It's a known fact that I had an accident with the propane barbecue grill this summer. During our first grill out in May, I unknowingly filled the barbecue with propane gas and then hit the ignition switch. We're lucky the house didn't go up in flames, especially since the TV was on full blast inside the house and neither Mom nor Dad would have heard my cries for help had I been on fire. They didn't even know what had happened until I informed them.
A plume of gas and smoke went up to the deck roof, but fortunately did not burn or blacken any of the plastic underlying roof protection. Even luckier was the fact that my hair did not go up in flames since I had pulled it back wet that morning and thus had to use a can of hair spray to hold the flyaways in. I did inhale a large amount of propane, which left my throat a little squeaky and sore for a few days. Not so lucky were my eyebrows and eyelashes, which burned almost completely off my left eye.
Mom originally said, "Oh, just put some mascara on. Nobody will notice." Later that night I tested her theory. WRONG! The lashes were so singed and burned that they looked like stubble, and it was easily noticeable that the left eye's lashes were MUCH shorter than the right eye's lashes. Disappointing, to say the least. However, it gave me an excuse to refrain from wearing makeup for several months, which I thoroughly enjoyed even if it got me strange stares from people who knew I could look better.
Well, the lashes are back! This past Tuesday was the first day I attempted mascara since the fateful day in May. We have since grilled, although I did have some help lighting the grill this time around. We figure there must have been some propane stored in the line and that's what made the grill blow up. It's good to have my lashes back, even if that means wearing mascara so I look human now. Kids, DO NOT attempt it! Let your parents or some other knowing adult light the grill. And for you adults, make sure you read all the grill instructions and check for gas leaks before hitting ignite. It will save you much face in the long run - pun intended.
8/24/07
8/21/07
The Buffalo Story
My work team took a trip to Idaho and Montana on July 16th and 17th. We left early in the morning (way before normal people get out of bed) and drove to Idaho. We visited with our co-workers there and then headed towards Montana where we would stay the night.
We stayed at a hotel on Lake Hebgen which afforded us some beautiful scenery. Right outside the hotel was a docked boat. You'll have to see the photo (below) to believe me. Here we are in the middle of nowhere and a boat is advertising happy hour. We didn't take them up on it, but don't think we weren't tempted after the long day of driving.
The next day we visited Yellowstone. We get through the entrance and not a few minutes in we have to slam on our brakes to avoid hitting the car in front of us. On the side of the road a buffalo is meandering down the way (above). My co-worker Linda wanted a picture so she yelled at my other co-worker Leslie to open the door. Leslie reaches for the door and I lose it. I'm yelling, "Close the door! Close the door!" Leslie doesn't know what to do and is opening and closing the door trying to please both Linda and me. Linda finally got a picture and Leslie shut the van door.
For all of you who might think I overreacted to the situation, I will prove differently. As we kept driving through Yellowstone we stopped at another place to look at the buffalo. I (the smart one) have remained in the vehicle. But Michelle (another co-worker) gets out and starts trekking up a hill to get a better photo of the buffalo that are grazing above. Suddenly, a female ranger yells out, "Ma'am! Remain next to your vehicle! Those animals can run at 30 miles an hour and they will charge you!" My response: shut the van door and die of the heat. Michelle's response, "Really? Huh." Like this wasn't an interesting fact?! So she gets her picture and climbs back down. I have to give her credit - she got some pretty great photos. On the other hand, I'm still convinced it's a miracle we're all alive and didn't get trampled by buffalo.
Enjoy the photos that Michelle got (even if it was at the risk of our very lives). It's amazing that we live in a world where we can see such things up close and personal. The elk photo is not a painting - it's real!
8/20/07
The Big Summer Trip
August 6th-11th was our journey to St. George with Bailey, Maddi, and Erika. Since Mom and Dad had taken the three older grand-girls to the Midwest, they "owed" the three younger girls a trip, too. Luckily, I was able to go with them this time around. However, I still don't understand why we had to pick the hottest time of year to be there.
We stayed at a hotel right on Bluff street next to the outlet mall. Phew! That was the best thing we did the entire trip, and we didn't even know we'd done it! The hotel served breakfast every morning, so the girls got to save some of their money for souvenirs, and of course, clothes. They had fun shopping at the outlet mall and swimming in the hotel pool. The adults were smart and laid on their beds during pool time. It was nice and relaxing, especially with the AC blowing directly on me, even while it froze Mom and Dad out.
