Almost Christmas

 Things here are pretty quiet most of the time.  As I look in my closet every morning to decide what to wear it is usually the same thing; just casual.  Much of my wardrobe sits unused.  There is no where to go and nothing much to do outside of home.  There are things to like about this; more time to do what I like for one.  But I do miss all of the mixing with others and our activities together.  And it remains strange to see the whole world masked.  

But lately things have been picking up.  We planned on going to California for Christmas this year as it is a "Galbraith" Christmas.  But CoVid has picked up there so the state is on something like a lockdown.  We cancelled our trip.  We will be home.  Chris and Jessica, who planned on meeting us in CA, are now coming here.  So, without our CA family we will still have a family Christmas.  Reed and Dorothy, Chris and Jessica, and Gerald, plus kids will all be here.  Fun is anticipated.  

Angelica turned 17 on the 15th.  We had the local family over to celebrate.  We ordered pho for her and I made a Taiwanese style dinner. It was lots of work but turned out really well.  I think she loved the dinner and her gifts.  Score!

Gerald finally made it here after a long absence.  His last trip here was in February.  It is so good to have him with us!  He has settled right into our routine so easily.  It is easy to have long conversations with him, which I so enjoy.

Rayne and Dominic were here this weekend, to get furniture for their new apartment.  They are so excited to finally be out on their own.  So we consignment shopped on Saturday.  I love doing that.  There are so many lovely, quality things for reasonable prices, usually.  

Many of the local Christmas celebrations are not happening this year.  The neighborhoods seem to be compensating with more Christmas lights than ever.  Our area is alive with lights.  One of the local businesses, Scentsy, has a beautiful light display, designed for walking through.  We all went last night.  It was lovely!  I love being surrounded by festive lights.  It can't miss putting a song in my heart.  We walked through them with delight. Here are pictures of Rayne and Dominic, Gerald and Angelica, Jessica 3 (wife of grandson Scott) and Dorothy at the Scentsy lights.

 

Thanksgiving

 October brought cooler weather quickly.  It has snowed here several times.  But, typical of the Treasure Valley, it melted by lunch time.  Still, it is beautiful to behold.

Our daughter Audrey visits us about once a month.  This month Cliff came with her.  They spent last weekend with us.  What fun it was to have Cliff with us too.  Sadly, I didn't get any pictures so you will just have to take their visit on faith.  Cliff loves to cook.  This visit he filled us with all sorts of ideas for cooking and food prep.  He introduced us to air frying.  We had fun trying that out.  I suppose I must admit that cooking isn't something I do for fun.  It is more of a necessity in my world.  But Cliff makes it sound pretty fun to try new things.  So this year we ventured to try deep flying our turkey.  Seth took it on and it turned out quite yummy.

Cliff and Audrey left for their home early Tuesday morning.  Their son Isaiah and new wife Aver arrived that night, on their way to California to spend Thanksgiving with the Adam-Harts.  They are such a cute couple and so much in love.  It is still their honeymoon you see.

CoVid has made a different world for all of us.  This year our Thanksgiving was smaller than it has been for some time.  By small I mean it was only the four of us celebrating together.  Reed and Dorothy had lots of D's family at their home so we didn't share the holiday with them either.  But it was nice.  How can we live in this wonderful place and not feel grateful.  We all worked together preparing our Thanksgiving dishes and all helped cleanup.  Here's a glance of our meal.

It was small but sweet.  We are counting our blessings every day.  One of those is our grandson, Vincent (son of Reed and Dorothy) who just left for his mission.  He was assigned to Australia but until it is open he will serve in the Washington DC mission.  He's there now and loves it so far.  We all joined in to wish him well; here is Seth and Angelica with Vincent.  

In the midst of troubled times, it is good to see the good.  There is much to see, and thank God for.

Winter in November

 The election for President of the United States is over.  At least it seems to be.  Votes are in but there are some claims of voter fraud.  But as of now Joe Biden is our new President, in a very close race between him and Donald Trump.  This is the first election that Seth is old enough to vote in.  He took pride in voting with us on election day.

There has been more division and violent demonstrations surrounding this election than I've ever witnessed before.  So there was some fear for what might have followed the election.  But so far all seems peaceful.  Perhaps that is because we have an incoming President who is Democrat.  At any rate, whatever the final result, we will adjust and make the best of it.

