An early morning

We decided to get up at 5:30 this morning so we could at least get in a 1/2 day of sightseeing in Eastern Idaho before taking the car in for repair.  We are so glad we did.  On our way to the Mesa Falls, there were 2 moose on the roadway.  I tried to get a picture, but those animals are fast.  They galloped off like horses, so all I got was a brown blurr.



It's a moose, trust me!  At the Falls, we had a hummingbird buzzing around us.  It too was too quick for a picture.  Now these Falls are worth the scenic drive to get there.  They have upper and lower.  We were the only ones at the park being it was only 7:30 by the time we arrived.  The air was misty and cool.

                               These few pictures are of the Mesa Upper Falls.

 

      The next few are taken at the Mesa Lower Falls.

I think this is a marmot scurrying around the tuffs.  He had a hidden stash of pine nuts.


This is the view on our way back to Idaho Falls of the Grand Tetons across the valley.



Well, the technician just came in.  The bad news, the part that came in from Denver is defective.  We are now on our way to rent a car so we can at least go to the Tetons for 24 hours before another part gets overnighted in from another area of the country.  Will let you know as soon as we are able to resume a "normal" part of our trip.  All I can keep telling myself is, "God has a plan, and He is guiding our steps to keep us safe, and give us the opportunity to maximize the pleasures of His beauty."  God knows best, and I put my trust in him. :)

Update on Vacation 2012

We were able to get our car right into the dealership in Layton, UT.  They were so kind and helpful.  The problem with the car is one of the front strutts.  The good news, it can be fixed.  The dilemma...they only have 1 available in the region, and that is in Denver!  The dealership along with most businesses are also closed on Tuesday because of Utah's Pioneer Days (their State Holiday celebrating the anniversary of becoming a state).  So, why was the dealership so kind?  They contacted another dealership in Idaho Falls, ID that will do the work, and ordered the part to be shipped there.  It's supposed to be in by 1:00pm on Tues.  Our car is still driveable, so Clif and I ventured to Idaho to see some sights.  When we got into the car, they had put 2 ice cold water bottles in the cup holders to enjoy along the way.  How sweet is that?!

We are now settled into a hotel in Rexburg, ID.  There are some unexpected fun things to do here.  We first visited Yellowstone Bear World.  It is a drive through wildlife refuge.  You are warned NOT TO OPEN YOUR WINDOWS.  We saw lots of wild animals, including grizzly bears!  I would much rather see one from the car, then meeting one face to face on a hike.



They also had lots of black bears that just roamed right around you, and weren't fenced in like the grizzlies.  You just had to keep your car moving, and they would eventually move back into the shoulder area of the road.




They also had a nursery.  Six cubs were born in January on the reserve.  They were playful little buggers!





And the store, well, let's just say I was in hog heaven.  Bears and moose everywhere.  I purchased a cute little moose to go above the kitchen cabinets to go along with the bears I have there.  So, siblings, that's the end of my "decor" gift card you got me for my birthday!  Thanks, I had a ball spending the money on Northwoods decor!!!



The next thing we did was tour the Teton Flood Museum.  That was really interesting.
Lastly, we meandered over to Porter Park.  What a gem of a park.  Clif has refused to go horseback riding since our honeymoon.  Needless to say, we froze riding horses through the snow.  Sooo, this was the next best thing...





Yep, that's right, a wooden carousel right at the edge of the park, and next to the Spray Center.



Small towns have such a nice flavor to them.  We finished off our day by having a picnic dinner in the park.  Chef's salad, courtesy of food left over in the cooler. :)

Thank you Lord for keeping us safe, and continue to do so as tomorrow early morning we are going to adventure to the Upper and Lower Mesa waterfalls before heading back to Idaho Falls to get the car fixed.  Pray for us that all goes accordingly.

Summer Vacation 2012

Clif and I have completed 1 week of our vacation out West.  Although we have had a few snafoos, we are having a great time.  We started out July 14 and headed for Dallas to visit Aunt Bev, and Cousin Jim and his wife Jane.  We had a wonderful visit.  The problem....our camera dropped on the concrete, and after much trying to get it to work, we gave up.  You can see it in the picture!




Then it was onto the Grand Canyon South Rim.  We camped at the Ten X Campground outside the park.  What a wonderful place.  Our next snafoo was all our electronic equipment died, and no way to charge it!  No cell phone, computer, camera, etc.  The camera officially died after this pose.  We had to buy a disposable camera to take the rest of our South Rim pictures. :(



After our 3 days here, we went to Flagstaff for some much needed supplies..ie: a car power inverter as well as a new camera!  When this was taken care of, onto the North Rim we went, staying here for 2 days.  It was so much more tranquil.  The hikes were so much easier too.



We were going to spend 1/2 day at Zion National Park.  This place is an absolute ZOO!  I am so glad we bought a National Park pass good for the year, because if we had paid $25 only to spend an hour I would have been livid.  The problem you ask?  No Parking ANYWHERE, not even on the pullouts.  People were stopping cars in the middle of the road just to get their photos.  A very hazardous situation indeed.  The good news...we saw Mountain Goats.



