Hummingbird

Wonderful Day for our Grandson Ian

2012-01-22T16:57:00.000-08:00

Today, Jan. 22, 2012...Roger and I drove down to Layton, Ut. to see our grandson Ian receive his priesthood blessing and confirmation to become a teacher in our church. To our great surprise, his father (our son) flew up from Arizona to give this special blessing to Ian. Shawn flew up this morning and flew back this afternoon because of his bishopric responsibilities. We had a wonderful meal and visit with Ian's family. PLUS it is Shawn's birthday. He is a young 41-year-old.

What a wonderful day! FAMILY IS EVERYTHING.

2011-12-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving...a little late with photos. Michael, I and Roger spent Thanksgiving with David's in-laws...very nice.

Juliet has the bib and hat hat I bought her...so cute.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011....We have a tradition at our house of filling Christmas socks for each member of our family, plus they get money in their socks. All of them seem to be happy with their stashes.

HAPPY NEW YEAR (almost) EVERYONE!!! 2012 WOW...WHAT WILL THE NEW YEAR BRING!!!!

Our Wonderful Hawaiian Vacation

2011-11-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

This vacation is in my bucket lists of things I wanted to do...and wishing became a reality!
We flew to Los Angeles and was bused to our Golden Princess ship. We were sitting on the front seat and Roger took a photo of our reflection in the bus driver's rear view mirror.
It was four days on the ocean with lots of things to do until we docked at Hilo in the Hawiian Islands.
We took a free city tour of the Japanese gardens...very lush and green.

Nice and warm, around high 80's to 90 degrees. Humidity was very noticeable.
There were unusual trees, more like numerous vines wrapped around each other.
Tarzan would love these hanging vines.

This guy was doing stretches facing the ocean and then he turned around. I don't think he liked me taking his photo.

They call this a waterfall? I've seen taller ones in Oregon.

Doesn't Roger look good in a ball cap? He looks better with it on than off.
This was our tour guide to the volcanoes. He was MOST interesting. He called us "cousins from the homeland." He says we're all related but he is related directly from Hawaiian royalty. Ya, right.
There are many active and extinct volcanoes on Hilo. This is one of the active ones, but not for a while, just steam for now.
Huge crater, like the grand canyon...

What it looked like during its active stage a few years back.

This is a huge mural depicting what the early islanders might have seen.
My first walk through a real rain forest.

We actually got to walk through an inactive, hopefully extinct, lava tube.
It was like walking into a cave but you soon realized it was different.

Hot lava used to stream through here instead of human visitors.
this is the exit of the lava tube.

Next port is Honolulu Hawaii. What a thrill to see Diamond head in the distance.
As we docked I took this photo (from our cabin balcanoy) of a huge clock tower...which has the words "Aloha" on the brim.
From the sidewalk, looking at the tower and rows of shops.
Neat Hula statue in the park welcoming us as visitors.
In the shipping depot there were numerous murals, very large 10 ft. by 20 ft., hand painted on the walls. They are from the vintage era of the 1940's and 1950's. REALLY NEAT TO VIEW.

One of the very few children on this ship was this child. Everywhere the child roamed he was tethered with his mother at the other end. I have never seen anything like that before.
The islands have plush rain forests and then the green mountains seem to just jump straight up from the valley floor.

This beautiful wooden statue of the king and queen were standing outside the shop and macadamia fields. Those nuts were in any form you wanted, even chocolate covered.
The Hawaiian flowers and arrangements were just breathtaking. You know me and flowers. I just felt like I was in Heaven when I saw them.

This little island in the Pacific, off the coast of Hawaii, is call "Mexican Hat." Good name.
When we arrived at the Polynesian Cultural Center this cute little gal was waiting for us, with not only shell leis but real leis also. Everyone who serves at the center are Mormon college students at the Hawaiian BYU university. I chatted with her and found out that she is from New Zealand AND is a fourth generation member of the church. Her great-great grandfather was converted by Mathew Cowley when he arrived there. Sweet gal, who took good care of us during the day.
We were all assembled on the banks of this man made canal and then here they came! WOW!
The first natives represented their homeland of Fiji.
Then came the actual students representing their homeland of Tonga. All the colors of each group was stunning.

Then the bright yellow of Tahiti.

These students represented their island of New Zealand.

And the end of this fantastic parade of islanders, came the representatives of the island of Hawaii.

All I can say is the people of the islands are beautiful, colorful, and gentle people.
...except for maybe this guy...(above)
This Tongan showed us how to start a fire with just bamboo and a stick and coconut grass.
Amazing.......

He also showed us how to crack a coconut, squeeze out the milk, and take out the coconut...

He asked an audience member to try but he didn't do so well.
This coconut tree climber was AWESOME. No ropes...nothing but hands and feet.

Then he started to show off...so cute and neat!!!

There were numerous villages and huts we visited, each with a demonstration of their culture and music....WONDERFUL!

Towards sunset we were taken to the Hawaiian Temple...I wept...it was so beautiful and the sweet spirit swelled within me.

As I approached the visitor's center I saw a tall white haired missionary standing at the door. I shook his hand and asked him his name. He replied, "I'm Elder Eubank." When I looked up I instantly said in amazement, "You're Mark Eubank! My favorite KSL Channel 5 Weatherman!" I couldn't believe it. He said, "You must be from Utah?" I said, "Yes I am." I told him how well I thought his son was doing in his place as the weatherman. Anyway, He and his wife has served three years there and he had only a few days left.

