January.....

....already almost done with it but it's been delightful so far. Randy and I just got back from a little adventure in our ATV and I'm glad he gets me out of the house once in a while because I wouldn't get myself out of the house but it's good to enjoy my surroundings. We went on the Pinto road for a while until I told him it's time to go back. I always figure we should only go as far as I figure we could walk back and there was no traffic that could have helped us out if we got stuck but it was a good drive and the sun was shining....I loved it. No pics of that one but just know it was beautiful.....and, I haven't talked about our trip to Florida which was wonderful. We left on the 4th and came back on the 11th and all went well. We are getting older and can't do as much but what we did was amazing. We enjoyed Joslyn's family very much.

We enjoyed Bok Tower Gardens very much. Lots to look at and it was so very beautiful and I loved the quotes that were all over the place by Edward Bok. here is a little bit about him that I found on the internet.  "Known also by their official name Bok Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower, Bok Tower Gardens are considered a National Historical Landmark in Florida. Since they opened to the public in 1929, over 23 million visitors have passed through the gardens to enjoy their historic landscape, the superb 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion and the unique Singing Tower carillon.  The Bok Tower Gardens were founded by Edward W. Bok who emigrated from the Netherlands and went on to become a Pulitzer Prize winning author and advocate of the environment.  Bok was awed by the beauty and dramatic views offered by the area and chose it create a bird sanctuary and place for meditation.  Bok commissioned the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. to build sub-tropical gardens which would entice wildlife and gifted the park to the public.

The stunning gardens offer acres of ferns, palms, pines and other trees, which create a backdrop to seasonal flowers. The gardens are home to 126 different species of birds, as well as a number of endangered reptiles such as the gopher tortoise and the eastern indigo snake.  There are many pathways that make up the Bok Tower Gardens, including two which lead to the Singing Tower.  This 205-foot neo-Gothic and art deco 60-bell carillon is a stunning piece of work crafted by the stone sculptor Lee Lawrie. The tower is surrounded by a moat which doubles as a koi pond. Daily recitals are given from the carillon set."

We spent a day at Disney World's Animal Kingdom which was amazing. I remember going there with Spencer and Shana's family quite a few years back and I loved it again this time. I got to go on a couple of rides.....I've never seen Avatar so I'm sure I didn't get the full appreciation for the ride. Here is what I learned about it after experiencing it:

"Can you believe that it’s been nearly a decade since the film Avatar came out in theaters and broke nearly every box office record imaginable? Since the debut of the film, the world of Pandora has stayed alive thanks to Disney World. When you experience Avatar Flight of Passage, you’ll be whisked away to a world like no other.

The Incredible World of Pandora

Anyone who has seen the film knows how gorgeous Pandora truly is. This exquisite jungle-like environment consisting of a wide variety of flora and fauna has been recreated so that when you experience Avatar Flight of Passage, you’ll be immersed in its beauty and splendor. But don’t forget that this virtual Garden of Eden also comes with wildlife at every turn.

Captures the Exhilarating Avatar Film

To experience Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney World is to be as close as you can possibly get to actually being in the Avatar film. You’ll truly feel as if you’re riding on the back of a real winged banshee as you soar through the gorgeous setting of Pandora. Every detail helps to capture the exhilarating feeling that you had while sitting in the theater and watching the world and story unfold before your very eyes. "

We also enjoyed the jungle excursion and I hadn't been on the Matterhorn forever and it was a blast as well. At one point it goes backward.....that was a huge shock but added a big WOW factor.

Randy and I took a day and kayaked with the Manatees at Crystal River.

It was a most enjoyable afternoon and fun to see we could still do it after a few years. It was ok getting in but the guy had to almost pick me up to get me out.

And as true to most of our trips to Florida, we find a lot of really good eating places, some our favorites from the past and some new ones.......

The worst of all, I must confess is that there was a Krispy Kreme on our way back to the hotel that we passed (but we didn't) several times a day. I lined the 3 boxes that we devoured in the week we were there and I'm not proud of it but it was so fun to not deprive ourselves of such an indulgence but I'm paying for it now in that I have to shed those pounds. I don't mind being fat, but the excess poundage that I put on my body last week just has to go as I'm at my "all-time" high. It's hard enough knocking on the door of  age 70 but I hate even being near the door of 190 if you know what I mean. I'll let you know how it goes. 

I gained a new appreciation for these wonderful goodies that were hot off the machine every time but you could nuke them for 10 seconds the next day and they were just as good. Oh, I want one now.

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It's always good to get home but we had left this little number in Joyce's garage and I hadn't had a chance to drive it so I was anxious......to say the least. Why?.....you may ask as I do but I don't question Randy when he wants to do something crazy (well most of the time I don't) but I guess this is our mid-life.....I mean end-of-life crisis.