We visited the Brigham Young Winter Home one of our first days there. I'd been there before, but it was fun to see again. Our tour guide was a sister missionary from Germany. She had a very cool accent, but spoke perfect English. She had spent some time in Chicago, and even said the city name like a real Chicagoan. The girls really liked the tree that was split by lightning, and we got several pictures, which I will eventually post.
We also visited the Jacob Hamblin home. Not nearly as large as Brigham Young's home, but still neat all the same. Our tour guide there was a sister missionary who is actually the 4th great-granddaughter of Jacob Hamblin. She had a lot of information about the family that we might not otherwise have heard. We tried to stop at a little place for lunch, but they only served one type of meal per day and the girls weren't interested. I believe we ended up eating at Panda Express and Bajio. Real original, I know. At least it wasn't McDonald's, since that name was brought up at almost every meal.
One day we spent in Las Vegas. We (finally!) found Circus Circus and waited for almost half an hour to see a circus act. This lady came out all by herself. Yep, she was the act. She was a contortionist and could bend her body like you wouldn't believe. It was fascinating for the adults, but several times during the display the girls said, "Disgusting!" Mom wondered later if we compared her spine with someone the same height, weight, frame, etc. if they would look different because hers was so bendable. Fascinating thought, huh? It would be interesting to find out. The last thing she did was balance herself with her teeth on this metal pole and turn all the way around while her bum wrapped over her back and sat on her head. Yeah, not the most comfortable position for those of us "normals" out there.
After all that excitement, we went to the M&M's and Coke factories. I spent most of my time in line for the bathroom at M&M's, so missed all the interesting things that everyone else got to see. I heard it was wonderful, but will probably never really know for myself. One of the souvenirs I bought was a puzzle of Blue. I unwrapped it last weekend and it took me three hours to put together half of the edges. Needless to say, the thing went back in the box. Who has time for that kind of puzzle? At least Bailey and Maddi got their pictures taken with Green. Mom was thoughtful and bought us each a sticker book with our names on it and a key chain to remember the place by.
The Coke factory was pretty neat, but we didn't do the tastes from around the world. An 8 oz. Coke in a specialized bottle was $3. Forget that! I ended up buying two six packs for $12 and sharing it with everyone. Dad even drank one, although he paid for it later when his sugar hit the roof. We should have bought him a Diet. Oh, well. You only live once.
The day before we left we visited Zion's National Park and Bryce Canyon. I had never been there before, which Mom could not believe. They were both amazing! It's incredible that erosion can make them and break them. I think we all kind of felt sick as we drove through Zion's. Maddi and Mom had the windows down for quite some time, but thankfully there was no vomiting in the van. The drive through the tunnel of the mountain was really cool. It didn't take long, but felt kind of neat, especially when you went past the "holes" in the tunnel and caught a quick glimpse of the outside.
Bryce was incredible! We first saw Sunrise Point, and this group of horses was on the way down the canyon. The tour guide gave this big talk to his group saying that the horses take this trip twice a day, every day, six days a week. Some of the horses like to "walk on the very edge" he said. Then he headed down the hill. One girl's horse started veering to the right (the edge) and I could see she was getting nervous. I called out, "Don't let that horse sense your fear. You take the reigns and be in charge." She pulled back on the reigns and guided him to the left. Finally a look of relief showed on her face. It was fun to watch those horses move down the mountain just like they knew what to expect.
We stopped at Sunset Point, but only a few of us got out. Our last stop was at Inspiration Point, and inspirational it was. Maddi and I stood gazing out with our mouths open. Bailey trotted clear to the top, and probably got a better view and better pictures. Since I'm afraid of heights, it was all I could do to get near enough the edge to face the camera down and click a few times. It was incredible! Each layer had its own unique look and cut. It was truly breathtaking, and I'm glad I got out of the car for that one.
We drove back through Panguitch, which is not the most wonderful drive you could ever take. However, around one curve we came upon a beautiful lake. There were boats docked at one side and cabins dotting the other. The water was clear, and because we were all so hot, it would have been nice to jump right in. We found out it was Lake Panguitch. It's a little out of the way, but well worth the trip to spend time on it.