Of course we had to get a photo with him.

On the island of Nawilwili we had a great time. We wandered around this quaint island and found this beach bum guy making bowls and hats out of palm tree reeds. I purchased a bowl and visited with him.

We then were told that the botanical gardens at the Marriott were gorgeous. So we walked through the paths, mini lakes, and among the stunning flowers.

Roger said, "Come over here quick. There is a Gecko." Of course it wasn't like the one on the commercials, not green, and it wasn't very big, about the size of my hand, but I enlarged the photo to make it look big.

Here's my beautiful flower in the garden sitting on the bench.

Yes, these are very large gold fish...

Hundreds of them....
Well, we got back to the ship at 11 p.m. and headed out into the ocean with the help of the Pilot ship....Now onto Maui.

The ocean is big, wide, endless, awesome, expansive, and endearing.

We had to use the tender boat to get us into Maui. This is a view of our ship from the island.
We took tender boasts to the island of Maui. This island is so quaint and relaxing, at least where we were. Great shops, tasty flavored ice cups, Macedonia ice cream, and gift shops, plus old historical buildings.

Below is a princess tender boat which brings us ashore. They are needed because the cruise ship can't get close enough to the peer.
This was the most unusual awesome tree I have ever seen. It looks a thousand years old. The limbs just keep going every which way. In fact there was a very large branch, as thick as a trunk that was growing 6 ft. perfectly horizontal across to another tree and attached. So both trees became one tree.
This Maui native was carving some beautiful items. I wish I could have brought one home, but my suitcase was getting full.
Watching him carve with his tools and holding items with his feet was very interesting.
about that tree again...the limb on the left goes straight over and attaches to another tree.

The historic Baldwin Home is behind me. This is just the sign. It is the old island courthouse.
This is Roger paragliding behind a boat...........................................ya, right.
Back on the boat, in the wheel house Bar for afternoon trivia game,
Later in the day at the piazza (in the middle of the ship) we were entertained by a famous Russian Dance couple. They were really good.

Now after dinner with our new friends, we go back to our cabin and sit on out balcony and view the moody clouds and massive ocean. For the next three days we head back through three times zones to Ensenada, Mexico.

The ship had a "goodbye to the Islands" party and had the second floor piazza filled with balloons which would soon be released to the floor below.
Occasionally we saw other ships, never a cruise ship, usually cargo ships.
Someone on their balcony yelled, "Look a whale!" I said where? She pointed to these rocks but I just couldn't see anything.
Well, welcome to Mexico, more important, Ensenada. The night before we arrive a letter arrived to each of our cabins. On top of the page it said, "WARNING"..Then is stated that we should be very careful when we get off the ship. They said...don't go alone on shore...don't wear fancy jewelry. Try not to act like the typical tourist. Don't go on side streets etc. Well, by the time I finished reading it, I decided not to go into the two of Ensenada. We did go off the ship and onto the pier because there were shops near the ship. Right off I found my favorite leather purse. I was happy. When this town wasn't so evil, many years ago, when Gabe and I went on a tour bus to the town, we were perfectly fine. But this time I was a little nervous about it.

Well, after a four hour docking there...the cruise ship was ready to leave for Los Angles. We could always tell because the pilot tugboat was ready to lead us out of the harbor.

OH I forgot, there were very loud voice stress seals there, basking on the island edge. You could hear them a mile sway.
Before We got back on the ship I wanted to take a photo of the life boats and all the people who stayed on board watching all of us who got off for an hour or two.

Roger found a bench near a Mexican port office...
While we were docked these guys got out and were using these long pools to clean the ship. I thought they were painting it but they were washing all the salt off, so says Roger.

When we got off there were three ambulances waiting. Apparently three different passengers had heart problems. I can't imagian being this close to the end of the cruise and having a heart problem in Mexico and having to pay medical expenses in a foreign country. I saw one of the patients and didn't look so good.
Well, he were are the next day entering the same port in Los Angles that we left from.

It was a sad to have to leave new friends, our cabin boy Edwardo, and are table servers, Patti and Gerald. We came home to cold Cache Valley weather around 28 degree...so from 80 to 90 degrees to 28 degrees. HOME SWEET HOME.

Great Oct. Conference and Chalk Art

2011-10-04T23:04:00.000-07:00

David and family came up for October General Conference weekend. The grand kids enjoyed chalk art on the patio.

Kira has a special talent in chalk art.

Jordan had to also get in on the activities.

Nicole is especially talented in art and photography.

Great day for everyone. I'm glad I took photos of their art because the next day it rained and washed it all away. GREAT MEMORIES. I'm glad I documented it.

26 - year Girl friend Tradition to Yellowstone

2011-09-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

First let me say that something was not right with my camera so all the photos are blurry. But at least you will get the essence of our trip. The first night we stayed at Ludean's cabin in Afton WY. Christina and I have made this trip for the last 26 years. We decided a few years back that Ludean also needed a break from her challenges at home.

Ludean and I. She is a fun lady. But she needs, now and then, a refresher course in how to enjoy life sometimes.

