Give Thanks...Singing On Easter

 This morning I stood before a few hundred neighbors and family of neighbors and directed the music at church.

We sang hymns suitable for Easter.

Love those songs.

I also love scrolling my social media feeds on holidays, Easter, being no different. So many expressing their feelings for the day and what it means to them. 

This morning, in addition to the regular hymns, our congregational choir sang a difficult song and they did great. When I first heard the song, I wasn't quite sure if your little group could tackle it, but they sang wonderfully. I should not have doubted.

The meeting's final hymn, He Is Risen, is a favorite. It's a celebration, an anthem of faith, and I added my voice to others to proclaim to the world...He is risen. I'm thankful for those songs, thankful we can sing them, thankful for the day, and the reason behind it.

We sing every Sunday. They're all special, but sometimes, some days are just a little more.

Looks...Can Be Deceiving

 The house is hard to miss--it's such a beautiful building located a few miles from where we live. We believe took an existing barn and converted it into a home. You can't tell from the picture, but the landscaping in front of the home is incredible. It's obvious someone took a lot of care into the property. Today, we had the opportunity to go inside because they had an estate sale this morning.

Inside wasn't what I expected.

I've not been in a lot of barn homes. From the outside, I thought about that huge space rising into the sky and what could be inside. Open floor plans are all the rage and think of what could be done in a space like that...personally, I'd put in a kitchen and living room on the main floor, maybe the master suite on the other side of the main floor. Above, I'd have a staircase going up, a TV/game room on one side and a library on the other with a suspended walkway joining them. It would be amazing.

That's what I thought the inside of this building looked like, or what it might look like.

I was wrong.

We went inside. They had some clothes on racks for sale on the bottom/main floor. They said there was more things for sale upstairs. I got kind of excited to be able to go upstairs. My wife and I climbed the stairs to...

Nothing.

Well, not nothing. The space was there, the roof rose twenty-plus feet above. The floor was plywood and only wood frames lined the walls. The man moving called the space the loft and it was bare, bare except for the items the family was selling.

Oh, what it could be.

We think the people living on the main floor are renting and the owners have not done anything with the upper space. If I had the means I would love to convert the space into something wonderful. 

From the outside, this building looks like it could be something in a magazine, both inside and out. It was an example to me that looks can be deceiving.

Individuality...

 There's much to see, when you take a short drive from where you live. It may not appear at that way, at first, but if you look closer, there's always something new.

Of course, sometimes you find new things you don't have to look very hard to see.

The other night my son and I were out driving. We drove down a road we've driven dozens of times and what did we happen upon? An illuminated dinosaur. The valley in which we drive is sparsely populated. There's literally acres between homes at some points. Because we've driven through the neighborhoods at various times of the year, we've seen holiday decorations at Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and even Easter decorations. But, a dinosaur...

That was new.

It got me thinking. Why was there a dinosaur in that yard? Do they have a dinosaur-loving child who lives there? Was it put up as a dare or because of a bet? Did someone have a crazy idea of building a dinosaur and running lights on it? It's not something someone does casually. It took some time and effort.

Then, there's the fact that very few people will actually sea the thing. That shouldn't be a consideration, but it sometimes is. The home doesn't have thousands, or even hundreds of people driving by to appreciate the art. I know I've put up things, not for others, but for me and the family. I suppose that's why they did it...for them, not necessarily for me. It's a way of presenting their individuality.

I'm glad we drove by. I'm glad we saw the illuminated dinosaur.

I wonder, also, if it has a name.

I'll bet it does.

Happy World Theatre Day...To All Who Celebrate

 It's World Theatre Day and my social media feeds are full of friends posting memories, many of which I was a part.

Wonderful memories.

On a whim I took my then five-year old son to an audition for "Scrooge" at the no longer in existence Rodgers Memorial Theater. It was fall, 2000. From 2000 to 2019 my son--and then my daughter-- and I did many shows together, and I did a few by myself. I've been blessed to work with talent upon talent, so many incredible people, so many incredible shows.

These pictures (and thousands more...) can be found on Ronald Russell's Flickr page where he was the designated photographer for both theaters for years. You can access his Flickr page by clicking: HERE. Ron is yet another amazing person I met because of the shows. That's the thing...it's not just fellow performers you meet and get to know. 

These pictures are from shows more than ten years old. I picked them because they were fun, but then again, almost all the shows were fun. I knew I was never going to be a leading man...character roles were always my lot, and I accepted it gladly. I remember getting parts and not understand how I--with no real theatrical background--could be cast in show after show aside remarkable individuals. 

 The last show I did was Peter Pan in Ogden. That was 2019, then covid hit and the world changed. Not being on stage was so painful for those involved in the shows. You, as an audience member, may have missed the theatre, but I guarantee you, those in front of and behind the stage missed it more.

It's been five years since I stepped foot on stage, five years since I've seen a show in a theater. If I never do another show, my life's been forever changed by the experience.