The Sunday following the election I had a major attack of vertigo.  It was sudden and strong, bringing on a visit to the ER.  They took all sorts of tests and found me healthy.  They treated the dizziness and resulting nausea and I returned home just about normal. My sweet daughter in law, Dorothy, followed me around and waited on me for two days following.  She is an angel.  

Last weekend Dorothy, her two boys and I drove to Seattle; me to visit daughter Jessica and family, Dorothy to visit her grandson, Alex and his parents.  Chris and Jessica are remodeling their kitchen.  Jessica has wanted to do it for a long time and, now, Chris is on board.  They are excited.  Jessica invited me to come and help with their plans.  So we talked kitchen most of the weekend.  It was fun.  Chris has part of the kitchen torn apart and is thinking that, if he works weekends, he can be finished by February.  He wants to do just about all of the work himself.  How wonderful to be able to do that!  Here's a view of the kitchen.  He's starting with the ceiling and upper cabinetry.

Dorothy and boys stayed in a hotel near her son James, wife Alejandra and Alex.  It was boarded up, along with all buildings nearby.  We suppose it was in anticipation of demonstrations, which Seattle has had lots of trouble with.  It was odd and a bit chilling to see it.

The hotel.

Surrounding stores.

We walked from the hotel to James and Alejandra's apartment.  It was dark, but, despite the boarded up buildings, we felt very safe.  It was Alex's 3rd birthday.  We celebrated a little of it with him.  Here you can see him opening a gift, with the help of Bruce and Timothy.  It seems happy with it.

Dorothy drove us home on Sunday.  It was an odd way to spend a Sabbath but we made the best of it.  The drive started out beautifully.  There was not a cloud in the sky in Seattle, a good omen we thought.  But as we dove the clouds gathered.  Then snow flurries.  Then the heavy snow came, requiring chains.  Luckily for us, all-wheel drive cars were exempt.  Good news since we didn't have chains.  But it was slow going and a little scary as the darkness gathered around us.  Slowly we moved forward until at last we drove out of the snow and reached clean, dry roads.  What a relief.  Happily we arrived home safely Sunday evening.  

Here is our first sign of trouble ahead.

It's been a quiet week.  The kids school routine keeps changing, thanks to CoVid.  Idaho has returned to phase 2 reopening since an uptick in cases.  Sigh.  I can't help feeling that we'd be better off just getting back to normal, with each of us responsible for taking our own precautions.  This has been a year of change and I feel a sense that things are not going to return to the normal we've enjoyed before.  It isn't just the Virus; there is a growing anger and animosity among some that is a little frightening.  What is our future, I wonder. 

October Ends

 Life since Cedaredge has been a sweet recovery time.  Travel is so fun, but it includes a level of weariness that needs to be compensated for.  So I've been trying to rest up, with mixed success.  The Monday after we returned, Angelica called in a panic.  She had just driven the large Toyota that the kids share into a ditch, totally destroying it!  We rushed over, to find her standing out the car window in tears and surrounded by police and fire, standing ready to rescue and treat her for any injuries.  Their response to her emergency was quick and effective.  She had no injuries but a few scratches.  To see the site of the accident helped us realize the miracle of that.  She was protected.  We are so grateful for that!

Within the week Gerald had found a used car for them, online.  We used his recommendation and went to the Toyota dealership and purchased that very car.  It is smaller, but large enough to protect them.  Since then, Angelica drives with one of us in the car, until she is comfortable and competent again.

Life has gotten back to normal since then; a normal that always includes the normal changes of everyday life.  We celebrated Halloween at home, watching a spooky movie.  Angelica went out with friends but Seth watched the movie with us.  No trick-or-treaters came.  So sad what CoVid has done to us.  

This has been an unforgettable year.  We have been ravaged with a pandemic, leftist ideologies that threaten violence to those who dissent and demonstrations that have been destructive to individuals, communities and businesses.  It is a time to rise to defend our liberties and way of life.  I feel that not enough of us do that, including me.  The election of a lifetime comes up in just two days.  I have a fear that, no matter the outcome, life will become more difficult.  We are trying to prepare for that.

I believe that we have to defend principles of righteousness and these who support them, no matter the personalities involved.  May God help us to do that in sufficient numbers to save our nation and way of life.