Of course Christina loves to cook in the outdoors. So we buy the food and she cooks for four days, every meal. She really is creative in utilizing everything she prepares...and it saves us money by not eating out.

More Buffalo photos. This one came right up to my window. LuDean kept saying, "Roll down your window!!" I just couldn't do it....You never know what might happen.

They have recreated these old yellow tour buses. They are so cute..they are an enact replica of the old motor tour buses of the early 1900's.

BAD NEWS!!! Our beloved George was not at the piano at Old Faithful Lodge. We found out that he had suffered a stroke and is now in a nursing home. We will miss him greatly. He was the BEST...and really famous. He could play anything and he had on his cart on wheels hundreds of song books. It just isn't the same without George at the piano.
Warning of bears BUT we did not see even ONE.

The earth and beneath is trembling, burping and belching...spewing out hot steam everywhere.

We friends LOVE Yellowstone and I for one need the rejuvenation of its sights and smells at least once a year. It really sinks into my blood and provides yet again happy memories of one of the most unique places on earth.

My Beloved 2011 Garden - It's all about COLOR!

2011-08-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

When I plant, grow, water, and sweat in my garden in the early morning hours just at sunrise, I think of my dad. The memory of him always in his garden of vegetables, or among his flowers, will forever be etched in my mind.

When I reach into the earth to plant the potatos in the early spring, I think of helping dad "drop" the baby sprouted potato heads in each hole and remembering that each sliced piece had to have at least three "eyes."

When I view the sweet peas perfuming the early morning quietness, I think of my dad.

In every inch of my garden, I think of him...his love for color, texture, brightness, boldness, delicateness, beauty of produce, reaching and reaping every vine, I wipe tears from my eyes and thank the Lord for a father who loved what I now love.

Fantastic Swaner Family Reunion at Bear Lake

2011-07-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

We rented a house in Garden City (Bear Lake) Our entire family was there except for Michael. We boated and pulled kids and grandchildren on a inflated thingy on the back. (JULY 7th-10th)

Sorry these events are not in the order they were done. On the last night we ordered a Pizza. It was the largest pizza I have ever seen. WOW....and so good!
On the second to last day we hiked into Bloomington Lake. Even in July there was lots of snow which hasn't melted. Some of us hiked to the smaller lake and those who were younger and able went on to the frozen Bloomington lake.

This is Nicole hiking into the lake with her younger little sister. Yes, even 4-month old Juliet made it in.

Myah, Derrick & Kelli's only little daughter enjoyed the hike.
Tannon throws a snowball,
Desmond also loved the beauty along with eating snacks.
Kira, David and Gabrielle's daughter also enjoyed the hike.

Some of the time we had to hike across the snow fields. Derrick loves these challenges.

David enjoying the view.

Actually the first few days we enjoyed the lake before we went to the mountains.
Shawn rented a motor boat for the day and everyone loved the ride and being pulled on the surfer. Roger brought our two cannos. They all loved paddling out to the motor boat for a ride.

A memory of the good old days when Roger and I would paddle all over the place.

Mother with cute baby.

Nicole didn't want to go motor boating or surfing, but Dad and Grandpa try to make her.
She won...She stayed on shore.

Look at Kira with that cute shape and long flowing blond hair...watch out world.

Does David love that little daughter? On baby!!

Myah loving the water, sun, and red candy fish.

ANOTHER WONDERFUL MEMORY ENJOYED WITH MY BELOVED FAMILY....

Book Signing at Hastings in Logan

2011-06-26T15:58:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, I'm having a book signing for "Words Born of Silence-Unexpected Gifts of Autism" at Hastings in Logan on Friday, July 1st from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Christina Green will also be there. She was a big part of this book. Come in and say Hello...Hope to see you there....

EASTER 2011 THANKFUL FOR OUR SAVIOR & FAMILY

2011-04-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter 2011...David and family came up for the weekend.

Jordon found a Liz Clayborn hat in my eBay room and took a liking to it so I gave it to him. He looks kinda cool, like a Bagger Vance pro Golfer. Maybe something for him to think about in the future. Who couldn't love that cute mug!!??
He Got the old golf club from the utility room and posed for the event.

My oh my...our first teenage granddaughter Nicole showing her stuff....what happened to the little girl I used to know.
Big Brother....Little baby Sister....

Jordon, Kira, and new baby sis....

Mother's favorite helper....notice the matching skirts....

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

The Baby Blessing

2011-04-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Roger and I traveled to Tooele for the blessing of our 14th Grandchild...Juliette Gabrielle Swaner.

The proud Grandmas

OH BABY BABY BABY.........

2011-02-22T20:27:00.000-08:00

Born Feb. 22 at 4:31 p.m. A baby girl (Juliette...hope I spelled it right) My daughter-in-law Gabrielle Swaner knitted the cute cap and a matching blanket. Congratulations to David & Gabrielle for delivering a beautiful little girl.

A proud Grandma Swaner with her 14th Grandchild child.
Proud Parents!!
One happy new Mother!
Grandpa Swaner, as proud as he can be.
We think she looks a lot like Kira and has Grandpa's lips.
One tired Daddy...yet so happy for this day.
Kira is going to make such a good Mommy's helper...
Second's after she was born...when they put that gooey stuff in her eyes.
I think Jordan was in total awe of his sweet little sister.
Nicole looks happy (and she probably is) but Grandpa Swaner had to bribe her to hold the baby. She's playing it like a cool teenager, but she will warm up to the idea.
Seconds after birth..the nurse checks her heart...Yep...welcome to the world!
See the scales? Six pounds/10 ounces...20 inches long....
Why do we always cry when a new baby comes into the world????
Grandma "Peggy" in total joy.
I forgot to say that she was looking for her thumb to suck instantly.