It sure will be fun in the spring. Want a ride?

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It was time for Dixie's Got Talent and Scott made the finals for his second time and we all enjoyed his performance last Thursday.

He is amazing and did a great job. Traci said there was a technical difficulty in the middle of the performance but I didn't notice and if there really was, he sure covered up well. He seems to love performing and I can tell you for sure.....when he's up there, he owns that stage. 

....and when he's done, I sure do own him.....proud to call him my grand son. This kid has a bright future as he is just as good on the piano. Well, that's it for January so far. Another two weeks....time sure flies when you're having fun and I AM HAVING FUN. Let me leave you with an Irish Blessing for this new year......

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Out with the old.....

....and now it's 2020 here on out but before I start the new year, let me finish off a bit of 2019 which ended with a bang. I'll start with the last thing we did as it is one of my favorites....(I think this was the 5th year) and I always breath a sigh of relief when it's over and no one is hurt. Spencer told his co-workers yesterday that he was headed up to the Veyo Roller Rink after work and one of them asked if he was up to date with his Tetanus shot.......funny but a bit true. It's pretty run down and I'm sure the floor hasn't been re-done in the five years and.....we decided they need to provide some new shoelaces.......plenty of skates but no laces.  Maybe we can do that as  service project this year....I'll think about it but I think because it is so laid back, no one watching over us that we love it so much.

 We have pizza and left over treats from Christmas and......a whole lot of fun. Can't skate, ride a scooter.

Everyone heads home to celebrate the New Year. We did miss Mason's family this year but they were here the week before and Kyle called us all together for a "Cake Night" which we all love.

I take every opportunity I can to party and pic with these 20 wonders.....missing George but he's in our hearts.

Christmas Eve found me with my family enjoying another family tradition. Joyce joined us this year as Jarrett was out of town. The kids got their usual dollar bills and hats that light up. I got to watch Lauri's family open their Christmas jammies then we headed out to Joyce's where Randy and I joined her for a sleep-over and Christmas morning. So fun to be with my sister after 50 plus years,

We enjoyed opening presents to and from each other.....Joyce and I especially enjoying our reading lights and Randy his "carry and conceal" hammer set. Then we headed to Lauri's for Christmas Dinner.  It was a good celebration and so, so, so, important to be with family

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Speaking of family, Spencer and Shana and fam came to play in the snow. Spencer chalks it up as being a good dad as he sleeps by the fire and they play outside. Whatever it takes, I love having them come up. They always find something interesting. Check out the hunt for ice crystals.

 Wow, I think he broke the record.......

 Drew and Seth still trying......

Out my window a couple of days ago.....

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We slipped away to Salt Lake for a couple of days and were able to get our teeth cleaned and checked by Mason. We stayed at the Kimball one night then at Little America which is always fun.....we love both places. We were able to see Kaila, Tessa and fam, and Megan and fam. We enjoyed a very cold visit to Zoo Lights.

 One of my favorite parts of the trip was contributing to the Giving Machine. I thought we were pretty cheap.

....but someone somewhere will enjoy the chickens we sent them. What an amazing invention.

While at the JSM Building I found an old friend from our school days in Pullman. Margaret and I did the church scrapbook for a couple of years and really had a great time. I use several of her recipes to this day. Such a long time ago but it's always fun to get caught up.

....but my really favorite part of the trip was seeing Mason and his family.

 I always miss them at our Christmas Eve parties but I was able to give the kids my grandma present and visit with them for a bit.

 It's been a wonderful holiday season and a wonderful year.......

Me by a fire........here I am at Little America enjoying the memories of past times there. Our family's favor Christmas vacation spot, always good memories. Before I close out this portion of my blog book, let me add a few random pics that I'd like to post.

Pine Valley communities has really fun parties and we try to attend them when possible.  This was an especially fun one at the fire station. Always good food and good association with our neighbors and friends.

Looking forward to the new year watching Scott at Dixie's Got Talent, a fun book by Lyman Hafen and Ester West that I have enjoyed giving as gifts, Molly and Lucy in a fashion show at Jubilee of Trees, Randy enjoying the beautiful early winter weather, Spencer in my favorite shirt.....me in Texas admiring the flora....and I never give Randy enough credit for the wonderful person he is in my life. We have had a really great 7 plus years together. I've been crocheting a lot; here's a hat and my teddy bears: I made one for each of the kids on their birthdays. I'm sure I've already included some of them on other posts but it really "sparked joy" for me to make each one of them with love with the person I love in mind as I stitched them. I will close this year for now and enter 2020 with a few goals in mind that I will mention in tomorrows post. I'm so very grateful for my many, many blessings and I will continue to talk about them in future posts. Welcome with open arms......

2020