Cedaredge, Colorado

 Ever since my Mother died in 2011, Maryanne and I planned on returning to the Ranch to complete the sorting of her many possessions.  We made several trips but never managed to finish the job.  Mother (and Dad) saved EVERYTHING! Bob and Maryanne sold the Ranch several years ago.  Finally, this year, we made plans to go and finish that sorting.  Sadly, Maryanne could not make the trip.  But family members soon volunteered to accompany Layne and me.  Granddaughter Rayne and hub Dominic were the first.  Then Chris and Jessica wanted to come, and daughter-in-law Dorothy.  As it turned out Dorothy couldn't come, but the rest did, along with Peyton (C&J's daughter).  That's thanks to online school!  It turned out to be an amazing trip.

We began by driving to Lisbon Valley, near Moab, where my Mother grew up.  My nephew, Brent, met us there.  He is addicted to the beautiful sights of the West and has treked through many places, including several trips to Lisbon Valley and surrounding area.  He met us in Moab and led us out into the solitary country that is Lisbon Valley.  Just about the only interested parties out there are the mining companies.  In fact, Brent told us that the family Homestead is now owned by one of them.  

We spent Sunday afternoon there with Brent, Rayne and Dominic.  It felt more overgrown with brush but otherwise the same as the last time we were there.  We first came upon the early cabin, where my Grandparents Knox settled in the beginning.  Layne is on the outside, I'm in the doorway.

As the Knox family expanded, a bigger home was needed, so Grandfather Knox turned the larger smoke house into a home.  It had two rooms; the kitchen and living space and a bedroom.  The children slept in the main living space.  No electricity or running water was to be had.  Yet my Grandmother called this place her piece of heaven and the happiest time of her life.  Here is what is left of the larger home.

Sometimes when I look at this place I can almost see my Mother and her two brothers as little kids, playng among the rocks and desert trees.  No one has lived here since they left a hundred years ago.  Here are Rayne and Dominic, standing in the corral that is still party fenced in.

Here's Rayne, overlooking the Homestead and below, a view of the area.

This place is full of ghosts.  One of the most haunting sights are the grave sites, where my Grandfather and son Larry are buried.  They both died with in a short time of each other, and with that, the magic of the Homestead ended.  Life was a struggle after that and the family moved away, to Cedaredge, Colorado.

Here are the graves, and Brent, mending the fence that visitors have stretched out climbing into the grave sites. 

Brent led up on a trail up above the Homestead, where the views were lovely.  But the road was rough.

Sunday evening we hugged Brent goodbye and drove to Cedaredge, where we met up with Chris and Jessica, and Peyton.  We stayed in a small cabin, cozy but comfortable and our Colorado adventure began.  We used Monday and Tuesday to sort and, with the help of the family with us, we got it all sorted!  In two days!  I was so impressed.  We used the next two days to make dump runs and get the unwanted good stuff to thrift and antique stores.  Then we divided what was left, making sure that we got all that Maryanne wanted set aside.  Some of the work crew:  Layne and Jessica, in front of the garage.

The room is empty!  Jessica swept up, a task in itself.

While at the Ranch, my Aunt Frances and her new husband stopped by.  She was married to my Dad's half brother, Walt Engel.  He passed away over a year ago.  Frances met this very nice man and they are now honeymooners living in nearby Montrose.  Here are Frances and Dewayne Green.  She is 80, he is 85.

With such quick work of Mom's stuff, we had time to see the sights.  We visited all the family homes in the area, Dad's and great-grandparents Halfacre and Kiser.  Mom's little cottage on the Ranch was torn down by the new owners and replaced with a bigger, metal home.  It's very different, but lovely inside.  All of our direct Cedaredge family are now in the cemetery.  We visited there for a sweet moment or two.  Here I am at my parents' grave.

We visited Pioneer Town, a locally well known place where vintage buildings of the past have been gathered to re-create life in pioneer times.  Mom had much to do with accomplishing its creation.  It was closed while we were there, but we met up with a cousin, Jerry McHugh, who had keys and gave us access to the buildings.  So very nice of him!  Here are some views.  Peyton sits in front of the visitor's center on a bench dedicated to my Dad.

Here is main street, with family scattered throughout.

Near "The Cabins", where we were staying, is a eating place called Aspen Trials.  Beside it is this dandy picture taking opportunity.  Layne wasn't keen as you might tell.  The rest of us were quite enthusiastic.

Rayne is on the left, then Layne, Dominic and me.