Wonderful, wonderful memories.

And He Didn't Even Say, "Goddag..."

 As I waited for my tank to fill, I glanced over at the Dodge parked in front of the store. That's when I noticed the license plate with the word "ODENSE" on it. 

Not many people know what that word means.

There's a city on the Danish island of Fyn called Odense. It's most famous for it being the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, beloved author and spinner of yarns. I lived in that town for four months back in the mid 1980s. It's a beautiful city with incredibly nice people (as long as you're not talking religion...). 

On the day I filled my tank and saw the car, I happened to be wearing my Dannebrog, or Danish Flag t-shirt. That, and the fact I have a DK sticker on my car--I thought would allow the owner of the car with the license plate of Denmark's third-largest city, would see me, the shirt, the sticker, and if not say "hi," at least acknowledge another lover of the country.

I was Dansk-decked out for just such and occasion.

As the gasoline continued to flow into Donk, the Subaru, I saw the owner of the silver car emerge from the store. I tried catching his attention in as non-a-creepy-way as possible. He looked over as he opened the door, then...

He climbed inside and drove away.

No big deal, really.

Still, it would have been fun to at least say, "Goddag," or give the ol' lifted chin greeting, signifying we both understood something communicated non-verbally. Heck, for all I know, the car might belong to his dad, or mom, or sister, or someone else who would understand the significance of all that Danish Dynamite emanating from across the parking lot. The driver might not know much about Denmark at all.

Yeah...I think I'll go with that.

Yes, You've Seen The Movie, But Have You tried The Kevin Bacon Burger At Mack's...?

 It was my brother who educated us, since we haven't been eating out as of late. It took him passing through town and he happened to pick Mack's Drive Inn to get lunch, the one restaurant that served the Kevin Bacon Burger. He told us of his experience, so I decided I had to experience it myself.

And I did.

There are a limited number of places to eat in our little town. My brother was traveling north and he asked for suggestions on where they could eat as the drove by. We recommended a few. We did not recommend where they eventually stopped--not because we don't like their food, but more due to time. They said they wanted to eat quickly and Mack's Drive Inn is great, but not as quick as others--good food is worth the wait.

I asked about their meal. He said the burger was great. Last weekend my wife and I decided to give it a try. It was good, not too heavy, great balance. And I didn't feel like I needed to take a nap right after eating.

They wrote "Kevin" on the container...nothing more was needed, really. It told those who prepared our meals and those who ate those meals everything important for us to know.

News hit earlier this month that Kevin Bacon, the actual actor/singer/dancer/non-burger will be returning to Utah to attend the prom at the high school where Footloose was filmed. I hope all involved will have a wonderful time honoring the film that made, among others, Lehi Roller Mills famous.

If you're traveling north to Idaho, or west to Idaho, or east to Utah or south to Utah, stop by Mack's Drive Inn on Tremonton's historic Main Street and order yourself a Kevin Bacon Burger. But you'd better hurry...

Don't know how long it's going to be around.

Remembering The Time I Hung Out With Ron Simmons...Professional Wrestler

My son and his friends have become...

Pro wrestling fans.

I'm not concerned, in fact, I think it's a fun sport to follow. There's interesting stories, personalities, and they've been entertaining crowds for centuries. I have little connection to wrestling, professional or otherwise. Back in ancient times, when there were only three channels on TV, and as a kid you watched whatever they put on, my brother and I watched professional wrestling. It was fun. We'd watch The Iron Sheik, Rick Flair, Baron Von Raschke "The Claw" (who is still alive...), non-wrestler Gene Okerlund, so many others. It was fun, mostly harmless entertainment.

I don't watch pro wrestling anymore, but from the snippets I've seen, the modern version is like the wrestling I used to watch but on steroids (sorry...). It's high-flying, loud, flashy, and to say it's over-the-top is an understatement.

My son said he and his friend get together on-line and watch Wrestle-Mania. I told him at a comic con years ago I hung out with a professional wrestler. Today I dug up the pictures and showed him. He didn't know Ron Simmons--I could say the same thing when I met him in 2015--but he's going to see if his friend recognizes the name.

I blogged about the experience back in 2015. If you'd like to read that post, click: HERE. Ron was such a nice man. I spent most of the three days just sitting and talking to him. The fans who recognized him were so grateful he came. I also got to know his handler, Rodger. That guy was a character, too. 

I wonder if, in the coming days and years, my son will have the opportunity to meet some of the athletes and performers he's fallowing now. I'd like to think so. If his experience is anything like mine, it'll be a good one.

Give Thanks...The Skies Of Palm Sunday

 Yesterday, several storm fronts blew into Utah, leaving rain and snow across the entire state. Thankfully, we suffered no wide-spread damage, or none that I've heard of where we live. If we have a rainy season, I'm guessing we're in it now.

