Bonnie Turns 90...

Friday, May 31st, Claude and I flew to Utah. Bonnie, Claude's mother would turn 90 years old on June 5th. The family was having a lunch on Saturday, June 1st, followed by an open house for friends and acquaintances from 3-5pm. I spent Friday morning with my father. Then hurried home to toss luggage in the car and head for the Cincinnati Airport. 

We planned to arrive early so that we might have our meal-of-the-day at Max and Erma's inside Concourse B of the airport. Most of the Max and Erma's have closed and we really love their tortilla soup. This would afford us another opportunity to enjoy that. So a dinner of soup and salads it was for us. Then we were truly ready to fly away. 

We had a rental car. When we were at the counter the 'very nice' man at the counter asked me if I was going to drive the rental. I assured him Claude would do the driving. He then asked me if I was over 18. I simply pointed to my very gray hair and assured him I was but thanked him for being so very gracious and asking that question. Then I also told him most people would then ask if we wanted the senior discount!! We all got a chuckle and he did not give us a senior discount.

After Claude familiarized himself with the car, we were off to Thatcher. The Wasatch Mountains display a huge fault line running through them. The picture below shows that fault line very clearly. There was plenty of snow pack in the high mountains which is good for the valleys. They depend on that melting snow for water through the summer months. 

We arrived at Bonnie's around 9pm and were able to visit for a bit before going to bed. There is a 2 hour time difference between Kentucky and Utah. So 9pm there was really 11pm to our Kentucky bodies. 

Saturday we were able to sleep in a bit. Then time to get ready for our day of celebration. This was the invitation to Bonnie's celebration.  Claude wrote an announcement to go into the Leader (local Tremonton paper). Tami made sure we all got a copy. However, Claude has it in our suitcase in Utah. I will scan it and add it to this Blog post after he gets home on Friday.

We arrived at the bowery by the Church in Thatcher. The bowery would be the location of all the doings that day. This picture is from the bowery looking at Little Mountain.  

Soon it was all hands on deck as we decorated that bowery. Tami had all the decorations and we followed her lead in setting up the bowery. It took Cordell, Claude and Bill all working together to get the curtain on the backdrop. Such guys. 

Rick and Lynette made a slideshow of pictures touching on all of Bonnie's life. Rick set up the television to run the slideshow.  

After set up, we all enjoyed a catered meal from Maddox of turkey breast, baked potatoes, salad, and rolls. 

Bonnie heard a song she wanted sung at her festivities. Eric learned it and sang it to the family before any guests arrived. The words say, "I'm not afraid of getting older, I'm one less day from dying young. I see the light go past my shoulder, I'm one less day from dying young!" Bonnie chuckled all the way through the song. Clearly sshe loves it catchy words and she was very grateful to this grandson-in-law for doing this for her.

We determined well before the party that a family picture should be taken of Bonnie with all six of her kids. Here they are left to right: Joann (the oldest), Lynette (next to youngest), Claude (2nd born), Bonnie, Cordell (4th born), Tami (3rd born) and Kayla (the youngest). All six of her kids with her on her special day of celebration. That is so very cool. I am sure Evan was looking down with a smile at this group of people.

The we got a picture with all the spouses. Left to right: John and Joann, Rick and Lynette, Sandi and Claude, Bonnie, Cordell and Julie, Bill and Tami, Kayla and Chris. A lot of years for all of us.  

Just before 3pm guests started to arrive. Bonnie was in her element. She loved seeing friends, neighbors, family, people she works with at the hospital and the list goes on. In this picture she is talking with Mrs. Okata who gave her a home quilted lap quilt. Such a treasure.

I put this picture in the Blog because along the picnic table in the back are all of us looking across as the people arrive and trying to put names to faces. Really, Claude and I live far away and only see some of the people every few years, if that. Even cousins we had to put names on. It was quite comical. As they identified us and we identified them, then lots of conversations and catching up happened. The funny thing is lots of them follow Claude on Facebook. They know my posts and where I tag him and have kept up with our shenanigans a bit.  

Of course, there was the usual cell phone addiction happening. This is CJ and Thomas. 

After most of the guests left, the first cousins on Bonnie's side of the family all posed for a picture.  

The weather was perfect. Being outside was perfect. A good time was had by all but especially by Bonnie.