Over toward Bryce Canyon we ventured.  We stayed at the Red Canyon campground.  We were a little nervous as the sites are in the valley along a dried riverbed.  The host stated that only 6 times last year they had campers stranded in the campground due to flash floods.  He says, "if it happens, just know in 7 hours, the river will be low enough to be able to exit the campground!  I said my prayers.  Thank you God for answering them!



It was great being so close to Bryce Canyon NP because we were able to be in the park by 9:00 and enjoy 4 hours of hiking through the hoodoos.  They say, "take a walk through the Labyrinth (sp)."
They weren't kidding!







We are now headed north toward Yellowstone.  But, the snafoos continue.  Going through Salt Lake City, the car started making a squeaking noise over any bump we went over.  It sounds like something that either has to do with the suspension, or the axles.  We have overnighted here, and will be taking the car into the Chevy dealership first thing in the morning.  Good thing it's still under warranty!  Clif and I both agree that having this checked before venturing into more "mountain" driving is a good cautionary measure.  We are also grateful to have chosen to stay in a hotel rather than camp because a nasty weather system has moved in with gusting winds, rain, and lightning.  Aaahhh, the comforts of a room!  We even got much needed laundry done.  Yeah!

Don't know if I'll have another opportunity to post before getting home.  But we will continue to check in with the boys each time we reach a new destination.  It is awe inspiring to see all the Wonders God has created.  It is absolutely magnificent.  To all Glory be to God! :)

4th of July

Thank you Lord for a wonderful day.  Although I don't have pictures to share, our day was spent in fellowship with friends, and family joined us later in the evening.  We had the "All American" picnic with hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, and homemade apple pie. Our friends brought the sides, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and chips.  Because it was a typical hot Florida summer day, we ate inside.  With our new dining set, we were actually able to seat everyone at the table (All 10 of us).  After we said Grace, we realized we were like one big happy family. We all said our standard Catholic blessing!  Everyone shared in conversation with the happenings in our lives. Teasing took place.  We were constantly passing food around the table.  I was amazed at how much our friends have become "family".    After, we played several games.  Laughter was had by all.  Then,  midway through the afternoon, we snacked on watermelon and continued playing more games.  Michael came in around 6:00, and left by 8:30.  Stephen and Amber showed up around 9:30 and left an hour later.  I am content and exhausted.  I am ready for a good night's sleep. :)

Elizabeth's Wedding

I am very grateful to have been able to attend Liz and Vince's wedding.  Congratulations to them.  I wish you many blessings from our Lord on your journey.  You probably weren't aware that the week of the wedding, Florida was getting hammered by TS Debby...rain, lots of rain.  I called my sister Diane and told her, "we need to pray with faith of a mustard seed that God will direct the storm into the incoming front so it would get whisked to sea."  The forecast predicted the storm to be stationary through Thursday, with more rain behind the system on Friday.  There were lots of us traveling up from Florida.  God was good, and didn't let us down.  The weather forecasters were surprised when the system finally moved, and with some speed 24 hours ahead of schedule.  My sister and I were not surprised.  We are firm believers in prayer, and when you pray with the faith of a child, God does hear, and answer them.  Thanks be to God!  The roads and sky were clear, and safe travels were had by all. :)

 I am also grateful that Clif was able to come after all.  He didn't think he was going to be able to get off work, but at the last minute, things pulled through!  He was able to hitch a ride with Michael and Valerie because I went early to partake in prewedding festivities.

                                                  The Bridal Luncheon

      

On Friday, Vicky held a Bridal Luncheon in honor of Elizabeth.  We went to a quaint cafe in Norcross, GA.  The food was fabulous, and we enjoyed fellowship with our female family and friends.

      

I am blessed to have sisters!  We love to get together, partaking in as many celebrations as possible.
Seated from left to right...Vicky, Diane, Nereida, me, and Janet.  Barbara and Mary weren't able to attend.  We missed them, but understood.

    

           Elizabeth with her cousin Sandra.  They definitely have that Miller Smile!

     

     Janet, Aunt LaDon, and Elizabeth's sister-in-law Kathy.  I can't believe I don't have a picture of additional guests and the set up of the room.  But needless to say, the room was filled with love and well wishes.

                                             The Evening Get Together
      
       In the evening, we were off to another get together.  Another niece, Cathy, also lives locally.  So while the rehearsal dinner was taking place, those of us who were in town were invited to her house for dinner, fun, and fellowship.  We got the grand tour, had a marvelous dinner of steak, potatoes, and salad, and looked at pictures.  (Diane had the local paper, her house was in it for being struck by a tornado on Sunday compliments of TS Debby.  The good news...only exterior damage and no injuries.  Her daughter Julie's house was hit as well with the same type of damage and no injuries.)  I am thankful that God was watching over them, knowing full well the plans of the upcoming week.  He kept them safe.  :)  We also played a game of PIT.  This was loud and obnoxious, but boy was it fun.  Laughter abounded throughout!