Utah is one of the driest states in the country, and I'm not talking about alcohol. Growing up here I thought it always snowed (and snowed a lot...) in the winters. I remember there always being snow on the hill and we could go sledding and tubing whenever we wanted. I know that's not true, but as a kid, you remember the things you remember. 

Because it's the rainy season now, the skies are full of clouds, sometimes big, puffy, and white...sometimes so thick you can't see the sun. Today, Palm Sunday, we had both. Years ago I worked with a man who was also a photographer. He showed us some of his photos and much of his best work included pictures of clouds. He said he loved clouds because without them, you have just blue sky and that can be a little boring.

He's right.

This morning, I snapped a picture of the eastern sky. So dark and so light at the same time. This afternoon the huge white cumulus clouds rose into the sky and it was beautiful. I am thankful for the rain and the snow. Without it, nothing survives, nothing grows and everyone would be forced to leave. And on a day of reflection, where thoughts turn to an ultimate sacrifice I'm thankful for so many things, so many good things in this world. I'm also thankful for the skies where we live...

They're beautiful, too.

Madness In March...Yes, It's Madness

 What you seen in this picture is the price of a Wendy's Single hamburger...the price I paid earlier in the week.

It's madness.

It is, in fact, the price thanks to a burger promotion during the NCAA college basketball tournament, better known as March Madness. And it is definitely madness, but the madness has little to do with a basketball tournament, or any sports at all. What's mad is how much that burger costs without the promotion.

It's not just madness...it's criminal.

I haven't visited many fast food establishments as of late. That's not entirely true. I haven't visited fast food establishments for lunch or dinner. My wife and I have gotten breakfast on Fridays at McDonalds and we try to limit how much we spend. We've accepted the fact that our breakfast is going to cost around $10 for two people, a little more if we get extras.

I saw the March Madness promotion from Wendy's, so I downloaded the app and went to the restaurant for a cheap meal. I thought I'd get a combo meal, what they used to call a "value" meal. Those days are gone. The single costs me $1.07. Without the promotion it costs six bucks, and the combo meal was--if I remember correctly--$9. 

Have we lost our minds?

My wife and I used to go out to eat for dinner at least once a week for date night. It was fun--a night we didn't have to prepare a meal or do the dishes. Sometime last fall, we just sort of...stopped. Our weekly tradition ended with little fanfare. I know we can't be alone in this. So, what happens when the food costs so much people just stop going?

Nothing good.

I know talking about this is subjective. People put different values on how far a dollar (or five or ten or twenty...) goes these days. I also understand we no longer live in the same world we did four years ago when food was much more affordable. I also know there are many factors that caused the price to rise so high. All I know is I may take advantage of the March Madness promotion until it's over, then I can't imagine I'll be going to Wendy's for a burger any time soon.

And that's too bad...the burger was pretty good.

At A Crossroads...

 About a mile from my house, a road splits into two...if you take one, you'll go north to Idaho, Montana, and eventually, Canada. If you take the other, you'll also hit Idaho, but then Oregon and ending in Portland. Thousand of cars, trucks, motorcycles, decide which road to take each month...just one of many decisions we make everyday.

Rising high in the air is a sign, illuminated at night, informing travelers they can chose this particular brand of gasoline at the crossroads. Not just gas, the establishment has other items, things both the commuter and the local need. The sign is a beacon, one of several on both roads...different companies, different services.

It all begins at the crossroads.

From its height, the signs witness them all pass by, each with a different purpose, a different goal, a different need and reason for passing. They all, however, travel the same road in the same direction. I wonder those who exited and stopped. Were they excited, tired, sad, depressed, anxious? Most likely a combination of several. Some leaving a bad relationship, job, toxic situation, some visiting friends, family, or driving just to get from one place to another.

At this very moment, those approaching the crossroads are driving either straight ahead or veering to the right. The one decision determines where they'll end up, just like millions of drivers have done ever since the road was built. I hope whatever decision they make brings them closer to the conclusion they want. 

Social Media..TMI

 Came across this little gem a few weeks ago. I mean, it's funny...weird and funny, but it reminded me of a bigger issue, something I'm guilty of doing, namely...

Giving out too much information on social media.

Now, I know neither Anastasia nor Ben personally. And if I'm Anastasia and need to purchase human-grade deboned rabbit meat, I'm not sure reaching out via Facebook and other social media outlets is the best way to find human-grade deboned rabbit meat. Then again, maybe it is. Maybe the best way to secure this type of meat is to reach out on the apps. 

I have no idea.

Then again, how much information is too much? That's the eternal question, I suppose. There are things I've blogged about or posted pictures about that some might shake their heads at and think, "If it were me, I wouldn't post that." I understand. Then again, I suppose what is acceptable to post for one person would be verboten for another. Some don't want anything about them out on the nets. The problem is, it's almost impossible to keep your personal information secret.

The more information I put out into the social media universe, the more I'm adding to that giant information blob.