The highlight of our touring was Grand Mesa.  It is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world we are told.  It sits above the Surface Creek Valley and Cedaredge.  We made a drive up there one afternoon, under the experienced direction of friends, Steve and Sharon Palmer.  Here they are in front of their cabin on the Mesa.

Grand Mesa, in my opinion, is at its loveliest in Fall.  The Aspens are full of color.  Our drive up surrounded us with them.  

Sights from the top were breath-taking.  We took a long time taking it all in.  Here we are at the top.

Chris and Jessica

Rayne and Dominic

Jessica and Peyton

Dreamy view

I thought we may never return to Cedaredge, but the kids with us loved our time there and would like to return again.  So we may!

We returned home, via Salt Lake and a brief visit with Bob and Maryanne, grandson Chase and Morgan.  We arrived back home last Sunday night.  This Sunday grandson (son of Reed and Dorothy) gave his missionary farewell talk.  He was superb!  I'm not just saying that because he is my grandson; he spoke so well and offered some very thoughtful ideas.  Loved it.  Here he is with his folks, Reed and Dorothy, and with us.  He is assigned to Australia but will serve somewhere stateside until it opens up.

 

Tucson and Stuff

 For over a year Layne and I have been promising one of our Mongolian daughters that we would visit.  Finally, we decided to just pick a date and stick to it.  So several months ago we picked this past week.  Tuesday, early, we flew to Tucson to visit our Brynn and her family.  All airlines require masks now and the Phoenix and Tucson airports were vacant of shops and eating places.  No food served on the airplanes either.  It was strange indeed,  

Roy and son Tyler picked us up.  Tyler is 4 and was, at first, very quiet.  But he soon warmed up and became quite an animated boy.  We were greeted by many welcome notes by the two boys and lots of general enthusiasm.  Brynn's two boys are darling (4 and 6) and very eager to play.  So that's what I did most of the time.  Early morning walks took me to the LDS chapel just a few blocks away.  Down the road from there sits the beautiful new temple, with a dome top and Moroni beckoning on top.  That would be such a blessing to our Returned Missionary Brynn.  Except she has walked away from the Church.  So thorough has it been that she has forgotten much of the gospel and wonders about God as if she had never known any different.  That was a major surprise and disappointment.  Her sons know nothing of God.

But in spite of that disappointment we enjoyed Roy and Brynn and their family.  They treated us like jewels, giving us the best of what they had.  They live on an acre or so of desert in an older development, away from the density of the city.  I found it lovely, but Layne was assured that he would not like to live in the desert.  Here's the front of their house, with Tyler barefoot in the gravel, followed by a scene from their yard.

I found the desert scenes beautiful.  It isn't my favorite look but I could be happy in the desert I think. 

Early during our stay Layne made the boys, Eric on left and Tyler on right, some paper airplanes.  They played with them, inside and outside, all day long. 

 

Brynn is a wonderful cook. She fixed amazing meals, always delicious.  On Wednesday night we picked up grandson Miles, who is beginning school at University of Arizona.  He had dinner with us.  Then he made the boys paper airplanes after the pattern of winning racers.  Wow, what a hit those were.  He was engaged for the whole of the evening making those planes and racing them with the boys.  Miles is happy at U of A even though all classes are remote right now.  Here we are with Miles.  Roy and Brynn are below.

Roy and Brynn are very embracing.  We had a sweet time with them.  They prepared a lunch to delight for our last meal on Thursday.  Roy fixed King Crab, served with melted butter and Brynn baked salmon.  Served with cabbage, it was all so very good.  I guess I've ever had King Crab before because this was so delectable and worth the effort it takes to get the meat.  I'm definitely going to fix that at home!  Our flight home went through Phoenix again and got us home late.  It was an interesting flight.  The cabin was in the total dark the whole flight.  I've never experienced that before and I wonder what it was so.

The kids were in good shape when we saw them Friday morning.  They go in to school half of the time now and the other half is online at home.  Masks are required at school.  They just had school pictures taken and we have them already.  

Friday evening we hosted our CA dinner group.  We featured Layne and gave him a little birthday celebration.  Buddy Lisa made him a delicious cake.  We watched the video on his life that I made for the family reunion in August.  Here's Layne with his cake, followed by all of us being served cake and homemade ice cream.  Yum.

I love this group of 10.  They are such good people, with uplifting conversation, and are all faithful to the gospel.  It is a joy to hang with such a fine group.  We are blessed.  And I'm tired!