tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59646352975864565132024-03-18T19:54:34.191-07:00Scotty Watty Doodle All The DayA Scott William Taylor BlogHygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.comBlogger4805125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-87526114205741604202024-03-18T19:53:00.000-07:002024-03-18T19:53:43.054-07:00When The Swans Come Back To Bear River Valley...<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVmSiQlqvRfP4k7F-t6mJ6JTDaKhK4D2exQfeCX2gRF5gLrAjoddoJgu-PGAg5pbYTEQC8Uv1Ud7FoInkoWFL_7BFHXWZDbj640LasLu18l-FVUb2Om5Zep6quB8nhcPbto6cQS90RV2lNELj1V9bCv2sHkytBScn0ExNyQ9z5MNImYy_zdZXFad2Flc/s4032/IMG_8286.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVmSiQlqvRfP4k7F-t6mJ6JTDaKhK4D2exQfeCX2gRF5gLrAjoddoJgu-PGAg5pbYTEQC8Uv1Ud7FoInkoWFL_7BFHXWZDbj640LasLu18l-FVUb2Om5Zep6quB8nhcPbto6cQS90RV2lNELj1V9bCv2sHkytBScn0ExNyQ9z5MNImYy_zdZXFad2Flc/w400-h300/IMG_8286.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> It's that time of year...the year the birds return. Not the swallows of Capistrano, but the swans to Northern Utah. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">And it's an incredible sight to see. So much so, I blog about it every year.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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. </p><p style="text-align: center;">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. </p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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...</p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'll probably blog about it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhoZuW3dZWoxII_mi7N0A0DiX4K4f_m85nO5yrlZ5YUrjFr1Mfu7-hhktxejDnhrSVFbcfCaGitLLBJ5819Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-90376319640119485462024-03-17T17:07:00.000-07:002024-03-17T17:07:11.360-07:00Give Thanks...For A/C<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYkSyG34TBEZtUk4ZZxnMekj_7QpvkcDu8s_6posbw2yqhva-2_tAqiT6b8pTuYhakyUoa92reeW08vGmPCXdJFI0urdRNyL0A0kFpEnWqURQwVw8eMEwLDcDX2c7SIaZOsLqkkmT9Ub2FHmFP1F7ULZbfE_d7-IDQGQsDg_jRa0JAHaInI48afLjWRI/s4032/IMG_8238.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYkSyG34TBEZtUk4ZZxnMekj_7QpvkcDu8s_6posbw2yqhva-2_tAqiT6b8pTuYhakyUoa92reeW08vGmPCXdJFI0urdRNyL0A0kFpEnWqURQwVw8eMEwLDcDX2c7SIaZOsLqkkmT9Ub2FHmFP1F7ULZbfE_d7-IDQGQsDg_jRa0JAHaInI48afLjWRI/w400-h300/IMG_8238.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> 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?</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">It's complicated.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Then, you grow up.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-55213764032768811962024-03-16T17:04:00.000-07:002024-03-16T17:04:45.243-07:00There's A New Store In Town...Well, Not My Town<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfOEuNYb6_I476ir2EFgHFCkOq9ZAG2-1a6psDDZlhhkqCQWXyduoWhUKH5Qrs-US129Kxz-2kFml9rgDclS_LP-U4f2yDYF4KN_W8wrUo2rO3GepSfdthQUaoeJHL-fWQt-paSYHhYkt_11gcQHFspxi2W450lr6vNcs6NTrH6LURocf8J2BvArsUiY/s4032/IMG_8270.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfOEuNYb6_I476ir2EFgHFCkOq9ZAG2-1a6psDDZlhhkqCQWXyduoWhUKH5Qrs-US129Kxz-2kFml9rgDclS_LP-U4f2yDYF4KN_W8wrUo2rO3GepSfdthQUaoeJHL-fWQt-paSYHhYkt_11gcQHFspxi2W450lr6vNcs6NTrH6LURocf8J2BvArsUiY/w480-h640/IMG_8270.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">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.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Back then, you got different colored plastic bricks...</p><p style="text-align: center;">And that was all.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-46463117825121901802024-03-15T20:28:00.000-07:002024-03-15T20:28:22.185-07:00Well Done, Dave...Another Reason To Go To A Bookstore<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TxqFNPXuGvkf6Bd9LaHzUKx0w_G69HXiWmgJ5cNbunDPJSWuxWQELhyphenhyphengZZBD8U1LjKzjL9YuOR3ES8QA_R-gRaq0YDjMaHFIbKvqq6jm7v-4VLytYQUNEDx2SYacQv1El0BFfDKrAvpawsOhDNYNZhdOt7wKApGOYqJVHNyJ-Xs9eeNkp_k0l0A_vbc/s4032/IMG_8267.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TxqFNPXuGvkf6Bd9LaHzUKx0w_G69HXiWmgJ5cNbunDPJSWuxWQELhyphenhyphengZZBD8U1LjKzjL9YuOR3ES8QA_R-gRaq0YDjMaHFIbKvqq6jm7v-4VLytYQUNEDx2SYacQv1El0BFfDKrAvpawsOhDNYNZhdOt7wKApGOYqJVHNyJ-Xs9eeNkp_k0l0A_vbc/w480-h640/IMG_8267.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> 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.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">There was something different back then, too.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I did not personally know anyone who had written a book in those stores. Times have changed.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Just like it's happened for my friend, Dave.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Yes, it's fun to go into a bookstore. Now, I have another reason to enjoy the experience.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-15894569469538204502024-03-14T19:18:00.000-07:002024-03-14T19:18:03.713-07:00One Of Those Things You Do...<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9ViPYHkel3N9CGxN0oIrV5_HK6Sy_h0A3m8Krs_jGvXugQYHVv2sClChwbFADMaQEeegoAZ95BriXUQ_LLK1feontLp1RUNo_vth9Xf5Yhx5EdRCgbKjiFIUHYd_tLccsrLbgeWObA0g5JWxC5OBEZiAGkNDGYw7NJ7YKAsTkTySjZz4_FrhSHv4DsI/s3473/IMG_8263.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2379" data-original-width="3473" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9ViPYHkel3N9CGxN0oIrV5_HK6Sy_h0A3m8Krs_jGvXugQYHVv2sClChwbFADMaQEeegoAZ95BriXUQ_LLK1feontLp1RUNo_vth9Xf5Yhx5EdRCgbKjiFIUHYd_tLccsrLbgeWObA0g5JWxC5OBEZiAGkNDGYw7NJ7YKAsTkTySjZz4_FrhSHv4DsI/w400-h274/IMG_8263.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> 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.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">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.</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GhCHtGI772vvTZ4PAtA11bXDECvy3hXNnOX97YYJHzlabDfv8DyZa1emjAyr_Qm9z-33YLEXrsLJ6H74bmV-Pn1NAa4ejuLrRAEgt6oPY5aonM5PbGc6N6s7mykk69ZNp-1yP4lcDmVxd-MuVktdlT4Gz5NPrtrMLNBG0anvxjtxvkDvr5I3nVrGvbM/s4032/IMG_8264.