Sunny Saturday Hike

It was another glorious day for hiking with my friends. Today we set off up Cherry Creek. It was really warm and sunny. We started off on snow shoes, but after about 1/2 hour we left those under a tree and hoofed it. The dogs were happy. We all had a great time. I am so lucky to have friends who let me pal along with them and burn some unwanted calories. I am so thankful for this wonderful day the Lord has given me.

Happy Birthday Wee GFP!

Here we go again! Another birthday! Wee GFP is turning 9 today! It's a little hard to believe. But, he does make a most handsome 9 year old!

Freezing Rain

What happens when it rains in Utah in January. ICE! It has been raining the last 2 days and we have lots of ice!

President and First Lady Obama

I have enjoyed following the innaugural events of the day. I only get good vibes from President Obama. He talked of the responsibility of the nation being on all citizens. I believe this so strongly. It isn't right that people blame one man, such as President Bush, for the state of the nation. Obama has a big task at hand and I have no doubt he has the best intentions for our nation. I believe the nation is still under the direction of God who loves us and knows of our struggles. I also am so grateful for a country where an African-American can lead. There is no other place on earth that the events and outcome of this election could have unfolded as they have.

And how great is it that Obama has such a beautiful, devoted, gifted wife at his side. I have a great admiration for Michelle. I love to see what she will be wearing at the next event and especially loved the pale gold outfit she wore today. It reminded me of Jackie Kennedy. The green shoes and gloves tickle me...my favorite color. She will be a great mentor to women and girls of our nation. She seems to balance career and family with such grace. I hope for the best for her and her family as they embark on this new adventure in their lives. My prayers will continue for our nation's president and other leaders.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

We are so happy to have our little friend staying with us for a few days. He said he LOVES pancakes, so we made our favorite...chocolate chip pancakes. They were gone in an instant! Yummy!

The View out My Front Door

I absolutely love the view out the front of our house. I have even rearranged my office so I can look out the window as I work. This morning I opened the blind to this...

These Boots Were Made For Walking...

And that is just what we'll do. I have recently committed myself (Ha! Yeah, maybe I should be committed!) to join my friend on her hikes. The goal is to hike the Wellsville Cone in Sept. We are starting out slow and easy. Today we "walked" up Green Canyon. It was only about 25 degrees in the sun! It was so fun. I loved having a captive audience to chat with. It was just the three of us and three very busy dogs. I wore my big ol' heavy snow boots hoping not only for warm/happy feet but all that extra weight to lug around should help tone something! Not only was the canyon sparkley and beautiful, but we were up out of the inversion in the clean air. On the way back down the trail we could see the Wellsvilles. It was an awesome symbol of our ulitmate goal to be active and healthy. I came home famished and the dogs are exhausted. Both are still napping in the sunshine on the front porch!

Our New Year's Challenge to You

What do a bunch of monkey's do when they've been out of school for 2 weeks and its too cold to go outside? They attempt the impossible. We decided to pass along the challenge to you. 1. Can you touch your elbow with your tongue? 2. Can you grab both ankles and lift your feet off the floor? 3. Say this as fast as you can: What kind of noise annoys an oyster? A noisy noise annoys an oyster.

We're not claiming this as our own, we're not shellfish.

New Year's Eve

It has become one of our favorite traditions to see the new year in with a special group of friends. We did it for the first time 3 years ago, which turned out to be one of the craziest adventures ever! Despite our first experience we continue to brave the elements and hang out on New Year's eve with this bunch. It is a blast! We eat, play crazy games, eat, laugh until it hurts, get really tired, let off fireworks, eat and wish it came around more often. I hope this is one tradition that will just keep going and going and going.......