We were scheduled to drive to SLC to watch Lydia's triumphant commencement at Miss "Lie's" pre-school, when an unexpected turn of events occurred. I received notice that my dad's sibling, Katie Eves Schroder Bennett, had passed. She was nearly 90 years old.
My dad was the oldest of 11 children and Aunt Katie was number four child. I have lots of memories of this woman of diminutive stature but gigantic heart. Of course, our family moved from Utah valley in 1955, and from that point on, my interaction with my dad's sisters who maintained residences in Utah county was restricted to the annual summer pilgrimage to reacquaint and renew. We stayed with Aunt Katie many, many times. Sometimes sleeping on the back lawn, sometimes in the house. Aunt Katie, like most of Dad's sisters, was a world class home cook. She feed everyone and everything that came within her sphere. It was always delicious, promptly provided, and plentiful. It was at Aunt Katie's that I first tasted bottled venison and trout, discovered the bounties of the orchard and garden, and began my love affair with a wide variety of sweet, nut-breads.
I used to think that my Aunt Katie must really love my Dad, and by association, love me. At first I was a little disillusioned to discover that she treated everyone in the same royal manner she treated us. But as I matured, I realized that this kind, generous, and infinitely giving woman was a walking, talking, angel of mercy who also happened to be my auntie. Although I haven't seen a lot of her the past 10 years, she has been in my heart and certainly in my mind.
There was viewing in Orem on Wednesday evening that we attended with Babs and family and Jason, Liza and the boys. We had hoped to connect with some family, but most were traveling and not in attendance. We did reconnect with Aunt Katie's two daughters Margie and Rose Mary. They didn't initially know who I was, and certainly didn't know my kids, but by the end of the evening I had met their children who were in attendance.
There was another viewing at 9:45 AM, immediately prior to the funeral. Trisha stayed in Sugarhouse and attended the planned commencement, and I drove to American Fork in order to be in attendance. I saw three of four of Dad's living siblings who were also in attendance. While we only spoke briefly, it was good for me to reconnect. The only other representatives from our immediate family was Uncle Phil and Aunt Karen. Following the graveside, we went to lunch together, deciding that ham and funeral potatoes should be reserved for the immediate family.
The entire event reminded me that I am moving rapidly toward the end of my life. As I watch the people who had such an influence in shaping my youthful attitudes pass on, I am faced with the inevitability of my own mortality. I am not throwing in the towel, I can assure you, but I take this opportunity to thank the good Lord for my progenitors and the legacy of love they have provided to me.
Buboppy
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Update
So . . . after commencement and the end of the academic year hoopla, we finally got a chance to catch our collective breath. We had a little birthday party for Evelyn on Sunday, May 8th. By the time we got to have our party, my sense is that Ev was pretty partied out. Check out the excitement with which she considering opening (sigh!), yet another gift.
Of course, once she got her hands on the contents of the box, she was quite excited. Bubby bought leotards for all of the grandgirls who are taking dancing lessons, matching leotards. That is Drewfy doing his own ballet in the background.
No more concerns about opening presents, just pure-D joy in the gift itself.
Just a little quality time with these two.
We slipped away to St. George for what was supposed to be a week away (it actually turned out to be three days. We were planning to fish, and fish, and fish, but the weather gave us trouble. The day I caught this fish (actually a pretty nice 2.5 pounder) we got literally blown off of the lake. We spent an hour holding the boat off the shore while the wind died down so we could make a run back to the dock.
We had a great getaway, even if it was shortened by meetings and work commitments.
Buboppy
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Lydia's Birthday
I attended an ACT conference at South Towne Expo Center on Thursday, so Bubb and I drove up to SLC on Wednesday afternoon, stopped into Jason's Deli for dinner (love Jason's, if you haven't tried it, check it out), and checked in to our accommodations at the Little America.
Bubby had some Relief Society presidency business on Temple Square while I was in my conference, and we reconnected in the Little America's lobby for a trip to Babsy's for dinner and a chance to see the kids. Babsy fixed us a chicken taco for a dinner and it was great.
Of course part of the reason for our overnight (I took a day off from work) was to be able to be there for Lydia's fifth birthday. There was lots of excitement and anticipation at her house on Thursday night. For a more complete report on the doings, see the posting at Wellsfamilywatch.
Of course the request was for rainbow pancakes. Here is a happy birthday girl about to tuck in. The funniest part of this story is that all of the food coloring evidently didn't agree with Jake and he broke out in a rash that kept him from going to the school on Friday. I guess we all have to sacrifice.
One of the real treats for us was to watch this cute little bundle operate. She is a whirlwind and made me tired to watch her. I wonder how Babsy gets anything done with her around. If she is not dumping all of the toys and books out of the basket in the living room, she is clearing the dishes out of the cupboards and shelves in the kitchen. What a girl.