There's a natural follow-up question for Anastasia. I'd love to ask the question and even more, would love to know the answer, but I guess that information will forever remain a mystery.

Sometimes I Miss Working In An Office...Then I Get Over It

 Yup. It's true. I was reminded of some good times when I returned to an office setting yesterday. In an area (not accessible to the public...), I spotted what you see in the photo. Yes, it's a...

Easter Mummy.

Stuff like that is great. When you work in an office, unless it's for a special company or organization, creativity is many times lacking. You go in, you do your work, you go home...ABC, 123. I know some offices are run that way and I know many in charge who want their offices to be run that way. 

Still, there are exceptions.

The key is the cubicle. It's a blank canvas. When I worked in cubicles, I wasn't one of the "extreme" decorators. I'd classy it up a bit--especially at Halloween, but in the end, it would all come down and be replaced by either other stuff, or nothing.

I walked into the office yesterday, saw the Easter Mummy, had a laugh, and snapped a picture. As decorations go, it's top shelf. I wonder if anyone in the office is offended? Do they like it and wish there was more...or gone altogether?

When all things are said and done, I'm glad I'm no longer required to go to the office everyday. I prefer my room at home where I can decorate it any way I want. For Halloween, I pull out my Ghost Beanie Baby, I set up Gobbles, the Turkey for Thanksgiving, and our Beanie Baby Santa Clause for Christmas. Actually, Christmas warrants a little more decorating and I'm happy to oblige. 

Yes, it's fun to return, every once in a while, but I get over it fast enough.

The Legend Of...The Booger

 I should make one thing clear...we did not name this car The Booger. No, the name was chosen by the owners of the car when they bought it over a decade ago. I should also mention, I have an incomplete history of the Booger, all information gathered during a short test drive last weekend.

But, with a name like that, its story deserves to be told.

My son and I embarked on a quest, the quest for reliable (and inexpensive...) transportation. For those who have made similar quests, you know it's never-ending. It's also a crap shoot. You can do all the research in the world and you can still end up with a lemon. To be successful, you need to go on gut feeling and dumb luck.

We arrived at the house in the early evening. The owner greeted us and told us a little about the car. The first question I had was if the car had a nickname, possibly Greenie. My first car was nicknamed Greenie. That's when he said they call it, "The Booger." Oh, he almost made a sale right there. It was the perfect name for the car.

Since it was a manual, I did the test driving. My son has yet to master the manual. It wasn't the quickest car, nor the most powerful, but it drove straight up and down Mutton Hallow Road, a road that held high school memories for me. All while driving, the owner regaled us with praise for the little car, even though the passenger-side mirror was duct taped on and the radio currently resided in the trunk. 

Indeed, the power of the Booger overtook me as I navigated it through northern Kaysville roads. We turned round and my son correctly identified the road I took was an "Exit Only." I proclaimed that the Booger cannot be denied--it goes where it wants (a truism for most boogers...).

We brought it home, told the owner we had some decisions to make, especially in the "must learn to drive a manual" department. We left the Booger on the side of the road (another truism for boogers...), and we drove away.

My son's put off deciding on a car for now. He'll wait and earn more money--smart kid. I'm sure when the time comes to resume the quest, the Booger will be long-gone. Just as well. Here's hoping it found a good home...

And hoping the new owners kept the nickname. It'd be a shame if they didn't.

When The Swans Come Back To Bear River Valley...

 It's that time of year...the year the birds return. Not the swallows of Capistrano, but the swans to Northern Utah. 

And it's an incredible sight to see. So much so, I blog about it every year.

We're experiencing our fourth spring in the valley. I still remember the first time we heard the birds. We didn't know what it was...a low, distant thumping coming from somewhere. We went outside and were blown away. Waves and waves of birds in V formations passed overhead, each waved seemed bigger than the past. 

Year after year the swans return, some years we catch more of the migrating birds than other years. The second year we were sort of let down...we must have missed them. Then, came the following year and we again saw the mass of birds heading north. 

Tonight, we witnessed the returning, the flocks of rows and rows of birds. I try to capture the sight with my phone camera. There's just no way to transfer what we see to the electronic page. My wife said as we walked along the street that spring is definitely here. It's another sure sign of the season change.

Next year, God willing, we'll be sitting in our home or be outside and we'll hear that familiar sound, the low, distant thumping, and we'll know what that means. We'll look up in the sky and see the birds on their journey north...

And I'll probably blog about it.

Give Thanks...For A/C

 It's coming, the warmer weather. I couldn't stop it even if I tried. Most worship warmer weather and welcome it with open sleeveless arms. Me?

It's complicated.

In many ways I love a good spring or summer day. I really enjoyed summer as a child, growing up on the side of a mountain with an amusement park only a few miles away wearing only shorts, a t-shirt, and shoes. I had amazing friends, amazing parents and siblings, and a wonderful childhood.

Then, you grow up.