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GhCHtGI772vvTZ4PAtA11bXDECvy3hXNnOX97YYJHzlabDfv8DyZa1emjAyr_Qm9z-33YLEXrsLJ6H74bmV-Pn1NAa4ejuLrRAEgt6oPY5aonM5PbGc6N6s7mykk69ZNp-1yP4lcDmVxd-MuVktdlT4Gz5NPrtrMLNBG0anvxjtxvkDvr5I3nVrGvbM/w400-h300/IMG_8264.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">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. </p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Not a lot of people fascinated by toasters...</p><p style="text-align: center;">At least, that I know of.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-57328649271616013972024-03-13T19:33:00.000-07:002024-03-13T19:33:57.778-07:00Yes...We're Growing<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXLYqnO6M6ld4xjvmGov8ifzPPlvCl6P2TzGJxLkabABGgXRYwzEyyB6cf5B1DpByFO-Wu2Rgzp3y8Do8WBISvalhRWgutFfeTacZtuEbvGctO35qA2VdRlSnbQRVH7s5nCo2wXhS2URKL_2JRSY5km8GU_87jQjGMCKd-EEHmgfE1M2h2o5VZ4iNl4w/s1620/City%20Growth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXLYqnO6M6ld4xjvmGov8ifzPPlvCl6P2TzGJxLkabABGgXRYwzEyyB6cf5B1DpByFO-Wu2Rgzp3y8Do8WBISvalhRWgutFfeTacZtuEbvGctO35qA2VdRlSnbQRVH7s5nCo2wXhS2URKL_2JRSY5km8GU_87jQjGMCKd-EEHmgfE1M2h2o5VZ4iNl4w/w400-h213/City%20Growth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> 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.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Ten percent.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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: <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/utah-population" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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:</p><ul style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: white; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 1.25em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.625em;"><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/utah-population" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Utah</a> has the <a href="http://time.com/5000792/youngest-oldest-us-states/" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;">youngest population</a> in the entire <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/united-states-population" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">United States</a>, as well as one of the highest birth rates.</li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0.375em;">Utah's population is <a href="https://catalyst.nejm.org/why-does-utah-rank-so-high-in-health-care/" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;">considered the healthiest</a> in the entire country.</li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0.375em;">The state also has the <a href="https://www.thespectrum.com/story/opinion/2015/04/16/view-literacy-utah/25912061/" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;">highest literacy</a> rate, the highest number of high school graduates and the highest number of college graduates.</li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0.375em;">The mountains near Salt Lake City see an <a href="https://www.snowboarder.com/news/brighton-surpasses-500-inch-yearly-snowfall-average/" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;">average of 500 inches</a> of snowfall annually.</li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0.375em;">Gosiute, Paiute, Shoshone, and Ute Indians originally inhabited what is now the state of Utah. In fact, the <a href="https://www.visitutah.com/things-to-do/history-culture/tribal-cultures/" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;">name was derived</a> from the Ute Indians.</li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0.375em;">Salt Lake City has the <a href="https://www.cosmetictown.com/news/us-cities-with-most-plastic-surgeons" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;">second highest</a> number of plastic surgeons per capita than any other city in the US.</li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0.375em;">A higher number of Utahns <a href="https://ibis.health.utah.gov/indicator/complete_profile/MarDiv.html" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-text-opacity: 1; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;">are married</a> than in any other state. In addition, the median age of marriage is lower than the nationwide average.</li></ul><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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...</p><p style="text-align: center;">Especially, in our little town.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-38218169296555553732024-03-12T18:27:00.000-07:002024-03-12T18:27:28.600-07:00There's A Secret To This Clock...<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOr2i3p2YY94W_MtDuSldk_GzGM7Jbzw1ce95_FeV_yDf381A-BaI63lH8RIv7TOYhLOlq2Nz1Y53W6xzaRkvY3byE6C7WtRjjxRr-6TM85CRQZpLFxIPLx0xci20FhdrgBQkTegvnt4AJ92qQQIq9SGGYvh7saMmO5l8oj2smwM3RbSI2LpwTPEIMdY/s4032/IMG_8241.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOr2i3p2YY94W_MtDuSldk_GzGM7Jbzw1ce95_FeV_yDf381A-BaI63lH8RIv7TOYhLOlq2Nz1Y53W6xzaRkvY3byE6C7WtRjjxRr-6TM85CRQZpLFxIPLx0xci20FhdrgBQkTegvnt4AJ92qQQIq9SGGYvh7saMmO5l8oj2smwM3RbSI2LpwTPEIMdY/w400-h300/IMG_8241.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> To the casual observer, this is a typical wall clock, one seen on millions of homes and businesses (okay, maybe not <i>this </i>particular clock at a business...). But, there's something you're not seeing, something that might take you several minutes to notice.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I'll give you a hint.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The clock would look exactly the same if you looked at it five minutes later.</p><p style="text-align: center;">You see, it doesn't work without a good battery.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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. </p><p style="text-align: center;">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...</p><p style="text-align: center;">I had five minutes before the meeting started.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Crap.</p><p style="text-align: center;">And I wasn't even dressed.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The joke's based in truth.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-62366835295128800412024-03-11T19:00:00.000-07:002024-03-11T19:00:13.299-07:00Love This Place...