosalyn had a walk-through scheduled at their house and they left their kids to play while they took care of that. This (Monday) morning they met with the folks at the title company. This thing is getting real! Sarah and family went down to Grandma Marsha's on Sunday morning, and returned this afternoon (Monday). Her plan is to spend a couple of days down there this week, to visit her friends and let Grandma and Grandpa see the kids. Aaron and Daniel are on their way back north, as I am writing this. They will return on Thursday evening for the July 4th weekend. Lots of comings and goings, but Bubby and I love it.



This photo was sent to us by Big K upon her recent return from the Big D. Our Leo is getting so big, and is so very cute. We think he looks an awful lot like his Daddy. When we talked to Booty last night, he said that our boy has two bottom teeth. We can't believe he has grown so much. We really can't wait to see him in a few weeks.



One final image. While I was blogging, Sarah stopped by with Lydia and Jake. Sarah and I visited while the kids raided my "bait box" (the candy she gave me for Father's Day). Lydia not only polished off the Swedish fish, she got herself stuck in the chair, as you can see from this image. She was really starting to panic before we finally got her out. Never a dull moment with that girl.

Buboppy

Father's Day, and Beyond

No photos. Last week, just flew by, and we are not sure where it went. On Monday evening (6/15) Bubby and I ran out to New Castle reservoir, and gave it a try. The lake has completed its annual turn over, and there was gooey moss everywhere. You caught more moss than anything else, but I still managed to catch 12-15 smallmouth. I did not catch any worth bragging about. I think I will let it sit for a week or so, before I try again.

On Thursday evening, Aaron and Sarah arrived. Sarah and the kids are here for a couple of weeks, and Aaron will run back and forth on the weekends. On Friday morning (6/19), at Aaron's request, we drove down to Sand Hollow, and tried our hand. Aaron caught the first two bass, and he was pretty pumped. I was trying to help Jake catch a few fish, but I knew he would have the most fun if we got on to some bluegills. I bought a carton of earth worms with that in mind. Sure enough, we figured out where they were and how to entice them, and Jake ended up out fishing us all. He probably caught 15, all by himself, and some of them were quite respectable. When we would relocate the boat to try to get over some bass, Jake was complain and want to go back to where the bluegill were. We met up with Bubby, Sarah and the kids at Ernesto's in St. George and had some lunch together. Sarah and family went on to visit Grandma Marsha, and Bubby and I shopped Costco and went home.

On Saturday, I went fishing with Lloyd, my old scouting buddy. We wanted to go to a little stream we love in the high country north of Bryce Canyon. He decided we could save some time by taking his Rhino (a two seat ATV) along and then taking a back road into our spot. After a couple of false tries, we did, indeed, get to where we wanted to go. Of course we didn't save any time. The fishing was excellent. Some beaver have moved into the valley, and their work has created a better fishery. We caught larger fish than usual, and had a great time. I finally returned home at about 7:00 PM.

Father's Day was fun. I got to talk to everybody on the phone (including conversation with Miss Evelyn and some heavy breathing and smiling from Mr. Leo in Dallas), and Sarah and Aaron came to church and dinner. We did some pork tenderloins (Katie's favorite), mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, gravy, roasted asparagus, and a salad. It was very nice. We even had berries and ice cream for dessert.

Yesterday morning, Beany, UP, and I assaulted Cedar Ridge. UP bought a Taylormade driver and 3W, and wanted to try them out. It was fun until I twisted my knee on the fourth hole. I parred the hole, but it ended my golf. I limped back to the car and went to work. I was pretty lame yesterday, but after lots of anti-inflammatory meds, I am getting around much better. I hope it heals fast, because this is the season to be out early in the morning chasing the dimpled ball. I can't afford to be laid up.

Sarah and family swam in the pool yesterday, and will probably do the same today. Bubby and Babsy are headed to St. George for a doctor's appointment this afternoon. I have to stay in town for a couple of meetings. It is fun to have them here.