WHAT A JOYOUS DAY!!!!

2011-02-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

HELLO EVERYONE!!! Sorry I haven't kept up this blog. I will repent soon. A lot has happened since the last entry. I am doing a lot of talks because of my recently published book..."Words Born of Silence-Unexpected Gifts of Autism." I'm talking at three book clubs, one literary club, and a retired teachers association. A couple of them give us a free dinner..at Golden Corral and the Copper Mill. I'm having Christina say a few words also, since she is a big part of the book.

We're having fun and selling books!

MY Glorious Wonderful Summer Garden & Yard 2010

2010-08-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

This old guy is part of my summer garden. My sweet husband waters everything each night.
Plus he takes time to work on his projects, laying cement etc. WHAT A GUY!

Would you believe these are potatoe blossoms? I didn't realize they were so pretty.

The squash blossoms and leaves are pretty also.

Those pole beans are a climbin.......

My little old knowl I brought back from Holland many years ago...his face turned brown...Odd..

Who's that flower under my arch???

WOW! The intense vivid colors are what I like the most. Maybe it's because I tend to get "intense."

Summer just doesn't last long enough. It is way TOO short!!!

This has to be the BEST year ever for the beauty of the yard and the produce from the garden!! It's just great to sit on the patio swing and look at everything. I am truly blessed.

Three day quicky vacation Relaxing and Fun

2010-07-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

One day last week with just a two hour morning notice, Roger and I decided to take off for three days. We headed north and got as far as Coulter Bay in the tetons and spent an unforgettable night in a tent cabin. We had no bedding so we rented two sleeping bags and pillows. We kept the little wood stove going with two boxes of wood that we had to pay for. The cabin was two bunk beds with a thin mattress on top of hard metal springs. We finally ended up in the middle of the night putting all four matresses on the flour and sleeping on top of them. (Sorry no photos of the first night. I can't find them....so on to Yellowstone.....

It's still the same...with Old faithful erupting and hoards of people taking photos.

Same animals.......

Beautiful open praire spaces, lush, green, and inviting...

"Home, home on the range where the dear and the anelope play, where buffalo roam and..(you know the song and it fits here)This big old BULL Buffalo has almost shed its winter coat, just a couple of patches left.

Roger spotted a bear but he was shaking so bad, the photo is blurry, but you get the drift.

On the way home we took the back roads instead of the main highway. Its more interesting.

Bye for now until the next adventure....

Wonderful Swaner 4th of July Family Reunion

2010-07-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful family reunion on the July 4th holiday 2010. We were all present for the event over at Mack Park. Some of the family even stayed over in tents and another family in a hotel in Logan. We even at Michael with us....GREAT FUN....more photos to follow....

More July 4th family reunion photos

2010-07-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Perkes Family Reunion

2010-06-27T08:49:00.001-07:00

On Saturday Roger and I went to a Perkes Family Reunion in Hyde Park. My Grandmother was Catherine Sara Perkes Harris. This photo shows me standing next to my cousin Polly Smith. She is pointing to her mother (my father's sister) and I am pointing to my beloved Grandmother Harris. (mother to my dad and Polly's mother). The Harris line seem to live a very long time. Would you believe that Polly is in her late 80's? What a classy lady and so full of live and vigor. I hope I can live as long as my Harris relatives have and are. She was way out there with her opinons on life, relatives, and the joys of living a robust life. WOW...I hope I can be just like her!

Michael's 33rd Birdthday at Willow Park

2010-05-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

The group home had a special birthday party for Michael at Willow Park in Logan. We had a great time. Hambergers, hotdogs, cake and ice cream and more. PLUS Michael received alot of gifts.
Micahel loves his group home director, Jancee.

Oh Michael...I LOVE YOU SO MUCH...Some day in the eternities we will have a very long conversation and visit about your journey on this earth.

A MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL DELIVERY!!!!!

2010-05-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

I had a great mother's day with David and Derrick's family and a surprize visit from our autistic son Michael. Two group home aids drove up and Michael came up to me with a bouquet of flowers. It was a special moment for me as a mother.
I think Michael's eyes were closed because he was having a peti-maul seizure...just a small one.

It was so neat to have family around on this special day. I wish Shawn and his family could have been here but I got to speak to them on the phone from AZ.

Wonderful Easter/Conference Weekend

2010-04-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter/Conference weekend with two of our three families at our home. The grandchildren colored Easter eggs. We had yummy food, lots of candy/and loads of togetherness and conversations. Saturday Evening Roger was a proud father and grandfather to have his Priesthood sons and grandsons accompany him to the General Conference Priesthood meeting. We are so proud of our boys!!!

MARGARET WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!

2010-02-27T13:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, February 26, 2010 we attended a very special event. Margaret Jacobs who Roger baptized over 46-years ago in Holland, is retiring from a 32-year church service as a chruch interreptor in the church office building.