<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwXQ0tTkZJwvZBV0V_5mQI3rufJn4eknvNbT20A2LGCGCHDITSCnGx0_v9oOaM_dyraastqEvV7sp7eX9l8vvu27MLgjrMt6jE1X2iq4iDg1CeaK7GG8zIkKuJuiMINueCt6a1tUaqDdIvR_ywaNDGNKmFIR9DvhFzdJCYdtvZUxZUH56Rk48cuh1xSI/s4032/IMG_8227.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwXQ0tTkZJwvZBV0V_5mQI3rufJn4eknvNbT20A2LGCGCHDITSCnGx0_v9oOaM_dyraastqEvV7sp7eX9l8vvu27MLgjrMt6jE1X2iq4iDg1CeaK7GG8zIkKuJuiMINueCt6a1tUaqDdIvR_ywaNDGNKmFIR9DvhFzdJCYdtvZUxZUH56Rk48cuh1xSI/w400-h300/IMG_8227.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> 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.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Still...</p><p style="text-align: center;">I do love that valley.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Of course, make sure you have somewhere warm to stay because--though beautiful--it's also one of the coldest places on earth.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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. </p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">No, the photograph's not perfect. Like the valley, it has its flaws, but it's also beautiful and majestic and timeless.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I love this place.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-68331697421734780432024-03-10T18:29:00.000-07:002024-03-10T18:29:48.092-07:00Give Thanks...Creative Friends<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGW5I2yl8Nv-hmOgT-DoBZwYsZSOXWpZantsZ85WstNfZK6ODDVGkybwb5ABvPKaKnuq-3Vzq0qpziE2E9PbtuD7xi_jAvvSSWV12YvfeoH6xZYoB5oAjdL70Zl1dGL_hPFnvZ-CUoNPqTwZkMxPYX_pnX3WzyGoKAf3OcutdsFq0UWZtUUGNMX4Pjos/s4032/IMG_8150.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGW5I2yl8Nv-hmOgT-DoBZwYsZSOXWpZantsZ85WstNfZK6ODDVGkybwb5ABvPKaKnuq-3Vzq0qpziE2E9PbtuD7xi_jAvvSSWV12YvfeoH6xZYoB5oAjdL70Zl1dGL_hPFnvZ-CUoNPqTwZkMxPYX_pnX3WzyGoKAf3OcutdsFq0UWZtUUGNMX4Pjos/w480-h640/IMG_8150.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> 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.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The book I chose:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Jared Nathan Garrett's <i>The Seer.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">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. </p><p style="text-align: center;">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 <i>seriously </i>producing more content to read.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It's a wonderful time to be alive.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-11936167703388015452024-03-09T11:43:00.000-08:002024-03-09T21:28:14.831-08:00Talte Dansk I Kirken...Oh, How Long It's Been<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wJtHgon9hi8EO-3Nf8Ey5PmA5zRuuWtO2_GoDlSRIGKuVtpz8IASViaV0iFb_OqCNgmNupqgsioSfeusxc-57Kh9oFCRzGT_k9qZmcBI8Hyb2kdR1nqBI8TSxbdO-w-oW5GID8tsA-jSUwq-RSXyjzQEbSCKULuvFhC73vCOVBBwkzQ3MQqQ6ERscnI/s4032/IMG_8187.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wJtHgon9hi8EO-3Nf8Ey5PmA5zRuuWtO2_GoDlSRIGKuVtpz8IASViaV0iFb_OqCNgmNupqgsioSfeusxc-57Kh9oFCRzGT_k9qZmcBI8Hyb2kdR1nqBI8TSxbdO-w-oW5GID8tsA-jSUwq-RSXyjzQEbSCKULuvFhC73vCOVBBwkzQ3MQqQ6ERscnI/w400-h300/IMG_8187.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> 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.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">It's called a Fast and Testimony meeting.</p><p style="text-align: center;">And it can either be one of the most spiritual meetings, or it can go off the rails fast.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In my life I've never had a bishop ask for that specific thing.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I spoke Danish at a podium in a LDS church for the first time in many years.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It was an amazing experience. </p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I said before that these meetings can either be the most spiritual or go off the rails. </p><p style="text-align: center;">This meeting was one of the former.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-29117461161123886442024-03-08T20:31:00.000-08:002024-03-08T20:31:31.842-08:00A Dessert Deserved...<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA25x8pDExkcvQUV1mFtM-371nyVEK2J_IPRu2Nn0of4szPSvd5BWbHJjH1AkCkB0Y3IqIQFVEQoFQSNTKxw_FROf5Hs4Er3MzyuWU6muljqUwn4eUW5VMofOW75FHqTIDVsvSkMw-eT9K2N0d17mnxcjOsrm-X2vPYkY8tHMiP66ENY7NkyNWyqrgtg/s4032/IMG_8222.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA25x8pDExkcvQUV1mFtM-371nyVEK2J_IPRu2Nn0of4szPSvd5BWbHJjH1AkCkB0Y3IqIQFVEQoFQSNTKxw_FROf5Hs4Er3MzyuWU6muljqUwn4eUW5VMofOW75FHqTIDVsvSkMw-eT9K2N0d17mnxcjOsrm-X2vPYkY8tHMiP66ENY7NkyNWyqrgtg/w400-h300/IMG_8222.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Do you see what I see?</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">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. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">This is remuneration...</p><p style="text-align: center;">For services rendered.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It's a little strange, but stay with me. Tonight we had the family over for dinner. I <i>love</i> 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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The dessert was a reward.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Then again, maybe having many "rewards" such as this is one reason I was worn out.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-12014103992304878572024-03-07T18:56:00.000-08:002024-03-07T18:56:45.711-08:00Don't You Just Love Job Interviews...?<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtrlr8bpvWUnU87oG-_20zc-VczpkwvU1_yE8ksamJGFErPWHt8JDc2oxVDsitA-M4WHyepvLiQs78deIVs-GEhvxH66aUJSISdcNpoKPXgdqncVeMGx2sraqz1MNuGz8BXV4H_0ALfbWJjR0-CR2rbpe7Gy4B5hjipWeo02uO6TA9URNC7hIE4aH8oQ/s3054/IMG_8183.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="3054" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtrlr8bpvWUnU87oG-_20zc-VczpkwvU1_yE8ksamJGFErPWHt8JDc2oxVDsitA-M4WHyepvLiQs78deIVs-GEhvxH66aUJSISdcNpoKPXgdqncVeMGx2sraqz1MNuGz8BXV4H_0ALfbWJjR0-CR2rbpe7Gy4B5hjipWeo02uO6TA9URNC7hIE4aH8oQ/w400-h396/IMG_8183.