Empty Nesters Family Home Evening at my House

A GARDEN PARTY AT THE SWANER HOME

What a great and special time we all had at our opening social at my home for our group called the "Empty Nesters". Thats is "we" old folks who have no longer children at home. We meet once a month for family home evening, a short lesson, and games.

These are wonderful people from all walks of life and some are totally outragious and "very funny". I LOVE EACH AND EVERYONE ONE OF THEM.

They include our RS Pres., our Stake Patriarch, converts, retired bishop and dentist, and my beloved friend Ursula who has her health challenges and her hearing-imparied Kyle...those two I dearly love with all my heart...such "good" people.

The food was "pot luck" and it was sooooooo good. Ursula brought plum cobbler. I had never tasted that before. It was delightful.

The Infamous Food Storage Cash Register

This is the cash register at the storage center. At first glance it is very intimidating. It lists all bulk items, pouches, and can goods by name. We have to put in the number of cans (etc) and push the pink button which means "at" and then the name of the produce. Example: 4 "at" cans of potatoes flakes and then push subtotal. If they pay with cash we put in the amount of the cash and the cash drawer opens and tells me if I owe them any money. If they pay by check, I put in the amount and push the check button and then the drawer opens. And of course everyone gets a receipt. The big challenge is when wards or stakes come in and do thousands of dollars of canning and then hand me over 50 checks and cash to put in...that is when I say a little prayer.

Saying Goodbye to the Pearts

Today we had to say goodbye to Brother and Sister Peart from Nibley. They fulfilled an honorable mission with us for a year. I will miss Marilyn so much. She was so fun and sweet and her husband Charles (Chuck) was a joy to work with. Both Roger and I really bonded with these fine people. They will be our lifelong friends.

Roger and Chuck waiting for the next customers to arrive. Right before this shot Roger removed his hairnet. I made him put it back on for the next photo.

Aren't they real cute with their nets on?

This is Sister Snedon our elustrious director over Home Storage along with her husband. She is an on the ball lady, always on top of everything, and she lets you know when you muff up. But we love her anyway. (I'll get a photo of her sweet husband on the next blog)

Like Father-Like Son

Last Monday and Tuesday our son David came up to help his dad build a storage shed. As I was preparing their lunch I looked into the TV room and saw their shoes piled on top of each other. It was just their shoes but it warmed my heart....
David and Roger are SO much alike in their actions, interests, and thinking ability to build and create things. Both are problems solvers and love working with their hands. I think possibly David is Roger's best friend as well. David we love you so much for helping your dad when he needs it. You are "one of a kind," unique in every way. Love You! MOM

My Bountious Garden

I love my garden this year. The tomatoes are wonderful to look at and to eat.

Rich ripe tasty tomatoes...doesn't it make your mouth water? Hmmmmm

I love RED...I love Red TOMATOES. Send me any receipes that include tomatoes!

Yellowstone Trip-OUR 23rd Year-WOW-What a Tradition

Unusal Cloud outside of Soda Springs. This Cloud jutted straight up into another cloud. It was weird.
Hand Gliders jumping off the Grand Teton's above the lodge...awesome.

And off course...the majestic Tetons where you can never take a bad photo.

Awesome Grand Moran....

These are the beautiful chanderliers in the lodge, not Old Faithful Lodge but "The Lodge".

In the Old faithful lodge they put in etched glass in 1912 in the bar area. It was so percise that the guide said you could read the time on the watch of one of the etchings....Can you?

The watch is on the arm of the character above.

Art gallary on the main floor of the Old Faithful Lodge.

Our flag in the Lodge.

Those heavy doors made in 1912.

The cabins where we stay every year.

Old Faithful Geyers which isn't so faithful...The time is a little off.

The power underneath that mound..I don't want to be here when the big one blows.

Remember the lilly pad pound? It is right at the continnetal devide as you come into the park.

What is a female moose called? Anyway this is one above.

The "Boss of the Road." You don't shew a buffalo across the road...you just have to wait.

Beautiful Elk!!!!

This is Debbie Van Winkle, a very friendly and informative Forrest Ranger. With that kind of name I knew she was from Holland. Yep, her ancestors are dutch. We met her in Mammouth Hot Springs. She came over to our picnic table and chatted with us for an hour. So much interesting info about the area!!!!

What are these animals? I think they are antalope. What do you think?

The beautiful Old Faithful Lodge. It is magical!

They say you can watch and tell when the visitors come into the lodge if this is their first time by what they first do...they look up.

Is this a nun or amish lady?

Outside the lodge facing the geyer.

Is someone looking for a yellow hat? I know where it is.

The flag was flying half mass because of Teddy Kennedys death.

What another buffalo!!!! Please restrain me from taking "another" photo of this animal!

Is she dutch, a nun, or amish???

Crowds appear to watch....I estimate over 100, maybe 200.

Wee, every time I come here it is still a magical place of beauty, peace, and solidtude.