The line for the weekend came from CJ. Mothers were talking about food likes and dislikes with their children and all agreed it was a Christensen gene that caused them to eat only certain things. CJ piped up and said, "Not me! I'm adopted!" We all burst out laughing. It was a line used through a lot of the weekend after that.

Sunday morning Bonnie and Claude prepared a nice lunch for family that could come. We had a good lunch and then Claude and I loaded me and my back pack in the rental car and he took me back to the Salt Lake Airport. I would fly home so I could visit Papa each day. He would stay through till Friday to visit with his Mom. He will take her to lunch tomorrow for her real birthday.

As I got on the plane, I took my cell phone out and put it in the pocket in front of me. Then I turned to the man sitting on my left. I asked him if he would kindly help me remember when we landed in Cincinnati to put my phone back in my purse. He grinned and said he would be happy to do that. I explained that it is now a running joke with my hubby and me since I left my phone on the plane in Iceland. When we were taxiing to the gate in Cincinnati, I sent Claude a text assuring him I had my cell phone. He was very pleased. 

It was a good trip. Grateful we are in a position so I can make that quick trip to be there for the important part. Someday my life will be a bit different and I can stay the entire time when we need to travel. But for now, I am grateful we can at least do things this way. I enjoyed seeing all of Claude's siblings and their families.

Notes About Daily Life...

Monday, May 20th I spent my morning cleaning rails. We have white railing along the upper deck in the back of our home and along the front porch. The best time to do this cleaning is the early morning when there is still dew on everything. After a full morning, all was spiffy clean.

Tuesday, May 21st, was Election Day. Well, for the Primary elections. I went to vote in the afternoon just before going to sit with Papa. Claude voted earlier in the day and then went to our Church. It is now a polling place and they want someone from the congregation there at all times during the day. He spent several hours there. I must say I am NOT looking forward to the next whatever amount of time before elections. Donald Trump is our President and his constant rude comments and rude tweets drive me nuts. Totally unbecoming a President of the United States. Our current Governor, Matt Bevin, is of the same ilk! They both do some good things but their rudeness overshadows this. In addition, the Kentucky Attorney General, Andy Beshear,  is going to be the Democrat running for Governor. His father was Governor prior to Matt Bevin. To say that Matt Bevin and Andy Beshear don't get along is to try and mix oil and water. Impossible. This will be a very contentious election year with very negative politicking. Do not look forward at all to that spilling over into all of life. Our son, Jake, has stopped using his Facebook for a while because it begins already. To which I said, "Bravo!!"

We also got these pictures of our little Emelia at three weeks of age. From the pictures you would think our little lump of love is plumping up a bit. She actually lost a lot of weight right after birth and is not gaining it back a quickly as they think she should. That head of hair amazes me.

Wednesday, May 22nd, Claude and I attended our Adult Religion class in the morning. Then I took Papa for a car ride in the afternoon.

Thursday, May 23rd was a full day. First the humor. Katelyn posted this on Facebook: "Further proof Rae looks like Drew but acts lie me...She has a to do list and is going around the house checking things off the list." A little one after my own heart!

Our goal Thursday was to get to the temple in the evening. I visited Papa in the morning. Then Claude and I left for the temple. I had a blouse I had shortened the straps on for Andie. We were going to leave it at her home on our way to the temple, she would try it on when she got home and, if it didn't fit right, we would stop back by on the way home from the temple and pick it up to make further adjustments. It poured rain on us all the way to Andie's home. We got the shirt dropped off and headed the 8 mile drive to the temple. We were caught in a traffic jam on Hwy. 146 going into Crestwood. It was close to quiting time for working people so this didn't surprise us and we had time to be slowed down a bit. We had to pull over at one point for a policeman to get by with his sirens going. Turns out a little way in front of us a car had driven right under the back of a school bus. We made it to the temple and enjoyed a wonderful, spiritually-uplifting time there. Then it was back out on the roads. I sent Andie a text as I didn't have any message from her. Seems she and Hayden were at the Crestwood Cemetery where Hayden's scout troop was doing a flag ceremony. Hayden is on the right.

When she got home she tried on the blouse and it fit perfectly. Yippee!!