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Don't you just love job interviews?</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">And many are pure classics.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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. </p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw35Dz1_beKkOiTi_zvQ9JJC5t8_XtlImC4MJR6f84k6iTTOo3PxzbK13t-Ms56BteadFdlFFauLSszRbZr3MXwqOWZClFmGIVq7Sx2NhCldaqfAuDCCTwYHVqtLDfN8zRwLJYY5VWkGdzjBtdZun5R4l6Va4HTTu-64sobT6fPVZXzsr2Gy7JAKdGf8c/s364/IMG_8889.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw35Dz1_beKkOiTi_zvQ9JJC5t8_XtlImC4MJR6f84k6iTTOo3PxzbK13t-Ms56BteadFdlFFauLSszRbZr3MXwqOWZClFmGIVq7Sx2NhCldaqfAuDCCTwYHVqtLDfN8zRwLJYY5VWkGdzjBtdZun5R4l6Va4HTTu-64sobT6fPVZXzsr2Gy7JAKdGf8c/w329-h400/IMG_8889.jpeg" width="329" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Then, there's the worst question, "What are your greatest strengths?" and the even worse follow up, "What are you biggest weaknesses?"</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-86363273367402204742024-03-06T20:20:00.000-08:002024-03-06T20:20:51.533-08:00I Mean, How Dim Am I...? Don't Answer That<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGDfibLIn_8A-Wx81xiewUIO6Oo1Ih_j-pn_7-PMDPbtXhEWo5cAqs3rcOjbI0TKoG9wFWNDTzPuFsbSbyF33S2RXusvcRoGjvHVC6p9djexBIz1gRMpcB3xABDiYhviadUW7lC6-becehFdBkelYGFZreNbpNgr8W2S1JftWwyngtQnSWLubaGuxzkw/s4032/IMG_8174.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGDfibLIn_8A-Wx81xiewUIO6Oo1Ih_j-pn_7-PMDPbtXhEWo5cAqs3rcOjbI0TKoG9wFWNDTzPuFsbSbyF33S2RXusvcRoGjvHVC6p9djexBIz1gRMpcB3xABDiYhviadUW7lC6-becehFdBkelYGFZreNbpNgr8W2S1JftWwyngtQnSWLubaGuxzkw/w480-h640/IMG_8174.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> 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.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Look at the above picture. What do you see?</p><p style="text-align: center;">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. </p><p style="text-align: center;">But I saw something else...</p><p style="text-align: center;">I saw a potential dangerous situation, and I thought..."How could they build something so dangerous?"</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Funny how you think you understand life, and then you realize, not always.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It's a good lesson, but it looking at an expensive children's toy, or when thinking about things that really matter.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-23930865393010774782024-03-05T19:22:00.000-08:002024-03-05T19:22:38.577-08:00It's Strange...Seeing The End Of An Era<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEubErh55XZKrnbU1GPsAMftg7n4U5BGAIL1S16RA6evurDRZNWUvPTtNRoOZrXh_nybEUPNr5CmUxXVArzf6rw1bl3C6ggLC-F2tHMFGz48V8gvBH6vnjmNz4T6OBbeDTczYc60R6LVRPXFo9RHh7Fj5qsLaOARfCukopdmMl4NuJr4BEgJSwDEheAo/s6894/IMG_7950.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3844" data-original-width="6894" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEubErh55XZKrnbU1GPsAMftg7n4U5BGAIL1S16RA6evurDRZNWUvPTtNRoOZrXh_nybEUPNr5CmUxXVArzf6rw1bl3C6ggLC-F2tHMFGz48V8gvBH6vnjmNz4T6OBbeDTczYc60R6LVRPXFo9RHh7Fj5qsLaOARfCukopdmMl4NuJr4BEgJSwDEheAo/w400-h223/IMG_7950.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> 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...</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Even how people shop.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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...</p><p style="text-align: center;">Important in ways we've most likely forgotten.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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. </p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFruQIi_3ITya86gkhfm4GXRl1myfCGCv7qalHC_Onov-Ij4BH80kwQAaTTPDLjEL94fXlynub8fpBmgwkjvekUPdjecJTPX4lXnM0sJnLMlMQzP9L0FauojTbADQmb81SRmkLKlgk2f3NoPVMTgIDoqbASpiFOg177vSMIkG74zCw8BjAPj7rP_Leycw/s4032/IMG_7949.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFruQIi_3ITya86gkhfm4GXRl1myfCGCv7qalHC_Onov-Ij4BH80kwQAaTTPDLjEL94fXlynub8fpBmgwkjvekUPdjecJTPX4lXnM0sJnLMlMQzP9L0FauojTbADQmb81SRmkLKlgk2f3NoPVMTgIDoqbASpiFOg177vSMIkG74zCw8BjAPj7rP_Leycw/w400-h300/IMG_7949.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">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. </p><p style="text-align: center;">End of an era.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I wonder how long it will be until we will wish malls once again dotted the landscape, which may never happen.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Time will tell.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-87657677574855514242024-03-04T19:43:00.000-08:002024-03-04T19:43:03.370-08:00Have You Ever Asked Yourself, What Took Me So Long...?<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRj94ESZ4Oqp1604jG0nLAPOQF0zX-kkizqAkTZp6SBogmalGl_UUaL02f0TsS_LMgUzd7gIugt8wfOLHoJO2uGLyT_baGoNmi1T1akXtns8dCCitelvcwpRM-ZeArKhtg-6-Zuo6ymYxeISZWDz0Mu6HnGksbPKGPyfQZUABcTRKGuIe8KWLix3_xAs/s4032/IMG_8168.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRj94ESZ4Oqp1604jG0nLAPOQF0zX-kkizqAkTZp6SBogmalGl_UUaL02f0TsS_LMgUzd7gIugt8wfOLHoJO2uGLyT_baGoNmi1T1akXtns8dCCitelvcwpRM-ZeArKhtg-6-Zuo6ymYxeISZWDz0Mu6HnGksbPKGPyfQZUABcTRKGuIe8KWLix3_xAs/w480-h640/IMG_8168.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> This isn't the biggest regret of my life, but I definitely shouldn't have waited this long.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Enter Ritz Bits.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Reaction...?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Pretty good.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">There is one good thing that came out of my ignorance...my kids got a lot more tasty snacks.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hope they enjoyed those Canaan Days.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-42317370612475511222024-03-03T17:16:00.000-08:002024-03-03T17:16:01.470-08:00Give Thanks...Finding My Birth Father<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIsNrdhkWw1NHDgLgSuRamxZPHINXujLL8-6VpD-9pZZnqYEdcqZn9OrgCX1oWkY_IHYlRGrGCuvmQsJnDb6VAGBu-33PQ8s-BoisZx9nKbrNbuy27N5_HLqNKckT4TSPQDB-PCq6U3-cYlr4Ds_0o-kG4Nj9a48sNcRfrZTdYkZOES6rSw89k1KGDTE/s4032/IMG_8190.