Elder Van Damn and his wife are above. These two aging missionaries were the two "young" missionaries who brought, not only Margaret into the church, but also her brother, and grandmother into the waters of baptism. Elder Taylor (not in photo) baprized Margaret's mother.

In honor of Margaret's Chineese grandmother, Margaret went to China and adopted her young child (who is now 14-years-old). What a blessing she has been in her mother's life.

Julie was named after Margaret's mother. She is so pretty and wholesome. She does her mother proud.

I love Margaret very much and also her sibilings. We have had the opportunity to go to Holland several times and stay with Margaret's twin brothers Peter and Paul.

This special occassion was held in the JS Memorial Building in the the Relief Society room and the room was fulled with her co-workers and dignataries.

She received a framed letter from the Prophet and his counselors in acknowlegment of her 32 years of service. She also received a handmade sculpture from a noted artist. (sorry that photo didn't turn out.)

MARGARET, LOVE YOU LOADS!!! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

Palm Springs Week Vacation a BLAST!

2010-01-25T13:35:00.000-08:00

My brother Clark and my sisater-in-law Marilyn invited us to spend a week with them at their Marriott Villa in Palm Desert California. We wanted to get out of this bleek, cold, boring, depressing Cache Valley winter so we accepted.

Just out side of Barstow, Ca. We saw big road signs for Peggy Sue's Diner right out of the 50's. We stopped and had lunch. WOW...good food, and thousands of Hollywood Stars and Memorbilia all over the walls/ GREAT FUN!!!

Of course Bettyboops and I had to get together!!!

When you approach Palm Springs there are thousands of these windmills which turn in the wind to generate electricity for the desert people. Really an errie sight...aliens would wonder what these things were.

This is the Marriott Villa which Clark owns a time-share in. Really beautiful inside and I got to soak in the hot tub every night.

Clark golfed nearly every day and Roger drove the golf cart on one day..(boring)

Great swimming....WOW

We went one day to see the World Famous Palm Springs Follies. Would you believe that the show girls were 56 to 86 years-old? I could not believe it and they were beautiful!!!

On the last three days it rained and rained and RAINED...It never let up. There was flooding in the intersections and only 125 miles west in Los Angles there were mud slides and very dangerous conditions. We just stayed in or went to movies and ate out...We saw Avator...ate at the Cheese Cake Factory, Mimi's and many more fun places. I think I gained a pound or two.

On the way home there was snow on the desert. Oh NO, That's just what we came here to avoid. Oh well, we're cursed.

Regardless of the rain and touch of snow, we had fun and were ready to come home to shivering, cold, depressing Cache Valley.

My Handsome Boys...Totally lovable!!!!

2009-12-27T14:55:00.001-08:00

Geat photo after our Thanksgiving feast. Roger loves his boys and so do I...They turned out alright and I love each and everyone of them, including Michael our autistic son, who is not present for this photo but is still so very special.

So Far so GOOD.....For all my family and friends

2009-12-27T14:37:00.000-08:00

I had my Colonoscopy on Dec. 22. He clipped off a few small polyps..I think that is normal he also went down through my mouth to the stomach area. I have a few little old ulcers which could have erupted and may be causing the Anemia. We won't know until he sends his report to my regular doctor. However, I'm thinking and hoping that is just something that I can correct with Iron pills and Vitamin B12 pills. We will see soon.

Meanwhile, I feel not too bad at all and I am glad that proceedure is over. Good things happening in the new year hopefully for me and all of us. Love to all....

Please Pray for Me......

2009-12-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

I have been diagnosed with Iron Deficency Anemia. I will be having a Colonoscomy on Dec. 22. I hope that you will all pray for me that day. I hope they can find out the problem and fix it. This took me by surprize because my diabetic doctor told me I was doing very well with my diabetic situation. I feel almost fine although I am somewhat concerned. I would love you to pray for me along with many others who already are. I need all the help I can get. Love to all...Mom, Wife, and friend....

A Happy Thanksgiving with my Family

2009-12-08T19:27:00.001-08:00

My family was here for Thanksgiving and it made me so very happy. Here are my daughter-in-laws Gabrielle, Amy, and Kelli.

My beloved sons Derrick, David, and Shawn...teasing me as usual....

Yes Shawn, It is my real hair. You can stop looking now.

You're still looking....STOP LOOKING!!!!

My sons are no longer my little boys...they are grown, handsome, and with families. I'm so proud of them.

Stop it boys! Enough with the teasing and Shawn you are still looking. YES IT IS MY REAL HAIR!!!!

Roger really isn't that short. He's just standing on a lower step. And boy, does he love his sons!!!

I'm glad I could give him such fine sons. I just wish he could have given me a couple of daughters. But, Daughter-in-laws are the next best thing.

Goofing off as usual............

Derrick you always look so handsome, even in your cap and scarf.

Kelli and Zac ready to head on home to Pocatello

There just aren't enough photos of these two cousins. They almost look like they could be sisters.

Myha and Abby forever friends.....

Myah and Abby with Kira the older cousin,

We had 10 grandchildren here with three others with other folks, and 8 adults...quiet a house full and a memorable special day.

The Last photos of my Oct. Cruise Aren't you glad???