Growing up means summer is just another season in which a person works--some don't, but I don't have one of those jobs. Growing up means having to wear enough clothing to be socially acceptable--some don't, but I'm one to obey local decently laws. I still have amazing friends, my parents have passed, but am having a wonderful adult-time.

However, there are things brought on by spring and enhanced by summer, namely allergies, bugs, and weeds. Three's always good with the bad and the older I get, the less I appreciate allergies, bugs, and/or weeds.

Turning on the A/C on my car is one of the first signs of spring. I'll use the A/C sparingly now, then as time goes on, it'll be on more and more until the hot months when it's pretty much a given. I'm thankful to live in a place where we have four defined seasons, where we live in a time when A/C is something to which we have access. I'm also thankful that with each passing day, we're closer to the time when the temperatures will drop and bugs and weeds disappear. It's only a matter of time.

There's A New Store In Town...Well, Not My Town

I have not always been a fan of Legos. That doesn't mean I ever disliked them, there was time when I had no opinion on them, mostly because we didn't have them. Being born in the mid-1960s I knew of Legos. They were around, but they were nothing like the toy behemoth they are today.

Back then, you got different colored plastic bricks...

And that was all.

Oh, there'd a tire here and there, but it was truly a toy of imagination. It still is, I suppose, but in a different way. You imagine all the things you could buy if you didn't buy Legos. They're pricy now. I'm not downplaying their value. A thing is worth what someone will pay for it, and many will pay much for them. The sets now are so elaborate and creative. What I like most is they remind me of other things...of movies, of cars, of stories, of just about anything.

One regret I have about my time living in Denmark is I did not visit Legoland when I was there. I believe, back in the mid-1980s, it was the world's only Legoland. Even though it wasn't what Legolands are today, it still would have been fun to go.

Now, a Lego store has opened up in my old stomping grounds. I got to visit yesterday and check it out. It wasn't large--I thought it might be bigger--but it had many kits and projects, enough Lego building to last a long time, that is, if you have the cash.

I asked my son if he wished the store had been around when we lived there. He said it would not have made a big difference--most of the Lego kits he has to order online. He did say it would have been cool to maybe get a job there. I agree...that would be a fun job for someone who loves Lego.

Yes, there's a new store in town, just not our town. Just as well...we'd probably spend to much time (and other things...) there, anyway.

Well Done, Dave...Another Reason To Go To A Bookstore

 My son and I visited a Barnes & Noble today. I think I speak for many when I say I didn't appreciate bookstores when there used to be so many. They were in every mall, and several other places across this great nation. Now, they're like water sources in a literary oasis...few and far between.

There was something different back then, too.

I did not personally know anyone who had written a book in those stores. Times have changed.

Like any author, you dream of one day entering a bookstore, either a local or national chain--it makes no difference--and going to a specific section of the store and causally spotting a book with your name on it. I've thought about it. It's still a dream/goal. And if I work hard and keep going, it can happen for me.

Just like it's happened for my friend, Dave.

It's normal for me to enter a book store and see Dave's books, as well as other authors I know. I thought they might have more of his titles...he's a machine when it comes to output. And, I still need to read those titles, not only for support, but because he's a fantastic writer.

Yes, it's fun to go into a bookstore. Now, I have another reason to enjoy the experience.

One Of Those Things You Do...

 I know people who love cars. They love to drive them, they love to check them out when they drive by, and they love to see how much they cost when they will be in the market for a car, truck, or other mode of transportation.

We  have a couple of boys in the house who have turned their attention to cars. They've also approached their parents for advice. That's always nice. Because they've asked, I have done some searching. Haven't done that for a while.

We've never been a family that goes through a lot of cars. When we get a car that's reliable, we tend to ride it into the sunset. I hope my children can find similar cars. Anyone who has owned and driven (and repaired...) cars knows finding a good reliable car is like winning the lottery. 

The search has just begun, but for their first cars, but what may turn into a life-long obsession. Then again, they may look at a car like any other things they own, like a shirt, or computer keyboard, or a toaster.

Not a lot of people fascinated by toasters...

At least, that I know of.

Yes...We're Growing

 For fun I did a little research on my home state and the city where we currently live. Several months ago I came across a stat that surprised me. The year we moved to the little town, the population grew 10%. That's impressive. And in the year since, that growth rate has not stopped.

Ten percent.

There's a website that, if you're a numbers person (and I'm not, really...), you'll love. It's WorldPopulationReview.com. I searched for Utah stats and the site directed me to Utah's statistics. You can check it out by clicking: HERE.

Lots and lots of things you wanted to know--and perhaps didn't want to know--about the Beehive State. Here's some interesting stats about the state in general:

• Utah has the youngest population in the entire United States, as well as one of the highest birth rates.
• Utah's population is considered the healthiest in the entire country.
• The state also has the highest literacy rate, the highest number of high school graduates and the highest number of college graduates.
• The mountains near Salt Lake City see an average of 500 inches of snowfall annually.
• Gosiute, Paiute, Shoshone, and Ute Indians originally inhabited what is now the state of Utah. In fact, the name was derived from the Ute Indians.
• Salt Lake City has the second highest number of plastic surgeons per capita than any other city in the US.
• A higher number of Utahns are married than in any other state. In addition, the median age of marriage is lower than the nationwide average.