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIsNrdhkWw1NHDgLgSuRamxZPHINXujLL8-6VpD-9pZZnqYEdcqZn9OrgCX1oWkY_IHYlRGrGCuvmQsJnDb6VAGBu-33PQ8s-BoisZx9nKbrNbuy27N5_HLqNKckT4TSPQDB-PCq6U3-cYlr4Ds_0o-kG4Nj9a48sNcRfrZTdYkZOES6rSw89k1KGDTE/w400-h300/IMG_8190.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">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...</p><p style="text-align: center;">Through the memories of others.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It was such a wonderful treasure to receive.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I found the non-similarities fascinating, too.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">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.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It's been an amazing couple of months.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbDhq55Ekq1a9B3yw86f176z_SfB9y1KDOMCuQOzCg3o9CUCY_nd-MLBD6u7Kb9R1yXoJiFnmy9VOleIWKMjvGecMrPmycW1mELGMA-by8SOuTFLZbekBRyb3V0VoO29e-fXSKtwk6Y56Lhg2_mM4fbmvJcPLq8LKxkJs7cOgAY65z_qQuOqj-KmLhB0/s4032/IMG_8179.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbDhq55Ekq1a9B3yw86f176z_SfB9y1KDOMCuQOzCg3o9CUCY_nd-MLBD6u7Kb9R1yXoJiFnmy9VOleIWKMjvGecMrPmycW1mELGMA-by8SOuTFLZbekBRyb3V0VoO29e-fXSKtwk6Y56Lhg2_mM4fbmvJcPLq8LKxkJs7cOgAY65z_qQuOqj-KmLhB0/w400-h300/IMG_8179.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-65264060789033746612024-03-02T18:46:00.000-08:002024-03-02T18:46:58.518-08:00Turn Around And...Boom! People Moving In<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-_r6Fh_cStwtURqfT5QUljXN5680OTInWVnW5PQOB4FH83Ox6Tk6OB9Vs4YPUgIXJvPmL7M14j48m94BvOF3I0mPHGHiBuzcccewO3nQtn1yvUrBiGX385174Dgl59AElh_JE5ldkKtt6tt3EPd44L_jg67ay-WLWRhZGKoKSX3nkz_f2Ucs9BfVx1E/s4032/IMG_8139.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-_r6Fh_cStwtURqfT5QUljXN5680OTInWVnW5PQOB4FH83Ox6Tk6OB9Vs4YPUgIXJvPmL7M14j48m94BvOF3I0mPHGHiBuzcccewO3nQtn1yvUrBiGX385174Dgl59AElh_JE5ldkKtt6tt3EPd44L_jg67ay-WLWRhZGKoKSX3nkz_f2Ucs9BfVx1E/w400-h300/IMG_8139.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Growth, urban sprawl, overcrowding...people use different names for the same thing--towns becoming cities and cities becoming metropolises. In other words...</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">People moving in.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It's been a few months since we drove down main street in Brigham City and there's buildings of townhomes (or apartments...) going up where once there was a Shopko.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Earlier today on our community's Facebook page, a discussion of the pros and cons of progress commenced, one of several conversations that seem to crop up over and over again. I never participate because, well...we're most likely considered part of the problem according to some.</p><p style="text-align: center;">My wife and I discussed this issue today. I believe if it weren't for covid, we'd still be exploding in our little neck of the woods. In one year, our town grew 10%. That's impressive for a community over a century old. It took one-hundred years to get to a certain population, then one year to increase that by a tenth.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It's impressive, really, but to many, it's the beginning of the end, the end of their little utopia they've enjoyed. I feel for them, but it's hard to stop progress. It's hard to deny people a chance for them to experience what others have had for so long. The problem is, their existence threatens the whole thing. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Time is strange. Before we know it, another year, two, five will have passed and things that once were will be no longer. It's true for businesses, neighborhoods, and even people. The trick is, to accept change and try to make the best of it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">That's the trick with a lot of things.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-62465497740684586342024-03-01T18:44:00.000-08:002024-03-01T18:44:01.861-08:00Lots Of Moons Out There...<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KfarVEZEFP-asZvRMxrhqC0UFDdnhFDJ8wuQMzc_oio7x2CO5yZbI1YYil34gJdbmxC394OsrIndY5J7rGSiYHKJfNgXVlWtW2bUHVFbL1s4n7a1N6xraKmif3gVGwXJj5sI5vM01PPk44zW0UE83xLQG5HrTiT_LPLz5RzcSh2HKBklevMiXCYkEb0/s1713/Moons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1713" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KfarVEZEFP-asZvRMxrhqC0UFDdnhFDJ8wuQMzc_oio7x2CO5yZbI1YYil34gJdbmxC394OsrIndY5J7rGSiYHKJfNgXVlWtW2bUHVFbL1s4n7a1N6xraKmif3gVGwXJj5sI5vM01PPk44zW0UE83xLQG5HrTiT_LPLz5RzcSh2HKBklevMiXCYkEb0/w400-h256/Moons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Fascinating...<p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I had an idea for a book. Well, several books, actually. It's in the early stages...just some basics. I have a lot of story ideas like that...a lot. This one, it has promise. That's the problem--I think they <i>all</i> have promise.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Moons.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It was moons that added the "wow" element.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The topic of moons came up this morning when the TV show we were watching talked about how many moons orbit the gas planet Uranus (yes, the jokes write themselves...). I had no idea there were twenty-eight moons associated with that planet. Of course, astronomy is not something I think about often, but I found that nugget of information fascinating.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I did a little research. Still amazed that with a click of a few keystrokes the world's information is available (instead of driving down to the local library and hanging out in the research section...). I found a cool site: <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/moons/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The planet with the most moons is Jupiter. Makes sense...it's the largest planet. Most surprising fact: Pluto has two moons, it being smaller than our own moon. It would be weird to see our moon with two smaller moons orbiting it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Then again, being on any other planet and seeing all the different moons would would be weird. All those moons. I wonder if humans could land and set up settlements on them, like they're working toward for our moons and Mars. I suppose anything is possible. </p><p style="text-align: center;">It's the possibilities that make for good fiction, and non-fiction when you think about it. Will this story ever get written? </p><p style="text-align: center;">That's the biggest unknown of all.