With the exception of Shane who is Cathy's spouse, the rest are the great nieces and nephews.



      The adults stayed inside to escape the 105 degree weather.






                                  The Big Day... Liz and Vince's Wedding



We were all seated just minutes before the procession.  It was a bllistering 105 degrees outside at 7:30pm.  We were thankful it wasn't raining!  Jill, Jeff and their kids Anabelle and Jake had arrived Friday night.  Valerie, Michael and Clif made it in 6:30 Saturday morning after driving through the night.  Most of us were able to make it.  The only couple absent was Mary and Mickey who diverted to Brunswick upon hearing their daughter was in labor.  She delivered a healthy baby boy we later found out during the reception. 



I really would like to know what Grandpa had muttered under his breath to have Brian laughing so hard.  I can only imagine with his sense of humor!



                        The beautiful bride, Elizabeth with Vicky and Brian.

                       




Let the journey begin....



Vicky and Mikayla.  Talk about blessings!  Brian and Kathy have been blessed with this bundle of joy, and at the same time, Mikayla has been blessed with such wonderful parents!  This was surely a match made in heaven. :)



 

After the traditional dances and dinner...




Elizabeth and Vince made their rounds.



Then of course, the Toast and host of good Blessings.  But then the party began!



                    We danced....



           
                     And danced......



         And danced.   We had SO much FUN!!!

Thank you so much Lord for family and friends.  Help us O Lord to continue to cherish these opportunities You provide us with, and I pray You continue to bless and protect our family. Amen. :)

June 24

I am grateful for a rainy Sunday.  It has brought much needed rain.  An added bonus is having to do indoor activities all day with the lack of Florida sunshine.  This has allowed me to accomplish quite a bit such as hemming Clif's hiking pants for our trip, repairing a top I wear frequently to church, go to Planet Fitness with friends to enjoy fun fitness, and make homemade eggplant parmesan for dinner.

I was able mow the yard yesterday and harvest the garden.  The eggplant and tomatoes are now in full swing.  The last of the cantelope has been harvested.  The cucumbers bit the dust, and the green peppers are ready for another go around.  Thank you Lord for a bountiful harvest this year.  The neighbors even appreciate our garden fresh goodies. :)

Fruits below are to be eaten tonight.  I will puree the fresh tomato along with fresh basil (from the garden), onion, and garlic to add to the marina sauce.  Then I will slice the eggplant, bread, and brown in the fry pan before putting it all together for oven baked eggplant parmesan.  The cantelope will be for dessert.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Now for the finished product...

It was very tasty.  I have enough leftover for lunch everyday.  I am grateful because eggplant parmesan is one of my favorite meals.  Clif likes it about once or twice a year.  So who gets the other eggplants?  One of my dear "southern" friends whose favorite is eggplant also.  The only difference is her family will eat it several times a week.  I am happy we can supply her with a special treat. :)

June 23

             

So it appears that I am now down to 1 entry a week in this "gratitude" blog.  But, hey, at least I haven't stopped completely.

I have several things to be grateful for this week: time for trip planning/preparations for 2 trips, fellowship/exercise time with friends, and time off of work to be able to catch up on household chores and purging that gets neglected during the school year.
  
While tending these tasks, I had a suprise visit from Stephen's best friend, Michael, that he's known since Kindergarten.  He got back from his 1 year contract in Kuwait.  He had taken several "side trips" in the region since airfare was so inexpensive.  I thought he would show me lots of pictures.  No, he told me I could "friend" him on facebook and see them there.  Instead, he brought me a gift....Rosary Beads from the Vatican!  I was so touched, I choked up and tears flowed.  I use plastic ones from the kids Religious Ed class that are 15 years old.  The new ones are beautiful with the Our Father beads being a silver icon of each of the Papal Basilicas in Rome.  I had to google to find out the significance of each.  I have been saying the Rosary every morning, and extend a special prayer for Michael.  I loved his visit and the stories he shared.   His parents must be proud of him, and his whole family for that matter.  They are Mormon, and truly exhibit the love of Christ in all they do. :)

 To the left, plastic Rosary. To the right, Rosary from the Vatican.  I know God still hears my prayers, and speaks to my heart regardless of which one I use, but I do like the thought that the one has a connection to where Christ once roamed the Earth!

Michael is between my 2 boys at one of their friend's wedding.

Now onto the next thing I am grateful for.  I am thankful for the Internet that has been instrumental in planning our trip out West.  I do have to admit I am a bit apprehensive because of all the hiking Clif would like to do, especially around the Grand Canyon and several parks in Utah.  I don't know if I'll have the stamina, but I have been walking on the treadmill at a 15 incline for the past few weeks in preparation.  Then, I  have a fear of the sheer dropoffs.  I would much rather be in a wooded environment with wider trails, but it is now time to explore the desert, and get "outside" my comfort zone.  Towards the end of the trip, we will head over to Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.  It should be a great trip that we are both looking forward to.  Clif needs a much needed vacation!  He works hard.

Thank you Lord for the opportunities You give us to renew our spirits. :)