I knew we had a young population and I knew we married in greater numbers than other states. It's interesting to learn about where you live.

I know I can move to another part of the country and get paid more for doing the same job. Still, I do love it here. And by the looks of things, so do many others...

Especially, in our little town.

There's A Secret To This Clock...

 To the casual observer, this is a typical wall clock, one seen on millions of homes and businesses (okay, maybe not this particular clock at a business...). But, there's something you're not seeing, something that might take you several minutes to notice.

I'll give you a hint.

The clock would look exactly the same if you looked at it five minutes later.

You see, it doesn't work without a good battery.

I did everything right Sunday morning. I got up and after breakfast I forwarded the time on all the clocks one hour like I'm supposed to do. I then sat on the couch and waited until it was time for me to get dressed and ready for church. 

We now live about three miles from the chapel and because I lead the music, I like to get there early to set things up and check out the hymns we'll be singing. I sat on the couch and played a game on my phone, occasionally checking the clock on the wall. Time got away from me and I checked the clock again. Then, I glanced at my phone...

I had five minutes before the meeting started.

Crap.

And I wasn't even dressed.

That's what happens when you set the clock to the right time but fail to notice the battery had died. The first thing I did was text my friend to see if she would cover my assignment. Thankfully, she agreed. I arrived about ten minutes late and sat on the back row.

There's a joke that people either arrive an hour early to church when the clocks are moved back in the fall and are late to church when the clocks are moved forward.

The joke's based in truth.

Love This Place...

 The picture, I admit, is subpar. The composition is bad, the foreground is not picturesque and it does not enhance the main subject of photograph, that is, the Teton mountain range.

Still...

I do love that valley.

This past weekend my wife and I traveled to Southwestern Idaho to visit family and to celebrate a birthday--and a life. Driving into the valley from the west on a clear winter day is a sight that takes your breath away. I've seen the mountain range during all four seasons of the year...there's something about winter that is special.

Of course, make sure you have somewhere warm to stay because--though beautiful--it's also one of the coldest places on earth.

We arrived early to help out and gather with family. After arriving I realized if I wanted to get a photograph of the Tetons (because we didn't get one driving in...), I needed to do it then because it would be too dark when we were leaving. I went outside and took a photo. The view you see if from the LDS church parking lot in Tetonia. 

I think the first trip I ever took as baby was to Driggs, Idaho. I could be wrong, because I was very little at the time. But, growing up, we took annual trips to Driggs to visit my mother's father...the only grandparent I ever met. We ran around on the small dairy farm, watched my grandpa milk the cows, and sleep in the family home.

Now, my cousin resurrected the Driggs homestead for his family. The home, the valley, all of it...it's a special place, blessed by God, but not for the uncommitted. It takes a hearty person to accept the valley and thrive therein.

No, the photograph's not perfect. Like the valley, it has its flaws, but it's also beautiful and majestic and timeless.

I love this place.

Give Thanks...Creative Friends

 Years ago, I read so many books. I downloaded and listened to the audiobook version. Some don't count that as "reading" but those who do are wrong. It's been a while since I literally (and I'm using the work "literally" correctly...) picked up a book and read it. That changed recently.

The book I chose:

Jared Nathan Garrett's The Seer.

This post isn't about the story, because I'm only halfway through--I know, I need to read more (baby steps...). What I'm thankful for today is that I consider Jared a friend, as I do with many local authors. As a group, they are some of the kindest, most talented people I know. They are generally interested in the writing careers of others and they want them to succeed. That's rare. 

Of the local writers I know, I'm probably one of the least-generating ones, but still they are interested in my works in progress and I know they are pulling for me to get my butt in gear and start seriously producing more content to read.

I'm thankful that I can attend a local writing conference and be accepted by a group of such talented people. I'm thankful that we live in a time when a person, with nothing more than a dream and determination can produce physical books that can offer entertainment for others.

It's a wonderful time to be alive.

Talte Dansk I Kirken...Oh, How Long It's Been

 In our church we have a monthly meeting where there are no (not supposed to be...) prepared talks. It's a time when regular members of the congregation stand and tell everyone what they believe. It's a chance for those listening to be encouraged and uplifted, and those speaking to strengthen their faith.

It's called a Fast and Testimony meeting.

And it can either be one of the most spiritual meetings, or it can go off the rails fast.

These meetings are usually held on the first Sunday of each month. Last Sunday we had our usual meeting and I sat and prepared to hear everyone else--not me--stand and bear their testimonies. As most people who attend know, there are some who are "regulars" and some--like me--that hardly ever stand.