Bubby made this festive wall hanging for the girls' birthdays and even fitted it with magnets, while we were there, so it would hang.
On Thursday morning, after we got all the kids (except Maggie) in school, we did a little shopping. We had a nice visit to Whole Foods and sampled several different yogurts. Bubby has a new love, but I am not envious. It is called Noosa. Check it out, she loves the honey flavored.
We were able to pick up Lydia from her pre-school at Miss Rie's. She was the star of the show and a proper birthday girl. You can see how excited she was to wear the crown.
From there we walked up to the elementary school to see Jake's Texas state poster on display in the commons area. He did a pretty good job, and we happened to see both he and Katie while we were at the school.
The final photo is representative of how we spent our weekend. After work on Friday, we had a ward temple activity that we chaired and then we spent the weekend watching conference and enjoying the condo. These daffodils were planted last year from bulbs we bought at Winco. Bubby is so proud of them and the fact that it is spring in St. George, she wanted the world to know.
Buboppy
Bubby had some Relief Society presidency business on Temple Square while I was in my conference, and we reconnected in the Little America's lobby for a trip to Babsy's for dinner and a chance to see the kids. Babsy fixed us a chicken taco for a dinner and it was great.
Of course part of the reason for our overnight (I took a day off from work) was to be able to be there for Lydia's fifth birthday. There was lots of excitement and anticipation at her house on Thursday night. For a more complete report on the doings, see the posting at Wellsfamilywatch.
Of course the request was for rainbow pancakes. Here is a happy birthday girl about to tuck in. The funniest part of this story is that all of the food coloring evidently didn't agree with Jake and he broke out in a rash that kept him from going to the school on Friday. I guess we all have to sacrifice.
One of the real treats for us was to watch this cute little bundle operate. She is a whirlwind and made me tired to watch her. I wonder how Babsy gets anything done with her around. If she is not dumping all of the toys and books out of the basket in the living room, she is clearing the dishes out of the cupboards and shelves in the kitchen. What a girl.
Bubby made this festive wall hanging for the girls' birthdays and even fitted it with magnets, while we were there, so it would hang.
On Thursday morning, after we got all the kids (except Maggie) in school, we did a little shopping. We had a nice visit to Whole Foods and sampled several different yogurts. Bubby has a new love, but I am not envious. It is called Noosa. Check it out, she loves the honey flavored.
We were able to pick up Lydia from her pre-school at Miss Rie's. She was the star of the show and a proper birthday girl. You can see how excited she was to wear the crown.
From there we walked up to the elementary school to see Jake's Texas state poster on display in the commons area. He did a pretty good job, and we happened to see both he and Katie while we were at the school.
The final photo is representative of how we spent our weekend. After work on Friday, we had a ward temple activity that we chaired and then we spent the weekend watching conference and enjoying the condo. These daffodils were planted last year from bulbs we bought at Winco. Bubby is so proud of them and the fact that it is spring in St. George, she wanted the world to know.
Buboppy
Monday, March 28, 2011
A Lost Week
Last week was surely an unusual one, with not a single photo.
We started out with a lovely hotpot dinner with Aunt Annie and Ned, Aunt Valene, Aunt B and Uncle Jim, and Auntie Nell. It required an additional trip to St. George, but the meal was certainly worth it. Because we were already down there, and because we love to so much, Bubby and I spent Monday night in the condo. We rose early so I could be ready to teach an 8:00 AM class.
On Tuesday, I was scrambling trying to pack for my trip and cover all of the loose ends at work and home before I left town. Bubby helped me out quite a bit. I drove down to St. George in the early evening, and spent the night at the condo.
I caught the 6:00 AM shuttle to Las Vegas, and caught a plane that ultimately took me to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. By the time I checked into my hotel in Miami it was 7:00 PM. Of course I lost two hours, but it was still a lot of time in airports and on crowded (both flights were completely full) airplanes.
The reason for my trip was to attend a conference on engaged science teaching, sponsored by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). The conference started on Thursday afternoon and ran through Saturday at 1:00 PM. Because of the distances involved for me, my best option for the return was Sunday AM, so I flew out again at 6:55 and was in Las Vegas by 9:40. I was back in Cedar City by 2:30 PM, in time to have dinner with Dan and family and do the last home teaching visit of the month.
Meanwhile, a very sad Bubby was holding down the fort. She called me about Friday night and said, "remind me why we decided that you should go alone? I'm not feeling it at the moment!" I certainly felt the same way about then.
I did slip away on Saturday afternoon and drive through the Everglades to the town of Ochopee, FL. It is near Big Cypress National Preserve. It was a welcome outing after the long hours sitting in conference sessions. The round trip drive was probably 180 miles. I just enjoyed being out the city among real people fishing in the swamps and living normal lives.