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-25824727438567750362024-02-29T17:50:00.000-08:002024-02-29T17:50:49.394-08:00Since It's Leap Year Day, I Must Blog About Bob's Vertical Challenge...It's Tradition<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JVBPmEch-eUoC-Bl5XadtucYvX219yTM_fSiUN8_Q5LQeg2nITO5-J5Em8fd_Gm8ArmPJkslIgzbZUAYY2R2Pjx66FFSswiEWXdkw6xvzOx_XNXjWytyw2DcPb2ap1mCGqHNCVZR_v-bVo91218v4Gb5M-Lf596Z8lYEADwtA5mJBbzv_bPVgcVTbrI/s400/100_9018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JVBPmEch-eUoC-Bl5XadtucYvX219yTM_fSiUN8_Q5LQeg2nITO5-J5Em8fd_Gm8ArmPJkslIgzbZUAYY2R2Pjx66FFSswiEWXdkw6xvzOx_XNXjWytyw2DcPb2ap1mCGqHNCVZR_v-bVo91218v4Gb5M-Lf596Z8lYEADwtA5mJBbzv_bPVgcVTbrI/w400-h300/100_9018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I don't know what it is about February 29th, but for the past three Leap Year Days I've blogged about an annual event from the last decade...</p><p style="text-align: center;">Bob's Vertical Challenge.</p><p style="text-align: center;">If you were fortunate enough to participate in non-profit events, they were a blast. Basically, teams of four skiers/snowboarders competed to see who could ski/snowboard the most vertical feet in a limited amount of time. The event was held at Snow Basin Ski Resort and proceeds went to benefit the Boy Scouts of America, Trapper Trails Council. Eventually, the event went the way of all the earth, but it was a lot of fun while it lasted.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I've blogged daily since 2011. On Leap Year Day 2012 I blogged about the Vertical Challenge. I completely forgot that I blogged about the event, so on Leap Year Day, 2016, I used the same photo from exactly four years earlier and blogged about the event again.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I did not realize this error until exactly four years later. On February 29, 2020, I decided to look at my blogging history to see what I blogged about on Leap year Day in 2012 and 2016. Turns out, it was the same thing. So, on 2/29/20 I blogged about the two previous Leap Year Day blog posts.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This leaves me no option as to this year's Leap Year Day blog post topic...<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Gotta go with Bob's Vertical Challenge!</p><p style="text-align: center;">It was such an amazing event. Most took the day to be free from work and enjoy time on the slopes, but other teams really went for it. The amount of vertical feet skied/snowboarded by some of those teams was staggering. It raised a lot of money over the years for a good cause.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Happy Leap Year Day/Bob's Vertical Challenge Memorial Day everyone!</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-57325759736707945642024-02-28T19:23:00.000-08:002024-02-28T19:23:52.554-08:00What A Difference Four Decades Can Make...<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivITtC8X1_OqrqU3bCpKJjFiQp50KpUpWytXXyQHopFRIViqvj8ukON_vr-TkD6Viy9y2zdcFY0tYua1rxcRvsjdFEWAhQCipbibIeH7g4lnnzs-TK54-I7i0t6ZNtgRRuacwtbUDNin8v56jmWc6odueGacfb6hKOSZ51lnyCGhRmOQs5WZzR0t-m1U/s875/IMG_8157.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivITtC8X1_OqrqU3bCpKJjFiQp50KpUpWytXXyQHopFRIViqvj8ukON_vr-TkD6Viy9y2zdcFY0tYua1rxcRvsjdFEWAhQCipbibIeH7g4lnnzs-TK54-I7i0t6ZNtgRRuacwtbUDNin8v56jmWc6odueGacfb6hKOSZ51lnyCGhRmOQs5WZzR0t-m1U/w343-h400/IMG_8157.jpeg" width="343" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> I came across an add for a car. Well, parts of a car, in reality. It's true when you buy a car--any car--you're actually buying many parts that when put together, you get a car. The car I found online had car parts...just not enough for the thing to actually work as a car is intended to do.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">What a difference time makes.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The fact that the grouping of car parts cost $500 is what really caught my attention. Any frequent readers of this blog know I'm a sucker for old Volkswagens, and that my first (and many cars after...) was a bug. We called it Greenie and it had tons of personality. It also had a working (somewhat...) engine, a functioning transmission and the ability to move under its own power.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Something the car I found online did not have.</p><p style="text-align: center;">No engine, no transmission, and little more than what you see in photo.</p><p style="text-align: center;">My first car and this car cost the same amount of money. Shocking, I know. Back then, $500 could get you a whole car, one that was legal to drive on the road. You could buy a lot of things for $500 back then. For example, $500 would pay for 1/3 of a year of college--unbelievable, I know. My friend took out a loan for his first car. $500 represented five payments.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I think those days are gone forever.</p><p style="text-align: center;">If I were handy, and had an extra VW engine and transmission and other car parts, $500 might be a good price for half a car that's more than five decades old. Then I could haul it to my house, put in under a tarp or in the garage and hopefully one day, set a goal to put it back together. Then I could say the same thing I said back in 1982..."Oh, this car? Yeah, it cost me $500."</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-88950257361018157882024-02-27T18:04:00.000-08:002024-02-27T18:04:48.211-08:00It Was A Dark And Windy Night...<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_1DuKY-K6n987mE35LON7WMdAmkm5PvxW6AW2YKMDfCsRjLCdrt47iQSKAfSqVI9M738qrejGjP2ZJLQx1zUzVSc9bRuZ7E5NZEKaUYk-Y1puDqBzRFHxM_pfOuFqgLueTNIStx1xXCNjObSHBUnEFbbBybDJHTPN4wocT3Cb0PK4mIvH3oNj7IQSMU/s3478/IMG_8153.