Trip to Zion National Park

If I am not careful, this will turn into a novel. Just returned home from a perfect vacation - yes, every single day was perfect. Traveled with Justine and Blaine to Zion Park in southern Utah and there are no words to describe the beauty of mother nature we witnessed. How humbling to see this creation and the majesty of His work! Ten days of good weather, laughs, entertainment (Les Miserable' and Shakesphere) good food, visits with family and memories from our past. We came home totally impressed and uplifted.

Our last two days were spent in Butte, Mont. our birth place, where we spent many hours taking pictures of all our places of "growing up" - even went into Butte High School, where we graduated 53 years ago - tons of memories on a sentimental journey with about 140 pictures taken. Now to get them into a scrapbook!

My Little Bit of Heaven

Monday, the 15th of September was a joyful day. The days of indian summer in Spokane are setting a record for being beautiful - 80 degrees- bright blue, sunny skies - just a slight breeze. What a day to go to the lake - (doesn't take much to convince me) - however, there were two reasons. One sad, the other a joyful reuniting....
Sad, because it was time to take in the jet ski, to put it in storage, which means the end of summer. I felt like we had just barely gotten started.. However, the other reason is the happy one - we were having my piano moved into the cabin. I have been without it for about 10 years, Cari has been keeping it for me and needed me to take it.
So... the piano was moved into the cabin, and I sat down and played it and felt like I was home - since it is the piano my mother gave me lessons on. It feels so good to have it - and now I need to practice to get in shape.
Then, with the lake smooth as glass, not a cloud in the sky, I took a half hour ride on the jet ski, before bringing it in. I cannot describe the exhilaration of feeling the wind in my face - like it use to feel in our tri-hull, when I would sit in the front of the boat - it took me back to those good days. There wasn't a soul, not one single boat, or single person on the lake - just me flying - yes flying at 30 miles an hour- skimming across the still water and soaking in the sun. What a feeling of freedom and joy. I went all around the lake - saying "YIPPEE!
Dad & I pulled it in, sat on the swing for a while, said good-bye to the day and came home. A day I will remember for always.
Tomorrow, we leave for a trip to southern Utah and the Shakespere festival with Justine and Blaine. Life is good - many blessings to count.

We Must Never Forget

Each morning,when I pull the curtains back from our front window the first thing my eyes rest upon is a large American flag that is rippling in the breeze, three block away, flying from a tall flag pole so the flag can be seen for quite some distance. Went walking one day to find the home and thank the people for their gift each day - which reminds me of my freedom to live, worship, and raise my family as I please.
Today, Lew and I went to buy a flag to display - especially on 9/11 - but every day to feel the joy, and love of country. As we receive reminders of that fateful day 7 years ago, through emails and news reports, I thank my Heavenly Father for preserving this nation and pray for that to continue so my grand children and great grand children can also feel the joy of freedom each day of their lives.
Let's all remember, always, and give thanks for freedom, that doesn't come free.
Love to all, Carol