Sunday Evening.

So I am currently on A street. Well, I am not ON A street - but I am at my sister's place and her address includes A street - so therefore, I am currently on A street.

I am moving to SLC. I have been in the process for quite some time...and when I will actually make it here, not even I know. But I have started attending a ward here in the Aves...and so today when my meetings were over I made my way to Kim and Kevin's. (Just practicing for when I live here, because when I do, I am sure to bother them all the time - especially Sunday evenings).

Kim and I are going to make soups from scratch together. I'm going to be her mentor.

So this evening was spent quite deliciously. We had a light dinner of stir-fry and enjoyed our meal out on the front porch. The weather was amazing, and I love banana chairs. We laughed and laughed and talked about food storage, church, and the economy, and I learned about a dozen terms of endearment that I never even knew existed! The newlywed life I suppose...

Right now I am sitting on their couch composing this here post as they battle it out in a game of Train...a weekly tradition for the couple. I should be heading out soon. Or maybe not. It's been a good evening here on A street.

Mantua II

It was decided that I was to sleep in the pink room with Caitlin.
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Now, Caitlin is notorious for sprawling while sleeping - flinging her limbs about and crowding you out of the bed. "I'll be fine" - I thought, "she's small."

10:30---"You get the wall side, and stay on your side." "Okay, but give me the good pillow." "Fine."

11:45---push Caitlin over a bit.

12:53---push Cailtin over a bit, as she is scooting towards the middle of the bed.

2:35---"Caitlin, Caitlin!" (in a forceful but whispered tone) "Move over!" Caitlin now is in the middle of the bed. "Move!" She then rolls over, away from me? NO! Practically right on top of me. A definite shove was more than appropriate.

"Stay on your side!"

3:13---Can't sleep...not feeling well. Look out the window and notice how bright the stars are. Hmmm.

3:15---Rummage through my bag for a hoodie. Sneak downstairs. Slip in to my chacos and silently leave the house. It's dark and the ducks are sleep talking. Orion is on the eastern horizon shooting the ridge line. The accompanying stars are bright and the milky way has been brushed across the sky. It's dark, but comforting and not too cold. Quiet. I walk the dike up and down methodically. Think, think, think - and at the same time let all thought go. Have a good conversation with God.

4:09---Crawl back into bed.

8:30---I hear footsteps coming up the staircase...Dad. "Time to wake up! Let's go! Let's hike..."

Mantua III - The Hike.

Mantua I

We arrived mid-evening, and even before I got out of the the car Christian was in the backyard pulling out the target - stringing the bow, and gathering arrows.

Competition was inevitable.

Ready...Aim


Release!

Cameron played part of quiver...where is the quiver?

Christian came in first in both competitions...we won't say where I came in. Usain Bolt celebration.


Like I said...Christian came in first in both competitions. It's fantastically fun to watch him shoot.


Duke - he uh, broke his nose. He broke his nose himself - with his own knee as he was at his b-day party playing football with friends. Here we see him sporting his lovely nose-cast.


Getting ready...


...


...oh the anticipation...


Bethany's a pretty good shot herself.


Aaahhh!


Ooohh - yeah!


Let's get a closer look at her reaction. Must have been a good shot. So serious!


Uh - my turn....uh, no comment on my form...


Arrow away!


Must have been...a...an...interesting shot, yes.



At least they can't say that I can't hit the broadside of the barn.

Minuteless Time

"What time is it?"

"That doesn't matter."

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There are certain moments in life where all clocks and watches should be banned - and the numbers on the clock face should simply fall to the floor in true September fashion.

Today I had one of those moments. They are usually very simple experiences...but I think that is why I am so attracted to them...the simplicity of it all.

I keep a pair of rollerblades in my trunk. No - that does not mean I am an avid or even skilled rollerblader. But the bike tires were a bit flat, and it was then that I remembered that roller blading adjacent to the river can be just as pleasant.

Rollerblading is a feel-good activity...like riding a bike leisurely, enjoying a picnic, or skipping rocks at the lake. All of which should be done with out a strict schedule to keep to. It should just happen - and when you are done...well, that's when you are done. I adore a day, or even just a moment, without the tic-toc of a second hand telling me what to do.

The weather was perfect. Warm. With pockets of coolness to remind me that it is indeed September and therefore Autumn. This is the time of year where each day must be appreciated and paid attention to. Valued. The leaves up the canyon tell me this everyday as they go from green to gold to red to orange...to then on the ground and eventually to be covered by white. But the white is still a ways off. So let's enjoy today. Let us enjoy now. It is so colorful. And it makes me smile.

19 days since then

I have been trying to find a word to describe and possibly excuse my absence from posting for the last nineteen days. And I have discovered that either 1) there is no word in the English language adequate enough for the desired expression, or 2) I do not know the English language well enough.

Probably the latter.

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Thank you to those who missed my blogging efforts and expressed it. Your words were much appreciated. It is nice to know that someone reads and enjoys this gathering of thoughts and experiences, because sometimes you do wonder. CHeeRS!

Notes from the PC showcase of homes

I like corridors with many large - broad openings, dark trim, dark wood, big mirrors, and free standing tubs. If I were to have a tv in my bedroom - it would be a drop down from the ceiling - other than that it just becomes a big, black hole. Funky lamps, fantastic artwork...so much depends on the artwork and the frames that house it. The color palette - ask me when I build, but I like color....can be an array of light hues to keep it free, but must have bold color splashed throughout. (Not the entire house needs light hues...I can go rich and deep in some areas yes). Windows, double sided fireplaces, I don't like home theaters, I like the color green, and adore an intriguing bed frame/head board. Details make all the difference, and I practically hate split level entries. The entrance to a home must be well-thought out and front doors are key. What you see right when you open the front door is also key - consider sculptures...mostly abstract I would think. The color eggplant, lockers in the mudroom, washer and drier in the master walk-in closet, one wide staircase, round tables...at least one in the house, and if you are going to have a hot tub - locate it right and sink it, either half-way or all the way. Outdoor living spaces - patios and the like. Covered decks. Terraces and courtyards incorporated into the home and a sleeping deck for those star-studded nights. Living on the green (golf course) - not appealing. One amazing light fixture/chandelier would be appreciated and something other than a flat ceiling for the main living area. Open areas, space - lots of natural light. All this while keeping it simple, clean lines, and good design .... interesting, attractive and original design.