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="3478" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_1DuKY-K6n987mE35LON7WMdAmkm5PvxW6AW2YKMDfCsRjLCdrt47iQSKAfSqVI9M738qrejGjP2ZJLQx1zUzVSc9bRuZ7E5NZEKaUYk-Y1puDqBzRFHxM_pfOuFqgLueTNIStx1xXCNjObSHBUnEFbbBybDJHTPN4wocT3Cb0PK4mIvH3oNj7IQSMU/w400-h300/IMG_8153.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> One thing that surprised us when we moved north was the weather. You'd think that living only sixty or so miles up the road would not make that much of a difference, especially when on a clear day you can look south and see the mountain range on which we used to live.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">But, it does.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It's much more windy up here.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Wind is a pain, and when it's cold--like last night--wind can be brutal. It is so windy here that on more than one occasion I seriously considered installing some energy-generating windmills. It seemed to always be blowing.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This year, however, things have settled down. I've not taken careful notice, but it seems we've had a kinder, gentler winter, at least, until last night. Last night things were more like what we're used to. The wind blew and blew. What little water that came with it froze to the side of our house. Luckily there wasn't a lot of moisture associated with it...if so, the roads would have turned to ice rinks. We sort of dodged a bullet this time.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I admit, it was cool touching the side of the house and feeling the frozen bumps attached to the siding.</p><p style="text-align: center;">As winter turns to spring, we'll have fewer and fewer of these storms this season. I do love the variety of weather we have in our state. Still, I thought the weather would be more, you know...the same.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGvImzu_mlzmKQGocbpaVhJ6b-bBz_f4SWHIPRF-vXcOWv8UaERQ32TOdLnYDo0zUDKRB-fdKDY5S8ovCTJ5i0sLr6-i_aNox4tcfnI5P-vD19V0R6BfElgCN4fp3vIGnK1970Ob0ZLWskhaIsmwiyyhWjml67QZ0Yl02GNczeYpBCYnSXj4R5asM8uY/s4032/IMG_8151.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGvImzu_mlzmKQGocbpaVhJ6b-bBz_f4SWHIPRF-vXcOWv8UaERQ32TOdLnYDo0zUDKRB-fdKDY5S8ovCTJ5i0sLr6-i_aNox4tcfnI5P-vD19V0R6BfElgCN4fp3vIGnK1970Ob0ZLWskhaIsmwiyyhWjml67QZ0Yl02GNczeYpBCYnSXj4R5asM8uY/w400-h300/IMG_8151.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-48712294073396233362024-02-26T18:44:00.000-08:002024-02-26T18:44:03.459-08:00I Have No Idea Who Made This...But I'm Sure There's A Story Behind It<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbdwM6QgDXOP1f6H7IDFsxfMZwaRXC0GrfBkUsxlg31GDLYZn3SNPSZkrN7frFA0CaJWYTuPxFTdv2er46gF1VIrBDcSavByRO8M-SMtIReKZbC_3KYhepGAS_il3gGgs1qP_3_RSbJXpwY8-z8tqmcWXbqnnb-1mWJj15FjJ4azlsVP8eTviODFOYnI/s4032/IMG_8132.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbdwM6QgDXOP1f6H7IDFsxfMZwaRXC0GrfBkUsxlg31GDLYZn3SNPSZkrN7frFA0CaJWYTuPxFTdv2er46gF1VIrBDcSavByRO8M-SMtIReKZbC_3KYhepGAS_il3gGgs1qP_3_RSbJXpwY8-z8tqmcWXbqnnb-1mWJj15FjJ4azlsVP8eTviODFOYnI/w480-h640/IMG_8132.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> I admit, when I first saw the thing I laughed. It was, in a word, ridiculous. I've seen many apparatuses (or is it apparati...?) mounted on platforms, but I had to take a double-take when I spotted the red tricycle at our local thrift store.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">It was one of a kind.</p><p style="text-align: center;">My wife spotted it, too. It was hard to miss, honestly. We even chatted about it after we left. I tried to make a joke, but my wife brought up the prospect that maybe someone built the thing for a special purpose...</p><p style="text-align: center;">Like, for a handicapped child.</p><p style="text-align: center;">That changed my perspective completely.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Then, the funny looking amalgamation of metal, plastic, and rubber became something else.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I did a quick internet search to see if this was mass-produced or a one-off. No matter what I entered into the search engine, I couldn't find anything that came even close to this thing. That, in and of itself, is unusual. It deepened the mystery.</p><p style="text-align: center;">When thrifting, you come across many strange things, things you may not quite understand. This piece is a prime example. There's got to be a story behind it...I just wonder what that story is...</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'll probably never know.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFYSlFoYxomlr8mcaeVJ_Jk0aaiBcNM7yEwAQhZVhO-PMBxvBODJ2AlcV-aejaTcybEv6Vx_nYVbywGKMP0ZSAJ-XFOPlztYGqFjdX8f-i5zKW19VpPeZ3jaVCp7h_VMD1cuEcH-LvzhovsVUyg-C5gIoPfT2DSCe1D22h3KSQActiUczA-tEkeetn8s/s4032/IMG_8131.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFYSlFoYxomlr8mcaeVJ_Jk0aaiBcNM7yEwAQhZVhO-PMBxvBODJ2AlcV-aejaTcybEv6Vx_nYVbywGKMP0ZSAJ-XFOPlztYGqFjdX8f-i5zKW19VpPeZ3jaVCp7h_VMD1cuEcH-LvzhovsVUyg-C5gIoPfT2DSCe1D22h3KSQActiUczA-tEkeetn8s/w480-h640/IMG_8131.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-81121527018406451912024-02-25T18:33:00.000-08:002024-02-25T18:33:23.973-08:00Give Thanks...Tuckered Out<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jqqb0IrBCi4hWnMi2uDtaitJyWlxQCXBglAadYyEEUBYf5F0J8jS1U3vM3YYX3b5EBd7WUNL4n7SEJtNKJDFOLDvj6Avz06fy7ueSVRLz0Um2SveaD9rbWCqCjDZ_Na5KN-Mt9YYeHGI4pH8zxDs4g9agSHErTGgat8_JTHlvq0o4t98oiFp4YpGeSw/s3196/IMG_8148.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3196" data-original-width="2496" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jqqb0IrBCi4hWnMi2uDtaitJyWlxQCXBglAadYyEEUBYf5F0J8jS1U3vM3YYX3b5EBd7WUNL4n7SEJtNKJDFOLDvj6Avz06fy7ueSVRLz0Um2SveaD9rbWCqCjDZ_Na5KN-Mt9YYeHGI4pH8zxDs4g9agSHErTGgat8_JTHlvq0o4t98oiFp4YpGeSw/w500-h640/IMG_8148.jpeg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> This afternoon, I woke up from a nap, a nap well-deserved after having family over. I glanced over at Bec the dog and this is what I saw...