Last week something unusual happened. Our bishop stood and invited us all up, as usual, then he said he'd like to hear from those of us who spoke a different language. It's not uncommon for members to have traveled out of the country on LDS missions, or be assigned a mission inside the United States but learn to speak a different language to communicate with people in the USA from other countries.

In my life I've never had a bishop ask for that specific thing.

The first person who rose spoke French and expressed his beliefs in French. Another person stood and spoke in English. Then, I did something I almost never do. I stood and walked toward the podium. I looked at the bishop as I approached and whispered, "Really?" He nodded.

I spoke Danish at a podium in a LDS church for the first time in many years.

It was an amazing experience. 

Funny thing about missionaries who learn different languages. When they learn the language, they learn a spiritual vocabulary. It's not that the words are holy, but you become efficient at speaking about the church. Even when I had the best understanding of the language, I probably would have trouble speaking to a native Dane about auto repair or government or the law. But, have me talk about religion...I'm good.

I served with a man who told me that his understanding of the church was in Danish. He wasn't as active before and became so when he chose to serve a mission. Bearing my testimony in Danish was special.

Others stood--a lot of Spanish speakers, one who spoke Italian, another Portuguese, and several other French speakers. Then a woman stood and said nothing, at least vocally. She taught others using Sign Language. I loved it.

I said before that these meetings can either be the most spiritual or go off the rails. 

This meeting was one of the former.

A Dessert Deserved...

 Do you see what I see?

You may see some delicious ice cream with homemade fudge and a wafer cookie on the side. Actually, it's what I see, too. But, there's something else here, something you may not know. 

This is remuneration...

For services rendered.

It's a little strange, but stay with me. Tonight we had the family over for dinner. I love my family. They are the best part of my life. I love being with them and as time grows, we've added more to the fold. Tonight, we had dinner and played with the grandbaby...he's crawling now. They were only with us a few hours, but those few hours wore me out.

The dessert was a reward.

Then again, maybe having many "rewards" such as this is one reason I was worn out.

I've noticed something else, something I suspected and now my suspicions are verified. There's a reason you should have kids in your 20s and 30s. Having them in your 40s and 50s is not ideal. I understand many have no choice--things happen when they happen, but for those who do have a choice, man--have those kids early. You'll thank yourself for it later.

Maybe I need to cut back on the rewards and do some exercising to prepare for the little tyke and hopefully, more little tykes that will follow. Still, I stand by my statement...taking care of kids later in life, well...it's a tough job and it warrants a dessert deserved.

Don't You Just Love Job Interviews...?

 Don't you just love job interviews?

In my career I've participated in an interview or two. I've also been on the other side of the table, being on committees who hired. I've had successful interviews, and I'm had more that were the opposite. Thankfully, we live in a society that can make fun of ourselves in meme form.

And many are pure classics.

I have a co-worker friend who shares my sense of humor when it comes to interview memes and we've set many a text message containing some great ones. I should apologize for not crediting the originators of these memes, but truth be told, they most likely stole them from somewhere else.

And, I should also add, these are quite tame compared to some I've seen. I'll let you find those on your own, thank you very much. 

Personally, there are fewer things I detest than interviewing, probably because I'm not a good interviewer. I haven't had too many "crash and burn" interviews. There have been some, but for the most part, I do okay, and that's part of the problem. I think I'm doing better than I actually do. I realize how poorly I did after it's over and I think about my answers and responses...it's then I consider how much better I should have done had I only said this or said that.

Then, there's the worst question, "What are your greatest strengths?" and the even worse follow up, "What are you biggest weaknesses?"

Yeah. I'm not seeing them used as much anymore...maybe people are realizing there are better ways to get to know if someone is a good fit for an organization.

I have no idea how many job interviews await me in my future. Hopefully, more can be found in my past than in my future. However, no matter how many there are, I'll always hate those questions.

I Mean, How Dim Am I...? Don't Answer That

 Maybe it was because we had been shopping most of the morning and I was tired. Maybe it was because we hadn't had our Costco pizza slice (the ABSOLUTE best meal value, by the way...), or maybe it's because I was dim. Whatever the reason, I looked at something while taking a break on one of Costco's comfy chairs.

Look at the above picture. What do you see?

I see a backyard gym that will hopefully provide hours and hours of enjoyment and will act as a deterrent to screen time. I see the price, a dollar under $1200. I see a huge assembly headache. I see lots and lots of creative options for the youngsters. 

But I saw something else...

I saw a potential dangerous situation, and I thought..."How could they build something so dangerous?"

If you notice, as I did, there's a tic-tac-toe game on the second floor of the amazing structure. I looked at that and thought how dangerous it is to have kids hanging on the outside of the second story playing tic-tac-toe. It took me a minute to realize there's two sides to the game. Yes, if kids could only access the game from the outside, it's dangerous and irresponsible. But, if they play from inside--totally fine.

Funny how you think you understand life, and then you realize, not always.