Daniel and family come on the weekend to sign the closing of their new home. We are all very excited. I think Daniel is excited to move on to the career phase of his life. SUU will be lucky to have him.

Buboppy

Birthday Party

My friends from work took Bubby and I out to lunch on Friday. We decided on Costa Vita, which is where these photos were taken. We had a grand time.



They bought me a flan for my dessert, which we all shared. It was, as usual, absolutely dewlicious.



In the parking lot as we were leaving Costa Vida. Unfortunately, we had to go back to work!

On Friday evening, I went to our Aaronic Priesthood commemoration activity out west of town. I was asked to make a 10-15 minute presentation on the Aaronic Priesthood, and after dinner I did my duty. I did not sleep there, though, because I had a 7:30 tee time in Cedar City. Our stake is having a golf tourney and I had agreed to play with three other high priests. We did "play", but not very well. That is not to say that we didn't have a great time.

We spent most of Saturday doing chores. Bubby cleaned closets and I graded tests and did my yard work. On Saturday evening, we went to dinner with the Englesteads. It was great company and good food. We concluded our evening with pie (a Croshaw's lemon/sour cream).

Bubby spent a good part of the weekend binding a couple of quilts for Auntie Nell. On Sunday, after meetings and home teaching, we dropped Sammie's off at Kyle and Jodie's.



Mr. Sam is enjoying his new comfort. I took two pictures of this, but the other one showed the tear in his right eye from having been accidentally kicked in the head by one of his brothers just minutes before. He is starting to think about moving along. While we watched he was pulling himself up to the furniture, etc. It was nice to visit with Jodie and Kyle.

Buboppy

Three for Booty and One for Bean

OK, I realize this seems a little self serving, but Booty asked for photos of what the old homestead looks like with the new siding, so . . .



We are very happy with the way it looks, and I am particularly happy at the thought of only washing it off in the future. I do hate to paint.



We trimmed the blue spruce that was touching the garage last Saturday, only to discover that our siding contractor never finished the facia on the gable-end due to tree blockage. There is about two feet left to complete. Bubby has already made the call.



Finally, a photo for Beany. When we hit WalMart last Saturday, I found the most beautiful jalepenos. They were gianormous. We did the trick last night, and they were not only huge, but mild. What a treat. Bubby stuffed one with low fat mozzarella cheese, removed the bacon, and enjoyed hers almost as much as I enjoyed mine. Bubby reminds me to report that we bought special bacon to wrap them in, it came from Lin's and it was dewlicious.

Buboppy

Excited to Have Visitors

We have no pictures to share this week. Bubby and I were so excited to be home for the weekend and to just do normal stuff. We did our accustomed WalMart run at 0-dark-early on Saturday morning and then started some yard work. I trimmed the hedges and Bubby weeded her flower beds (at least the ones in the front yard). We took a load to the dump, went to the Nursery and bought a few more vegetables, and finished up in the yard about 2:00 PM.

Sunday was blissfully uneventful, and we enjoyed it. Our summer rhythm is finally starting to establish itself. I have played golf the last two mornings, and Bubby and I have been taking evening walks. We do love the summer in Cedar City.

We did go to Brian Head and look at possible sites for the 2010 Clarke Family Reunion. We think we have a winner. This is the 50th anniversary of the Clarke Reunion, and we hope that all of our readers with Clarke blood in their veins will make the effort to attend.

We had a chance to meet with Uncle Phil and Aunt Karen on Friday evening, and we finalized the assignments for the Jasper Eves Reunion on August 10th, 2009. We will be circulating them to all interested parties (assignees) very soon.

Although this is my birthday month, and, by rights, I should be celebrating non-stop, we really haven't done much yet. I am going to have to be the keynote speaker at our ward's Aaronic Priesthood commemoration outing on my birthday, and that conflicts with several other activities, including Robert Terry's wedding reception. Oh well, that is how things go.

Bubby is happy and making progress with South Beach. She smiles every time she stands on the scale. We are expecting Sarah and family for a visit very soon. I am not privy to the details (nobody tells me anything) but I know there is something planned for later in the month.

Buboppy