2009-12-06T18:59:00.000-08:00

Our last stop on our cruise was Ensenada. We took a tour into the city to see an old retired casino which in its day was the "Hot Spot" for the Americans during the 1940's, 50's and 60's. Infact well known movie stars came down from Hollywood to gamble. Jack Demsey the famous boxer in his day actually built the casino for his Hollywood friends. Later on, however, the town outlawed gambling. This beautiful building then became a reception center.

These were the handcarved, handpainted, wooden ceilings.

Beautiful handpainted murals adorned all of the walls displaying the starlets and night life of the era.

Next we went on a tour of the local winery. Everyone from our bus got to have a wine tasting session. Of course we didn't partake. Our tour guide couldn't believe it. She said, "Your are in Ensenada> This is the best wine in the country and you're not tasting????

Inside the winery were funny paintings of people getting drunk in the winery.

Before we got on the bus to go back to the ship we did some shopping and had something to eat at this outside bar. It was really decked out with displays and bright colors.

We even saw our state's liscence plate from the 1996 centennial.

IT WAS A GREAT CRUISE....LOTS OF FUN....GOOD FOOD...GOTTA DO IT AGAIN!!!!!!

The Animals at the San Dieago ZOO

2009-11-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

Before heading on to Enscenda we docked at San Dieago. The weather was warm and beautiful. Gabe walked my legs off at the zoo. She wanted to see every animal in there...and we did!!

CAN YOU NAME THEM ALL??? I CAN'T........

This is a statue of an earlier mastadone.....They were huge!!!

Sweet little boy climbing on top of an earlier creature from the past.

This was most interesting...as the zoo keepers were giving a large elephant a manicure, they were distracting him at the other end with food.

Nice lettuce for the big guy to keep him distracted from his manicure.

We took the sky lift back to the main entrance to catch our bus to take us back to our ship.

Nice buildings in the distance...a conservatory and tower.

The lovely skyline of San Dieago...............

Now...on to Enscenda......are you bored yet????

Catalina Island WOW Still Beautiful

2009-11-11T09:07:00.000-08:00

After docking at San Fran for the day it was out to sea again and the next morning we docked near Catalina Island. We took a small boat onto the island. One of the first scenes was how the islanders get ready for Halloween. This huge cactus garden in front of a shop had spinder web decor all over it.
We took a bus trip to the top of the island to view the ocean better and see the "airport in the sky".

This was an old vintage 50's bus but well kept and souped up with a engine which would get us to the top of the island.

Such a cool shiny vintage bus......

This old airport hanger use to be at the base of the island but they took it apart piece by piece and brought it up the mountain and reassembled it.

This is a view of our ship as we headed around the curvy road.

The views just got better and better as we got higher and higher.

Gabe was the first one on the bus to spot this fox. The driver said that was a rare sight.

At the old airport they had a big map to show where we are.

This airport is unique because it had only a 3200 foot runway to take off from. Our driver said he had seen many planes just go up and then over the cliffs into the ocean.

They made a good bowl of homemade soup in this airport and I was hungry.

This old airplane, still in use, was parked on the runway. I can just see the old movies stars of the 40's and 50's, flying over from Los Angeles for a weekend of fun.

Mighty big ocean out there...

Through the hase and smog you can see Los Angeles...

Jacke Green, my friend's husband, would love this place. It is a environmental conservatory. You can camp out in upgraded tents and have complete access of the island. On your bike you can explore the flora and fauna and animals.

Buffalo on Catalina Island????? YES! The way the story is told, there was a hollywood producer back in the 50's that filmed a movie here and in one of the scenes he wanted a buffalo. So he had one or two shipped in. After the movie was completed he left and left behind the buffalos. They repoduced and now there are a couple of hundred. Every year if they get too many they just ship them off the island.

Our ship...home sweet home....

Catalina Island far below. Can you see the windy road we took to get up here?

This is a mirror that is placed on the switch back curves so the driver can see if anyone is coming because someone is going to have to stop and move to one side.

The harbor at Catalina Island...breathtaking!!!

This building is a retired old casino, now a big movie house, and activity center.

The yellow submarine is used for tourist attractions...another money maker.

ON TO THE NEXT ADVENTURE!!!!! TO BE CONTINUED................

More Cruise photos...you bored yet???!!!!

2009-11-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Sea Lions on the warf in San Fran were fascinating, loud, and stinky. They laid on top of each other and you could really tell who was the "Boss".

The "mother of all mothers" or "The Boss of all Bosses". This one was big and mean.

Talk to me baby!

Sorry you can't read below but it explains why they are here and why now. The males are around 850 pounds and 7 feet in length. The females are 300 pounds and 6 feet in length. Males have a crest or bump on their heads, females don't. They all left here during the 1989 earthquake, now they are back "big time."

The navy is in port along with the seagulls.

More alcatraz....

The prison up close....

They have everything on the warf, shops, eateries, and merry-go-rounds...

We sat on a bench in a park right across from our ship. It was neat that the ship could dock so close to the warf in San Fran.

NOW ON TO THE NEXT PORT OF CALL...CATALINA!!!

San Fransico Here we come! New port of call!!!

2009-11-06T07:37:00.001-08:00

Our new port of call instead of Cabo was San Francisco. I hadn't been back there for many years and it was wonderful to see all those familiar sights again.

Our ship docked right on the pier and it was a very short walk to Fisherman's Warf. Along the boardwalks were the street vendors and performers looking for a few extra bucks.