</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">A dog, tuckered out.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Boy, I understood how he felt.</p><p style="text-align: center;">For the first time in several weeks, we had the family over, son, daughter-in-law, daughter, son-in-law, boys, mother-in-law, and grandson. Our house grows smaller with each person who walks in door, but at the same time, it expands as each personality adds to the fabric of family.</p><p style="text-align: center;">As the door closes on the final visitor, the house once again resumes to a sense of normalcy. It becomes larger, quieter, but sadder as well. Such is life...we can only appreciate the good when faced with the bad, the companionship when it's gone.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I am a blessed man...of that there is no doubt. I'm thankful for the time with family, thankful that we all live (relatively...) close and that we're able to gather, break bread, and share/create memories.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Yes, when I look at the dog, tired and resting, I know how he feels for I feel the same...</p><p style="text-align: center;">And it's so worth it.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-7903619360817599082024-02-24T18:21:00.000-08:002024-02-24T18:24:46.428-08:00Well...It Was Fun While It Lasted<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIrP4uxWFnPxvkhW8RK0emZ13PJBFIrLmh-0iNStCIzDBK9PGvr88W4_iY3rZMC5ORKiY_JtniuolRbQzfPRCXVT1TnshVsSfhFUTjhms1yobigERUle7u7XKdM_jvps6c2bcK6hyphenhyphenhZAlAu0bz4ArwwS_Nhc3FoIV1wjiEYUU833lAb7fLnffSY1YvpM/s1124/IMG_8138.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIrP4uxWFnPxvkhW8RK0emZ13PJBFIrLmh-0iNStCIzDBK9PGvr88W4_iY3rZMC5ORKiY_JtniuolRbQzfPRCXVT1TnshVsSfhFUTjhms1yobigERUle7u7XKdM_jvps6c2bcK6hyphenhyphenhZAlAu0bz4ArwwS_Nhc3FoIV1wjiEYUU833lAb7fLnffSY1YvpM/w428-h640/IMG_8138.jpeg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am a soccer fan, not a fanatic from which the word is derived, but I do like the game and I like watching the game. Last year Apple TV+ bought the rights to all Major League Soccer (MLS...) games. I remember a year ago looking at my phone wondering if it would be worth it to shell out the $$ to sign up for the season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I knew I wasn't going to do it. It's hard to justify the cost. I'm a fan, but not that much of a fan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was okay with the decision. Even when the MLS games were on broadcast TV and cable, I didn't watch them all the time. I knew I could live without the games. Then, something happened. Our phone carrier decided to give its subscribers the MLS season pass...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For free!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's something I definitely support.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maybe because it was free, I didn't take full advantage. I tried watching most of the Real Salt Lake games and I'd occasionally catch a game or two when RSL wasn't playing. I'm glad I had access to the games. It was fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Someone somewhere decided not to continue the perk. Yesterday was the last time I had access. As I write this, RSL is playing St Louis. My team may win, or they may lose (or tie...). The funny thing is, the outcome of the game is not based on whether or not I watch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the past six months, my watching habits have changed drastically. And that's a good thing. I should be doing other things with my time. I know that. Let's find out what those things are...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shall we?</div><p></p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5964635297586456513.post-11893002214550128802024-02-23T19:44:00.000-08:002024-02-23T19:44:30.608-08:00May I Never Tire Of The Skies...<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-YZdDVDSssdrzDNwbnyKRLKUewH9FGplcicbEUCpvuORZLDtfzer4fSQdBrBAUWuWHkOuhsZzzyxCfOh6_NUZE7SGgbsime4w0-HNIsFHdo0Zp9t1flJK0o5eHYcUTJ79cTCcUJRt1E-CZhnKGAj0bQk8qs-p_b9ygGQ_aLjIvAkBvspz2ORGrhnKTs/s4032/IMG_8126.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-YZdDVDSssdrzDNwbnyKRLKUewH9FGplcicbEUCpvuORZLDtfzer4fSQdBrBAUWuWHkOuhsZzzyxCfOh6_NUZE7SGgbsime4w0-HNIsFHdo0Zp9t1flJK0o5eHYcUTJ79cTCcUJRt1E-CZhnKGAj0bQk8qs-p_b9ygGQ_aLjIvAkBvspz2ORGrhnKTs/w400-h300/IMG_8126.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> I thought where we once lived had the best skies...skies unparalleled by any others in the area. I felt this way for good reason. All a person had to do was look. We lived on the eastern slope of a mountain, to the west was an island surrounded by water (at least, it used to be...), and when the sun set over the island, it because pure magic.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Funny...now one's perspective hides things, hides opinions and truths and facts that are in plain site, but remain unseen, unknown.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Though I loved the views from the side of the hill, I didn't realize how restricted it was. We lived in an area where the mountainside curved and restricted views for much of the hillside and the valley. Add to the fact that decades and centuries old trees grew and diminished what we could see even more.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We moved...</p><p style="text-align: center;">And that made all the difference.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Now, instead of living on the eastern side of a mountain, we live on a northern side of a hill. We're not so elevated as we once were, but the views...oh, the views. Before the view was narrowed, now the sky explodes with clouds and blue from horizon to horizon. It's stunning.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I've taken so many pictures of the sky and the mountain range, they could become old hat, but for so many years, I saw beauty and appreciated it greatly. I'm doing to same now.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope I never tire of the skies.</p>Hygge Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07518356793147594574noreply@blogger.com0