The End of June and First Part of July

We have ended yet another month, and it's already the 250th anniversary of our independence as a nation!  Happy 4th of July to all Americans who celebrate this amazing country, and it's beginnings.   More about that later.  Now it's time for another catch-up about the end of June and the first few days of July.

Here are a few more highlights of our belated anniversary/summer getaway to Las Vegas. 

We had the opportunity to get BOGO (buy one get one free) tickets to this place, The Sphere of Las Vegas.  I was very skeptical because the tickets were expensive.  Even with the special deal we got, it was $200 for both of us to go.  Charly really wanted to go, and we were, after all, on vacation, so we went. 

Seeing The Wizard of Oz at The Sphere was one of the coolest and most unique entertainment experiences I've ever had.  It was awesome.  For anyone visiting Las Vegas, go see it!

After we returned to our room, we ate dinner, Charly needed to get something from a nearby 7-11 store, so we took a little evening walk along one of the major streets near the resort where we are staying.  

The hotels on The Strip looked pretty all lit up.  It was a very warm evening, but with the sun down, it was not as hot as the 106 degrees it had been earlier that day. 

Las Vegas ended up being way more fun than we remembered from our last visit.  The city seemed to be cleaner, safer, and more family friendly than last time we were here.  People were polite, kind and helpful. We had a really great time.  I think we will have to go back!

We stayed in St. George one more night to break up the drive back home to Utah County.  We stayed here at this very nice Ramada.  We used accumulated "points" we had so it didn't cost us a thing, which is always nice. 

We got back home about mid-day on Sunday. I was very glad that the sprinkler timers we had set for our little backyard garden worked correctly and the plants survived!  

The last weekend of June was cold and rainy, which was fine with just about everyone, because the state of Utah had several major fires and the rain and cooler temps helped firefighters get a handle on them. We woke up Monday to snow on the peaks of Mount Timpanogos, which is the large mountain nearest to our home in Orem.  Snow at the end of June was actually a blessing to help get the fires out!

Josh had some extra time off of work this week, so he came over Monday afternoon and helped us by trimming our big front yard bushes. They all look great now!

Tuesday afternoon, we went to worship at the temple. You tell from the dark clouds that it was another cool and blustery day. 

Wednesday, we spent most of the day at home, but in the evening, we went to a farmer's market at a park near where we live. We got some fresh baked bread and cookies from one of the vendors to take to our grandchildren.  

Thursday, we went out to the old house to mow and trim. Josh had the day off and he helped us empty the big shed in back. We threw lots of stuff away.  We still haven't sold this place, but we have had a lot more showings lately, and our realtor tells us that there are some people who are considering making an offer.  Obviously, we would like to sell it sooner, rather than later.  

After working at the house for several hours, we all went to lunch, then over to a nearby hospital to see a dear friend who is not doing well at all. He has some very serious health problems, and doctors have said he may only live another 3-6 months.  While that is not good news at all, we did have a nice visit with him, and even got him laughing a little bit at one point.  It was nice to be able to see him.  When he is well enough, he will be taken back to a care center in Wyoming where he lives. 

When we got home Thursday, I was excited to find a package waiting on the door step.  It contained these two t-shirts celebrating our nation and the 250th Anniversary of our Independence.  I had ordered the shirts last week and was afraid I wouldn't get them in time to wear on Independence Day, so I was glad that they came, and yes, I have the white one on as I am typing this post. 

Friday morning, Charly and I went for a walk. When we got home, I hung some more pictures.  I found these cute floral panels at a thrift store and knew they would be just perfect in my downstairs hobby and book room.  I think they look just perfect above the daybed.  

Friday afternoon, Charly and I went to see the new movie that just came out, Young Washington.  It was an excellent movie about young George Washington and his role in the French-Indian War, which really prepared him to command American armies in the Revolutionary War.  I thought the movie would be a great one to see on the 250th anniversary of our independence, and it was!  If you haven't seen this movie, go see it! It was produced by Angel Studios, which is the same group that made The Chosen series.  It is a really good film that is historically accurate and gives the viewer an appreciation for this nation.  It shows that we truly are "one nation under God."

That pretty much catches up the last week, which was another busy one.  I honestly thought I would have much more time to relax, read and blog when I retired. So far that hasn't seemed to be the case.  Last week was very busy, and the coming Independence Day weekend will also be filled with lots of fun things.  It will start out with me getting up about 5 a.m. Saturday to pick up our granddaughters and take them to a 250th Anniversary Parade.  We are then going to Colonial Heritage Festival, complete with reenactments of Revolutionary War Battles. Next, we are going to a family cookout and then hopefully, we will catch some fireworks tomorrow night.  It will be busy, but fun, and good memories will be made!

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by and have a very happy 4th of July, no matter where you live! God bless the USA!

Until next time, 

🎆Deb🎆

"It is impossible to govern 

the world without God. 

It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge 

the Providence of Almighty God, 

to obey his will, 

to be grateful for his benefits

 and humbly implore 

his protection and favor."