Claude and I stopped for dinner at Arby's on the way home. We wanted to have dinner before going to the temple but the timing just didn't work and the rain caused slow traffic. So, Arby's on the way home was a delight. When we left Arby's we knew we were heading into more rain. It had to be the most awful drive going back to Sadieville ever. And I have driven in some bad rain between Crestwood and Sadieville. I sent a text to Andie telling her, "If hell were rain, we are in it!!" Claude and I were both so very happy to get back to our home in Sadieville where we don't care how much it rains outside.

Friday, May 24th, Katelyn took Emelia to the doctor. They had some family visit and two of them were just getting over bronchitis. Friday morning Emelia woke with a bad cough. Hence, Katelyn taking her to the doctor. It was fortuitous. The doctor heard a heart murmur while checking Emelia. They ran several tests and determined she needed to see a specialist at the Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. An appointment was set for Tuesday. 

Sunday, May 26th, Claude and I visited Pioneer Ward. He gave a brief presentation on the growth and additional resources now a part of the Self-Reliance Initiative. We went back to Georgetown and had some time for a biscuit for breakfast at Bojangles. They do have yummy biscuits. Then it was off to Georgetown Ward so I could play the organ for Sacrament Meeting. This was a good Sunday. The Alexander family were the speakers. They are moving to Frankfort soon. Excellent program. I went to visit with Papa for the afternoon and Claude headed home. We would return to Georgetown in the evening for Personal Finance Self-Reliance Group Claude is facilitating. 

Monday, May 27th was Memorial Day. We started our day with a 5K Walk along part of Legacy Trail in Lexington. This walk was prepared by the Lexington North Stake. We found another turtle!! And, we tried our Out of Africa hats again. This time we ate at Firehouse Subs after. This probably negates all that good exercise but it is what we do.

While we were doing this, Hayden was participating in the Color Guard for the LaGrange Memorial Day festivities.

Katelyn posted a picture of a tradition they started regarding Memorial Day. They go to the drive-in the night before as a family. I love that they are forming traditions for their family. Traditions can really bind a family together. This is a good one. Remember taking our kids to the drive-in in Colorado. We would drive through McDonald's or Burger King and get a bag of burgers and some fries. Off to the drive in with our three little ones lined up in a row on the bed built into the back of the truck with their little heads peeking through the boot of the truck into the front seat. They would eat and eventually fall asleep on the bed. Good times and a memory all of our kids love. 

Tuesday, May 28th, Papa and I were out for another drive through the country. 

Katelyn called to tell me about Emelia's appointment in Grand Haven. They said she has two little holes in the walls of her heart. They believe her heart was not fully developed at birth. They had lots of pictures and data and will have her back in a month to take more pictures and data and see if she is improving. They do not believe at this time it will affect her ability to be a normal little kids. Happy they are watching our bundle of joy.

That evening I facilitated the final class for the Self-Reliance Finance Group and Elizabeth's Village. It seemed to go by so quickly but it really took 13 weeks. For the final class, I took pizza and we had dinner together. Then we held a little class and reviewed all we learned. The ladies each shared something they took away from the classes. Then I purchased a special cake from Walmart for the occasion and we enjoyed cake together. We had 6 of the 7 complete the course. I took these pictures of that final evening. One was missing as she had a death in her family that day.

This day I also finished the Christmas stocking for Emelia. Learned to make these stockings years ago when we lived in Denver. Made enough of them then to pay for gas for a trip to Louisiana for Christmas. Now I just make one for family members. 

Wednesday, May 29th, we attended our final Adult Religion class. These have been so good and Claude and I have really enjoyed them. We all agreed to start again in the fall but take the summer off. Too many things interfere with the summer.

After spending the afternoon visiting Papa, Claude and I headed to LaGrange again. In the rain...again. The purpose of this visit was Hayden's 8th Grade Promotion from Oldham County Middle School to Oldham County High School. It was held in the OCHS gym. Very nice program. Kept to a nice time frame. Michael's step-mom, Joyce, flew in. I have family pictures in here of the Marx family (Andie, Hayden, Michael and Bailey), Joyce with Hayden and then me and Claude with Hayden. It was a nice evening and, after dinner at Diary Queen,...we drove home in the rain!

Thursday, May 30th, I enjoyed a getting a haircut at Tyra's Main Street Retreat. 

Katelyn posted pictures of Raelyn announcing Emelia's one month birthday. 