Familar Alacatraz in all its glory

There was an old arcade museum on the pier. Really fun...I got my fortune told.

We ate on the warf. I had the Famous "Yummy" Clam Chouder and fresh sea food.

Our table was right by the window and this was the view....so cool!!

Gabe at the Trolley Car

I thought I was in Egypt when I saw this tall guy on the street corner.

The famous pier arch and beyound is the old WWII ship museum docked.

The sky line of San Fran with Nob Hill in the distance.

A ship in the harbor with all its military hardware.

2009-11-01T14:47:00.001-08:00

The couple above were newly weds. They are Armenians. He is a lawyer and she is a dental hygenist. They were very friendly and interesting to talk with.

One evening was the "Pouring of the Champagne" in the glasses. It was amazing to watch.

Everyone who wanted to, could go on the platform next to the glasses and help pour it in on the top and watch it trinkle down. I was too shy. I would have propbably knocked over the entire thing.

There weren't many children on this ship, but I spotted one on this evening...and look at her pretty dress.

As we neared the shoreline of San Fransico this sailing boat caught my eye.

The Fishes of the Sea

2009-11-01T14:36:00.001-08:00

You may not be able to see them but from the library I looked out the window and spotted a school of Dolphins heading "somewhere" for the winter and they were in a big hurry.

What a thrill to see these beautiful animals....

Here they are "photo enhanced" and blurry.

This photo below I actually was going to put as a background on my computor because it just shows the waves and mystic of the currents of the ocean...so mesmerizing.

Relaxing on the Sapphire Princess

2009-11-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

We had great fun onboard and each night my bathrobe had a different "artistic touch" to my bed presentation. It was great fun.
This particular ship had numerous pools and hot tubs with ornate scuptures like the one below.

There is something about the ocean that gives one such a peaceful, scerne feeling. Below is a photo of all of the cabins with their own private decks.

A view of the "upper crust" people with private balaconies.

The Glorious Food on the Ship

2009-11-01T14:14:00.001-08:00

Read the last two blogs below this one first and then this one...............
Our table guests each evening thought we were very funny taking photos of our food. But we couldn't resist because it was so beautifully presented...

AND THEN IT HAPPENED....

2009-11-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

If you haven't read the previous Blog Post then read that one first and then this one...

We get 800 miles out into the ocean heading to Cabo San Lucas..and the captain gets on the loud speaker and says ..."due to the severity of Hurricane Rick, now a category 5, we will have to turn the ship around. Sorry for this inconvenience." Where I was sitting I could hear a collective groan. The new ports of call would be San Fransico, Catalina Island, Ensenada, and San Diago. Some of the Californians who lived in San Fransico and San Diago and said, "Why would I want to go back home?" Others called their daughters and told them to meet them on the pier with the grandchildren for lunch. Others were so disappointed that they left the ship at the next port of call. Gabrielle and I weathered the storm and had a good time. I hadn't been to San Fran in years and even though we both had seen Catalina and Ensenada last May with our families, we would find something new to do....MEANWHILE...We enjoyed the Food on the ship...

MEXICO HERE WE COME!!!!

2009-10-29T09:36:00.001-07:00

On Oct. 17 thru the 24th my daughter-in-law and I took a cruise to Mexico. Little did we know of the events which would take place.

It was a bright sunny day in Las Angeles when our Sapphire Princess slowly left the harbor.

Everyone was on deck to say goodbye.

Even the big cargo ships were moving on...

Gabrielle was so happy...

Even the Tug Boat waved us onward to our adventure.

We were both ready to rock and roll, and party on....

Even the guy in the blimp waved at us...

It was going to be not only "A Good Year" but a good seven days.

The entire scene was perfect...

We played Giant Chess on deck...

And the Mexican Duet played in the atrium to get us in the mood for Mexico.

The main atrium was beautiful and inviting.

Nice ceiling and beautiful ornate elevators.

THEN IT HAPPENED!!!! We were 800 miles into the ocean heading to Carbo San Lucas at the very tip southern end of the Baja. We would dock there, spend a day, and move slowly back up to our other ports of call. To know what happened next you will have to read my next entry.

Jordon Gets the Priesthood

2009-10-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Sunday with Jordon on his special Priesthood Day!

David just purchased a new black suit with vest and notice they both have on matching ties. What a duo!

Jordon showing off his new scriptures that we presented him. It also has an all leather bag to protect them along with marking pencils. Black with gold edge pages are so striking.

All the little cousins are lined up for ice cream cones. We had yummy soups and rolls after church.

Grandpa holding Alex's new baby who was also blessed today.

Oh David, how come you are so handsome. Of course all my sons are handsome. They get it from their mother.

The Wonderful Colors of Autumn 2009

2009-10-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

Empty Nesters Family Home Evening at my House

2009-09-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-09T18:37:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Unusual Occurance in the SKY

2009-08-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, August 7th, Cache valley skies had an errie yellow cast to it and the sun was a "blood red". You could even look directly at it. It was in the middle of the day, which was very odd.

These photos don't really show how red the sun was. I thought it was the scriptures being fulfilled and the end of the last days were upon us. I think from the news about all the fires around, in and out of the valley, caused this unusual occurance. IT WAS SPOOKY!