It's a good lesson, but it looking at an expensive children's toy, or when thinking about things that really matter.

It's Strange...Seeing The End Of An Era

 When you've lived for almost six decades, you're old enough to see things. You see people--parents, kids, yourself--grow and change. You see trends in fashion, cars, communication, almost everything, change. Things get really interesting when you see the complete life cycle of a thing like the popularity of a song or movie...

Even how people shop.

A few months ago I stood in the nearly empty halls of a once great institution.  Many may not think of it as such, but to the millions of people who entered the halls and shops of the Cache Valley Mall, the place was important...

Important in ways we've most likely forgotten.

I'm sure malls existed before me, but I remember they became popular in the 1970s, and by "popular" I mean, they started building them where I lived. Bountiful Utah had a mall called Five Points Mall. It was, well...sorry for those who loved the place, but it was not impressive. They did have a huge Hallmark Store, though...I remember that. They also had a theater where I did a show while in high school, and they had Top Hat Video, a store that outlived the mall in which it once resided. 

The next best mall near where I lived was in Layton, the apt-named Layton Hills Mall. I spent a good share of time in that mall, not slumming, but shopping. We even watched movies in the near by theaters.

Over the years and decades, malls have fallen into disfavor with the public, so much so, that many are closing. The mall I visited in January was the Cache Valley Mall and it's slated for demolition. 

End of an era.

I've lived long enough to see malls crop up all over the world, the malls put other businesses out-of-business, achieve huge success, then eventually close due to the changing habits of the consumer.

I didn't frequent the Cache Valley Mall enough to say I'll miss it. I know there will be times when I will miss what made malls great in the first place...the ability to find so many things you need (and many you don't...) under one enormous roof.

I wonder how long it will be until we will wish malls once again dotted the landscape, which may never happen.

Time will tell.

Have You Ever Asked Yourself, What Took Me So Long...?

 This isn't the biggest regret of my life, but I definitely shouldn't have waited this long.

My wife manages the household, something she does extremely well. Not only does she schedule meals and snacks for me and her, we've got two boys living under our roof...two adult boys. Adult boys like to eat and sometimes, they can be finicky. Not to the point of annoyance, mind you, but we want to buy things they like.

Enter Ritz Bits.

My wife has been buying these snacks for a while. For some reason, I avoided them, and I don't really know why. Maybe because Ritz crackers are good but only in certain situations, something of which I'm sure the makers of Ritz Crackers would vehemently disagree. Something happened a few weeks ago. I picked up a snack pack, opened it up, and gave them a try.

Reaction...?

Pretty good.

Not the best thing out there, but pretty good. I don't know how many boxes of these little treasures I've passed up, but those days are gone. Now, when I see the red, purple, and cheese packages, I will be participating.

There is one good thing that came out of my ignorance...my kids got a lot more tasty snacks.

Hope they enjoyed those Canaan Days.

Give Thanks...Finding My Birth Father

For me, the past few months  have been a whirlwind, life-changing adventure. Not only did I find and speak with my birth mother in November, this year I found my dad, and even though I cannot speak with him, I've learned about the man...

Through the memories of others.

Thanks to Ancestry.Com, I connected with a second cousin on my father's side. She reached out years ago looking for lost relatives. Apparently, someone in her family was a truck driver and since joining Ancestry, they've found several "relatives" from all across the country. She wondered if I was a product of the man's, shall we say, generosity. When I reached out this time years later, I had a name, my birth father's name, and once I gave my cousin the name, the floodgates flew wide open.

She gave me her number and I called. We spoke and a world that had always been a mystery opened up to me. She told me of my father and a little about the man he was. One thing she wanted me to have was a memory book handed out at my father's funeral. A few weeks after our conversation, the book arrived. With it, a binder full of family history with pictures and stories of my father and his father and the family's adventures in Texas. Plus, story after story of my father, his career, family, and passing.

It was such a wonderful treasure to receive.

Being adopted, I find myself comparing my birth father to the father who raised me. I found the similarities striking. Both fathers served in the military. Both served in law enforcement, in fact, unlike my adoptive father, my birth father continued in law enforcement as a career. 

I found the non-similarities fascinating, too.

My birth father was an athlete. He played little league football, high school and college baseball, he golfed, coached teams, and was involved in sports all his life. My adoptive father's youth was quite different. Instead of playing sports, he was hunting food to feed his family. To be fair, I know less about my birth father's history, than the other, so I'm sure my birth father had trying times growing up during the WWII and post-war America. I've never seen a photo of my adoptive father playing sports. He was too busy with other priorities, unfortunately.

My birth father had great hair, even until the end, and made it almost to his 80s. He was loved by family and friends alike. And even though I won't meet him in this life, I'm thankful I have stories and photos of him. I'm also so very thankful that a cousin would compile a family history for me--someone she's never met--and send it to me so I will always have a knowledge of the man and a little bit about his life.

It's been an amazing couple of months.