That evening Claude and I enjoyed a game at Whitaker Bank Ballpark watching the Lexington Legends play someone. We really go for the food as evidenced by this picture. We got to our seats with dinner in hand and looked to our left to find Jeremy Coyne with his twins, Eli and Max. It seems they received gifts of doing things for their birthday. One of their gifts was a night at the ballpark with their dad. I truly believe this is a great way to gift for birthdays. 

It turned out to be another Bark in the Park night (which we said we would never do again!). This was much more subdued than the one in Florence. The highlight for me was the dog that was trained to fetch the bats after a batter finished. Fun to watch that dog happily retrieve the bat and return. 

That catches me up on my daily life for a bit. One more post but that will have to be done after I take Papa for his drive.

The Hill...

During the summer, the Hill dominates a lot of our life. I have managed over several weeks to weed the flower beds on the top of the hill. I still need to travel down the hill to work on those but they are not visible to any but Claude and me so they are last on the to do list. 

Tuesday, May 21st, I was going to weed the lowest water break. This spot would be fun with a Japanese theme to it. To have it look great, I would need to spend oodles more time there. This morning, I was just trying to get the first weeding of the summer done. I took these two pictures to share my 'thank you' with Nissa and Todd for their Mother's Day gift of purple weeding tools. At some point, I would love to get a concrete Japanese lantern to put somewhere in this bed. The bed goes on behind where I took the picture. I believe that would give me the inspiration for other plants to reside near this little Japanese Maple tree and the lantern. 

Thursday, May 23rd, I took some pictures of the front of our home, just for the record. Claude and I both feel we need to be ready to sell at some point. Could be a few more years but we feel we need to be ready. I felt some summer pictures might be a good thing to have one hand just in case this happens in the winter. 

Friday, May 24th found me again weeding. What I thought would be a quick weeding turnout to be much more time consuming and difficult. At one point I paused and looked behind me and saw this lovely view. That is the one thing about weeding, this hill offers some amazing views. This is looking up on to what we call Area 11. It is the empty lot we own next to our home. It is for sale if you know anyone who might be interested. I do really love this picture though.

Friday, May 31st found me hurrying out of Eagle Bend to go spend the morning with Papa before Claude and I flew to Utah. There was traffic I had to slowly go through to get over the bridge. This bridge is the only way in and out of Eagle Bend. They have been taking down the wooden beams on the sides as the wood is wearing away and installing metal beams. The wood is neater looking but the metal will definitely last much longer. It seems they found a metal box attached to one of the beams and it was impeding their replacement work progress. Rachel Southworth, the current City Commissioner over streets, called Claude and left a voice message asking if he had any idea what the metal box might be. So, after I crossed the bridge, I parked my car and walked back to see if I could take a picture or two to text to Claude. 

I took these first three pictures and texted them to Claude while Rachel called the work man to talk with him. He told her I was at the bridge taking pictures and texting them to Claude. We assured her the name on the top of the metal box was Doug Smith. He bought the old farm and developed it into this little Eagle Bend sub-division. Doug told them he knew nothing about that box. 

We noted there was not power to this box. It also had a bracket attached to the bridge rail that was the kind you would wrap cord around on a boat. I suggested to the workman that it might have something to do with the USGS Gauging work. The old gauging station tower is still on the property. A new gauging station has been built and hides nicely in the trees with sensors going down into the creek. The workman received permission from Rachel to cut the lock on the box. He did and this is what he found.

Turned out to be a manual gauging station. There is a metal weight on a cord. The cord is wrapped around a reel like a fishing pole. When you turn the reel it lowers the weight attached to the cord to the water. As you lower it, there are numbers on the side indicating how many feet from the base line where the water level is normally. At that time it was a foot above normal levels. We had rain the night before. Very cool. Also, very nice to have an answer as to what was in that metal box.

Yesterday I got home from visiting Papa and took this picture of someone with a little back hoe digging a hole. It appeared to be right on our property line so I sent this picture and set it via text to Claude.  

Our soon-to-be-new-neighbor, has almost finished their home up the hill. You can see his roof in the distance. He had talked to Claude about connecting to the sewer. To do that he will have to dig into our property. 

As the day wore on I peeked out a couple more times. Then when he was finished, I walked up the hill and took seven more pictures for our records. The trench was actually going up the hill to his home. It appears to be for a water line, maybe?? 

Such is the excitement of life on our Hill in Sadieville. Riveting, I know!!