I stopped for a bite to eat at Joanie's Blue Crab Cafe. I had half a pound of peel and eat shrimp and enjoyed the live music and people watching. If Bubb had been there, we could have made an evening of it and tried some of the other food on the menu.
Glad to be home, missed Bubby too much. We have sworn not to do that again.
Buboppy
We started out with a lovely hotpot dinner with Aunt Annie and Ned, Aunt Valene, Aunt B and Uncle Jim, and Auntie Nell. It required an additional trip to St. George, but the meal was certainly worth it. Because we were already down there, and because we love to so much, Bubby and I spent Monday night in the condo. We rose early so I could be ready to teach an 8:00 AM class.
On Tuesday, I was scrambling trying to pack for my trip and cover all of the loose ends at work and home before I left town. Bubby helped me out quite a bit. I drove down to St. George in the early evening, and spent the night at the condo.
I caught the 6:00 AM shuttle to Las Vegas, and caught a plane that ultimately took me to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. By the time I checked into my hotel in Miami it was 7:00 PM. Of course I lost two hours, but it was still a lot of time in airports and on crowded (both flights were completely full) airplanes.
The reason for my trip was to attend a conference on engaged science teaching, sponsored by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). The conference started on Thursday afternoon and ran through Saturday at 1:00 PM. Because of the distances involved for me, my best option for the return was Sunday AM, so I flew out again at 6:55 and was in Las Vegas by 9:40. I was back in Cedar City by 2:30 PM, in time to have dinner with Dan and family and do the last home teaching visit of the month.
Meanwhile, a very sad Bubby was holding down the fort. She called me about Friday night and said, "remind me why we decided that you should go alone? I'm not feeling it at the moment!" I certainly felt the same way about then.
I did slip away on Saturday afternoon and drive through the Everglades to the town of Ochopee, FL. It is near Big Cypress National Preserve. It was a welcome outing after the long hours sitting in conference sessions. The round trip drive was probably 180 miles. I just enjoyed being out the city among real people fishing in the swamps and living normal lives.
I stopped for a bite to eat at Joanie's Blue Crab Cafe. I had half a pound of peel and eat shrimp and enjoyed the live music and people watching. If Bubb had been there, we could have made an evening of it and tried some of the other food on the menu.
Glad to be home, missed Bubby too much. We have sworn not to do that again.
Buboppy
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Drewfy as Rain Man
I realize that we have not posted in a couple of weeks. Alas, there is not much unusual going on, so rather than bore our readers, we have remained silent.
Yesterday, however, something happened that has made me smile ever since I heard about it. Bubby was tending Drewfy and Evelyn yesterday afternoon, and when 3:15 rolled around, Drewfy insisted that they get the TV warmed up so that he could watch his current favorite show, "Wild Kratts" (I think that is the name) at 3:30.
Bubby is not the most electronically capable individual, and she was unable to get the program up and running. She called Daniel in his office, and through trial and error and some long distance trouble shooting, they were able to get the program on at 3:31.
What made me smile about the situation is, the whole time that Bubby and Dan were on the phone working through the technical issues associated with three remotes, Andrew was becoming more and more agitated about missing his program.
In my mind, it conjured up scenes of Dustin Hoffman in "Rainman" standing on a strangers porch, chanting that Judge Wopner was set to begin in 10 minutes and counting down to the second it started. The final shot in that scene shows the Rainman sitting in the stranger's living room, pen and spiral notebook in hand, taking notes on the People's Court. Does it make you smile, too?
Buboppy
Yesterday, however, something happened that has made me smile ever since I heard about it. Bubby was tending Drewfy and Evelyn yesterday afternoon, and when 3:15 rolled around, Drewfy insisted that they get the TV warmed up so that he could watch his current favorite show, "Wild Kratts" (I think that is the name) at 3:30.
Bubby is not the most electronically capable individual, and she was unable to get the program up and running. She called Daniel in his office, and through trial and error and some long distance trouble shooting, they were able to get the program on at 3:31.
What made me smile about the situation is, the whole time that Bubby and Dan were on the phone working through the technical issues associated with three remotes, Andrew was becoming more and more agitated about missing his program.
In my mind, it conjured up scenes of Dustin Hoffman in "Rainman" standing on a strangers porch, chanting that Judge Wopner was set to begin in 10 minutes and counting down to the second it started. The final shot in that scene shows the Rainman sitting in the stranger's living room, pen and spiral notebook in hand, taking notes on the People's Court. Does it make you smile, too?
Buboppy
Monday, February 21, 2011
Exploring Dallas
We went to a DDD restaurant last night called the Twisted Root. It is a hamburger place, and of course that posed some problems for Bubb and I, but we shared a veggie pattie burger with green chili, pepper jack cheese, and guacamole. We even tried some fried dill pickles, and they were really tasty.