~George Washington

 

Mid-July Blessings and Gratitude

Here are some good things that happened over the past week, in my world.  To remember the positive things that happened and give thanks to God for all His blessings, I am joining again with Susanne over at Living to Tell the Story for Friday's Fave Five. 

😊 We got together with our 19-year-old grandson for lunch this week.  He wanted to eat at Cracker Barrel, so that's what we did.  It was fun to catch up and find out what is going on in his life. He is working 20-30 hours a week and has enrolled in a local university where he will start classes in August.  I am grateful for this opportunity to be with our grandson, and I am grateful that he is making good decisions and moving forward with his life! 

😊 The women of our church congregation all met up at our church park for a "book exchange" night.  There were lots of different books to choose from, and everyone who wanted a new book took one home.  We had root beer floats and pie, and had a lovely time visiting until it was dark.  (I didn't think to take a picture until I was walking to the car).  One of my good friends in the congregation just got a job offer in Arizona, so she will be moving there soon.  I sure will miss her, and I am grateful that I was able to visit with her and other ladies from our church at this fun summer activity.  

😊 Charly and I have been taking walks at our local mall before the stores open, almost every morning this summer.  One morning last week, Charly had an early eye doctor appointment, so I decided to forgo the drive to the mall and just walk around my neighborhood.  I love beginning my day with a walk, and I am grateful for morning walks, wherever they take place. 

😊 While I was out walking, I saw these beautiful red roses, growing along the fence of a house I passed.  I love flowers. They are truly a blessing and I am so grateful for the vibrant beauty that all kinds of flowers bring to our world. 

😊 I got my new glasses - two pairs - regular and dark glasses.  I got them at Sam's Club and this was the first time I had gone there for glasses.  I usually go to Costco, but was not at all pleased with the glasses I got there last year. These new glasses, however,  are definitely an improvement.  I am grateful for my eyesight and the glasses that help me see to do the things I need to do. 

😊 The tomatoes in my garden are starting to ripen, and I have a lot of them this year. I enjoyed some as part of my dinner the other night, and they were delicious!  I am grateful for the bounty of all the fresh fruits and vegetables growing in my backyard garden. 

😊 The other day, I saw this hummingbird getting nectar from one of the zinnias in my backyard garden.  I love hummingbirds, but I did not put my feeder out this year.  I am so grateful that even without the feeder, these sweet little hummingbirds are finding their way to our flowers.  I'm also grateful that I saw this little guy at the flower just as I was looking out the window, and he stayed put long enough for me to go outside and get the picture. 

😊 This past week, I got our tickets to BYU Education Week as well as to another religion and theology conference we enjoy attending. BYU Education Week is at the end of August, and the second conference is in September, and we got our tickets early enough that we got the "early bird pricing" which allowed us to save a few bucks.  I am grateful that we get to attend these conferences because we enjoy going and we learn many interesting and important things.

That's all for now.  Thanks for stopping by!  See you next time.  Have a good weekend!

Until next time,

😊Deb💖

"Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves

to recognize how good things really are."

~Marianne Williamson

Sunny Sunday Daybook

Outside my window the day is sunny and warm.   It is 95 degrees here now, and the forecast for this week is for more of the same, with possibly some much needed rain on Monday or Tuesday.   This is the view of our front yard from our Ring doorbell camera. 

In my garden, I have flowers of many different kinds, in addition to lots of yet to ripen tomatoes.   I love flowers or all kinds.

In the kitchen, we had fishsticks, popcorn shrimp, macaroni and cheese, potato casserole, fresh steamed broccoli and corn for dinner.  It was all very good.

I'm reading these books, after finishing a book on my Kindle last week.  I started all three books a while back and now hope to move toward finishing them.  

I'm watching Testament The Story of Moses on Netflix. Part drama and part documentary, it is quite good. 

I've been listening to this audiobook, The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer. 

I'm looking forward to going to the closing day of BYU Education Week.  That will be next week. I already have the day off approved. 

I'm thinking about the beginning of the new school year.  I have two more days of prep, then students return on Wednesday.  Our school has a new principal and our district has a new superintendent.  We also have some policies that will be implemented like no cell phones in the classroom.  It will be interesting to see how that goes.  I will be watching things both in and out of the classroom to help me decide if this last this will be my last school year. 

I'm feeling a little down about the end of summer break.  Honestly, I am not looking forward to going back to school.  Still time marches on, and we must make the best of it. 

I'm thankful that my back has felt somewhat better today.  I have been suffering from what I think is sciatic nerve pain - at least that's how I have treating it.  I got the name of a good chiropractor from a friend of mine at church today, so if he is a "participating provider" in my health insurance, I may be making an appointment to see him with the hope of getting some relief. 

Coming up this week:

Monday & Tuesday - Classroom prep for the coming school year

Wednesday - Students return

Wednesday - Dentist appointment (check up) after school

Saturday - Memorial service for our friend who recently died of cancer

That's all for this week.  I'll be back with more of my daily Happiness Challenge next week. 

Until next time,

😊Deb💖

"August is like the 

Sunday of summers."

~anon.

 

Getaway to Great Basin National Park Part I

We left Monday to drive to Great Basin National Park in Nevada.  We had a nice time and made some good memories on this end of the summer vacation trip.  