Tannon's Birthday

2009-08-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday Aug. 2 Roger and I went to Derrick's house to celebrate Tannon's Birthday
Kelli made a fantastic dinner. I should have taken a photo of the food. It was Yummy!

Myah and Des helped celebrate too.

Zac and Tannon having cake.

Tannon and his favorite bunt cake...blow'm out...lets eat!!!

Tannon with his birthday loot from grandma and grandpa....don't spend it all in one place.

WE SURE LOVE YOU!!!!!

A Great Trip with Good Friends

2009-07-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

This was a great round-trip which I have been on with friends several times. First we traveled up Logan Canyon to the southeast side of Bear Lake and into Wyoming. The first stop is Fossil Butte. The largest fossil site in the world. You can actually go on a dig and keep what you find for a price. We just went to the museum and national site. VERY INTERESTING.

Next stop was in Kemmer, Wyoming. This is where the founder of the JC Penny store was raised and where the first JC Penny store is located.

This is his lovely home in its original state.

This is inside the first JC Penny store. The JC Penny store was in Logan, Utah on main street. My mother worked in that store for many years. This photo above is the "tube". It was where the cashier would put the money in the tube and it was sent to the office on the second floor by way of a vacuum suckened tube. The money is taken out and then the case sent back to the cashier. This is a earlier version of the bank drive-up tube.

I can remember this tube very well in the Logan store. Sounds prehistoric now.

Inside the first JC Penny store with Christina and LuDean talking to the Cashier.

Old items which were sold back then and a bust of Mr. Penny.

This is the way the first store looked way back then.

And now.....................

A monument of remembrance in the Kemmer park across the street.

On the way to Lander we stopped at South Pass and old miner's town.

It is well preserved with alot of originals!!!!

Christina and Ludean coming out of an old building at South Pass, Wyoming.

Yeppeee for strong women and women's rights!!!!

Old printing press at South Pass.

Entering Lander is a real treat. It is so majestic looking down at this valley from the highway.

Breath Taking!!!!!!
Next Day......it's on to Martin's Cove on a side trip.

This is a Prairie Skooner. Named because the fields and prairie looked like ocean waves and the wagon was the ship going across.

Inside the Martin Cove museum. Wonderful, insightful, inspiring stories and displays.

We ate our lunch while we watched a stake of young people coming back from the trek up to the cove.

You need to be young and healthy to do the trek.

The veil bridge where the handcart people of today crossed and it is called veil bridge because people say they can hear and feel the Martin people so long ago.

Now, it's back to Lander and a few miles beyond is the Washiki Indian reservation. The Indian reservation is the most fascinating site. They bury their dead slightly above ground and then surround them with bed frames and place money, jewelry, food, and clothing on top for the "Happy Hunting Ground."

This is where Sacajawea is buried and as you can see the Indians place rocks, flowers, jewlery, and money at the base of her statue.

Someone even placed a necklace around her neck.

The Sacajawea statue stands almost 8 feet tall and is very beautiful to view. She holds in her hand an abalone shell signifing that she reached the west coast with Lewis and Clark Expedition.

This is her burial place.

Other burial stones.................

Can you see how the mounds of clay are slightly above ground.....

On to Dubois........where we stayed over night...............

This is the famous plateau where Chief Washiki challenged the Chief of the Crow nation for hunting rights in the region. On top of this butte they fought each other on their horses and with spears. Each tribe looked up to see who would win but there was too much dust...then Chief Washiki could be seen riding down from the butte with the heart of the Crow Indian chief on his lance.

The next morning in Debois, Wyoming we head west into beautiful grand country...with the Grand Tetons eventually coming into view until we turned into Jackson hole.

The Grand Tetons looking through the raining car window.

Dahaa...roll down the window...get better photos.

Last animal spotted before home....a moose in the wet meadow.

Special Day for Kira

2009-07-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

Kira after her baptisum. We all had a great party at her house after.

Lots of good food for Roger and all of us to eat.

Roger loves to eat good grub!

House load of people...half of them I didn't know or at least know their names.

My two fun daughter-in-laws and my grandson Zach.

More of Gabe's family and her father on the right.

In and out they arrive...lots of kids around and about.

The little one isn't asleep but I think Roger is.

Gabe stirring up the food.

Gabe's mother, sister and husband.

Kira...Happy Special Day to you...We love you so much!!!!

What a wonderful DAY!!!!

2009-07-05T18:07:00.001-07:00

My Beloved Family....I love each and everyone of them...great people!!!

Carma and Paul's 50th wedding anniversary at Cherry Hill...What a sweet endearing couple!!

My sister-in-Carma is like the sister I never had..so loving and hasn't changed, hardly at all in fifty years. Good blood runs through her veins...plus she eat alot of healthy food like whole wheat bread.

David's family....what a joy they are to our lives!

And to my other sons and families...you KNOW we love you endlessly! Including Michael who will have a lot to say to us in the eternities.

Carma's Sister and sister's daughter.

The Puffer CLAN........................................

Our sweet little grandson Max performing for the crowd (Shawn's son)

Little did I realize that Roger and I would have such a posterity 41 years later!!

Our Newest grandbaby...Desmond Michael Swaner

Steve, Carma's brother and his daughter.

FAMILY THAT'S WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT.....TOGETHER FOREVER!!!