This morning, we gathered in the lobby and headed out to see the sites around Dealey Plaza. We had a bowl of oatmeal at the Corner Bakery, and proceeded toward the 6th Floor Museum and the Grassy Knoll.
We stopped in a museum store and Bubb wanted her photo taken with this attractive friend. Who needs an American Girl when your doll could look like this?
There is an old, and decaying monument to some early settlers of Dallas atop the Grassy Knoll (famous for the controversy surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy). We did some people watching, particularly the unofficial "tour guides" who offer to assist the tourists for a modest fee. Of course they are really just panhandlers taking an opportunity.
One of the real landmarks of the downtown Dallas area is the Old Red Museum. It is a strikingly beautiful building reflective of a bygone era, and is complete with gargoyles on the roof!
The building on the right of this photo is the Hyatt hotel, where we are staying. The odd looking pinnacle on the right is the Reunion Tower, next to our lodgings and the landmark we use to find our way home.
Of course the 6th Floor Museum is located on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository and is the location from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot President Kennedy.
Although this corner is not the one containing the famous window from which eye witnesses said they saw a rifle protruding on that day, it does give our readers a view of the exterior of this historic building. The tour was pretty interesting and included an audio device that guided the visitor through the exhibit. It was, however, extremely crowded, at least for my tastes.
Following our visit to the museum, we lunched at the Spaghetti Warehouse. As we were waiting for our group to be seated, the ladies hammed it up in front of an old confessional booth that stands in the restaurant's reception area.
Just before we headed back to our lodgings for a break, we noticed this interesting character in an outdoor display in front of a store. I don't know the significance, but man, those are cool cowboy boots!
Buboppy
This morning, we gathered in the lobby and headed out to see the sites around Dealey Plaza. We had a bowl of oatmeal at the Corner Bakery, and proceeded toward the 6th Floor Museum and the Grassy Knoll.
We stopped in a museum store and Bubb wanted her photo taken with this attractive friend. Who needs an American Girl when your doll could look like this?
There is an old, and decaying monument to some early settlers of Dallas atop the Grassy Knoll (famous for the controversy surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy). We did some people watching, particularly the unofficial "tour guides" who offer to assist the tourists for a modest fee. Of course they are really just panhandlers taking an opportunity.
One of the real landmarks of the downtown Dallas area is the Old Red Museum. It is a strikingly beautiful building reflective of a bygone era, and is complete with gargoyles on the roof!
The building on the right of this photo is the Hyatt hotel, where we are staying. The odd looking pinnacle on the right is the Reunion Tower, next to our lodgings and the landmark we use to find our way home.
Of course the 6th Floor Museum is located on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository and is the location from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot President Kennedy.
Although this corner is not the one containing the famous window from which eye witnesses said they saw a rifle protruding on that day, it does give our readers a view of the exterior of this historic building. The tour was pretty interesting and included an audio device that guided the visitor through the exhibit. It was, however, extremely crowded, at least for my tastes.
Following our visit to the museum, we lunched at the Spaghetti Warehouse. As we were waiting for our group to be seated, the ladies hammed it up in front of an old confessional booth that stands in the restaurant's reception area.
Just before we headed back to our lodgings for a break, we noticed this interesting character in an outdoor display in front of a store. I don't know the significance, but man, those are cool cowboy boots!
Buboppy
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday with Booty
We are cameraless, so no cool pix to share. We arrived in Dallas yesterday afternoon without incident. We are staying downtown at the Hyatt. We spent last evening exploring the downtown tourist and restaurant scene. Our friends ate dinner at Sonny Brian's Texas BBQ. Bubb and I couldn't wait for the appointed hour so we found a salad at a place called the Founder's Grill. We still joined in the fun at the BBQ joint, just not in the food.
We woke this morning headed for adventure. We dressed for church and caught the DART from downtown to the Spring Valley station, where we found Booty and Leo waiting for us! We all had breakfast together and went to church. We are planning to spend the afternoon together and to have dinner.
We will head back to the Hyatt later this afternoon and rejoin our friends for a board bonding activity. The weather in Dallas is warm and pleasant. We know it snowed in Cedar City yesterday. It is great not to care today.
Buboppy
We woke this morning headed for adventure. We dressed for church and caught the DART from downtown to the Spring Valley station, where we found Booty and Leo waiting for us! We all had breakfast together and went to church. We are planning to spend the afternoon together and to have dinner.
We will head back to the Hyatt later this afternoon and rejoin our friends for a board bonding activity. The weather in Dallas is warm and pleasant. We know it snowed in Cedar City yesterday. It is great not to care today.
Buboppy
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