The first stop we made was Great Salt Lake State Park, in Western Utah.  I had always wondered what this state park was like.   Honestly, outside of the Great Salt Lake, and a lot of salt, spiders and brine shrimp and flies, there isn't a lot out there.   Most people have probably heard of the Great Salt Lake, but maybe you didn't know that it has been shrinking in recent years, which could result in an ecological disaster for Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. Who knew that such an ugly, smelly place, with so many spiders, could be so important to the environment!?!  You can read about what would happen if it dried up here. Needless to say, we really, really hope this doesn't happen!

Charly and Josh at a viewing deck. That's the Great Salt Lake in the background. 

Josh and I at the Great Salt Lake. 

This is the Great Salt Lake. The mountains in the far distance are actually an island called Antelope Island. It's another state park with a wildlife preserve, and a significant population of bison. 

Another picture of the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island in the distance. 

The Bonneville Salt Flats are another interesting place to see in the western Utah desert. This is where land speed records are tested and records set.

Here is Charly and I posing at the Bonneville Salt Flats sign.  The actually racing and speed records are set about seven miles southwest of this sign, which gives you some idea of how huge this salt desert is. 

Josh decided to take a walk on the salt.  It looks like a vast field of snow, but it is actually like walking on crunchy white dense and rocky sand. 

After leaving the Bonneville Salt Flats, we drove to Ely, Nevada along what has beened "the loneliest road in America."  We stayed in this old hotel, the Hotel Nevada, which was built in 1929 and has housed many famous people over the years - including Pat Nixon and Lyndon Johnson and his wife.   We have stayed in this place a couple of times before and liked it. The staff was kind, friendly and efficient, which is always nice in a hotel. 

Stephen King stayed here and wrote a book about the town and the hotel. The book is called Desperation. I haven't read it but I want to. 

This is the room Charly and I stayed in at the Hotel Nevada.  Josh had his own room. The rooms are small, but generally clean and nicely updated, while maintaining the historic character of the hotel. 

We ate dinner at a casino across the street from Hotel Nevada. The food was decent, but nothing really special.  There isn't much to do in the little town and we don't drink or gamble, so we went to our rooms to turn in and get an early start on our adventure the next day in Great Basin National Park.  I'll post more pictures of the rest of the trip tomorrow. 

Until next time,

😊Deb💖

"...in Nevada, which is in the West and still pretty wild, 

you can still gamble, carry a loaded pistol, 

and go into a silver-mine, 

and they still have saloons with swinging doors, boardwalks, and horses."

~Caroline Lawrence

Tuesday 4 Questions for July 2

I decided to join in on Tuesday 4 and answer a few questions today.  Here is the link, if you want to join in the fun. 

July is here and summer is underway.  

Let's talk about what July will bring for you.

What are you doing for the  4th of July holiday? If you don't celebrate what plans do you have that day?  

We don't have any firm plans for the actual 4th of July.  The Tuesday after, July 9, we are getting together with our daughter and her family for family night at our local minor league baseball team - The Salt Lake Bees. We are really looking forward to it. 

Are you planning a holiday, get away or just day trips  this summer? Where will you go?  What will you do?

We are doing a few short trips this summer, but no big, far-away trips. We have made several trips to St. George already this summer and we will be going down there again soon to close on the house we are buying. We will stop off and see our oldest grandson who is going to school in Cedar City, Utah, a town on the way to St. George.  We also went to Idaho last month to see our son Josh.   All of our road trips this summer have been half a day's drive or less from our home.

Right before I go back to school in early August, we are planning a trip with Josh when he is back home for a quick summer break.  We plan to go to Great Basin National Park in Nevada.  It's also also about a four hour drive from where we live.

Do you  like to go out for ice cream in summer or do you just eat it at home? What flavor and what brand gets your endorsement?

We went out for Italian Ice to a place called Zeppe's with our grandson after one of his baseball games this summer.  We don't eat much ice cream at all, and very rarely buy it for the house.  If we have ice cream at all, we are out at a good ice cream place with friends or family.  The older I get, the more I find that ice cream upsets my stomach. Maybe I am lactose intolerant. 

What activities are most enjoyable for you in the summertime? travel? reading? movies? gardening? beach time?   

We enjoy traveling in the summertime.  We usually do a lot more travel than we have this year. I also enjoy reading and gardening during the summer, and we have started going to movies again - going to two last week.  Of course we also like spending time with the grandchildren and do that as much as we can during the summer and every time we get a chance. 

If you are reading, do you have some books chosen?

I love to read and read six books in June.  I hope to read that many in July as well.   Right now, I am finishing up the novel, In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer.  I just started a nonfiction book call Mind Wars by Connor Boyack.  I'm also listening to the audiobook Our Savior Form Self-Doubt by Gaylamarie Rosenberg.

What do you have planned for this July?  Whatever you do, make it great!  Thanks for stopping by.  See you again soon - and Happy Independence Day everyone in the United States!

Until next time,

🎆Deb🎇

"May we think of freedom,

not as the right to do what we please,

but as the opportunity to do what is right."

~ Peter Marshall