On our way home we stopped at Cove Fort. Bailey and I went in the Ira Hinckley cabin and watched a movie about the fort. The cabin is actually the cabin Ira Hinckley built. The Church tore it down and numbered the pieces and brought it to Cove Fort where they rebuilt it in the exact same way. It was tiny! And to think he and something like 10 kids lived there. They must have really liked one another! We didn't actually go into the fort, but we drove around it and got photos. The barn that was there has been rebuilt and moved some to make a road through the area. It would be fun to return one day and take the full tour.
This area was where the Milford Flats fire was this summer, which is now the largest wildfire in Utah history. There was so much land that was torched. The fire actually came right up to the edge of Cove Fort, but stopped before it burned any land or property. Miracle! We saw where the fire had jumped the freeway and got some pictures of trees that were burned. They were black from root to tip. Maddi and I (and Mom - thanks!) got some pictures of the carnage, but it doesn't do the damage justice.
The trip was great fun, and it was nice to spend time with the girls. I think we were all glad to be home, but had a blast while it lasted. Mom and Dad deserve all the credit for making it such a great vacation. Next year will be . . .
We stayed at a hotel right on Bluff street next to the outlet mall. Phew! That was the best thing we did the entire trip, and we didn't even know we'd done it! The hotel served breakfast every morning, so the girls got to save some of their money for souvenirs, and of course, clothes. They had fun shopping at the outlet mall and swimming in the hotel pool. The adults were smart and laid on their beds during pool time. It was nice and relaxing, especially with the AC blowing directly on me, even while it froze Mom and Dad out.
We visited the Brigham Young Winter Home one of our first days there. I'd been there before, but it was fun to see again. Our tour guide was a sister missionary from Germany. She had a very cool accent, but spoke perfect English. She had spent some time in Chicago, and even said the city name like a real Chicagoan. The girls really liked the tree that was split by lightning, and we got several pictures, which I will eventually post.
We also visited the Jacob Hamblin home. Not nearly as large as Brigham Young's home, but still neat all the same. Our tour guide there was a sister missionary who is actually the 4th great-granddaughter of Jacob Hamblin. She had a lot of information about the family that we might not otherwise have heard. We tried to stop at a little place for lunch, but they only served one type of meal per day and the girls weren't interested. I believe we ended up eating at Panda Express and Bajio. Real original, I know. At least it wasn't McDonald's, since that name was brought up at almost every meal.
One day we spent in Las Vegas. We (finally!) found Circus Circus and waited for almost half an hour to see a circus act. This lady came out all by herself. Yep, she was the act. She was a contortionist and could bend her body like you wouldn't believe. It was fascinating for the adults, but several times during the display the girls said, "Disgusting!" Mom wondered later if we compared her spine with someone the same height, weight, frame, etc. if they would look different because hers was so bendable. Fascinating thought, huh? It would be interesting to find out. The last thing she did was balance herself with her teeth on this metal pole and turn all the way around while her bum wrapped over her back and sat on her head. Yeah, not the most comfortable position for those of us "normals" out there.
After all that excitement, we went to the M&M's and Coke factories. I spent most of my time in line for the bathroom at M&M's, so missed all the interesting things that everyone else got to see. I heard it was wonderful, but will probably never really know for myself. One of the souvenirs I bought was a puzzle of Blue. I unwrapped it last weekend and it took me three hours to put together half of the edges. Needless to say, the thing went back in the box. Who has time for that kind of puzzle? At least Bailey and Maddi got their pictures taken with Green. Mom was thoughtful and bought us each a sticker book with our names on it and a key chain to remember the place by.
The Coke factory was pretty neat, but we didn't do the tastes from around the world. An 8 oz. Coke in a specialized bottle was $3. Forget that! I ended up buying two six packs for $12 and sharing it with everyone. Dad even drank one, although he paid for it later when his sugar hit the roof. We should have bought him a Diet. Oh, well. You only live once.
The day before we left we visited Zion's National Park and Bryce Canyon. I had never been there before, which Mom could not believe. They were both amazing! It's incredible that erosion can make them and break them. I think we all kind of felt sick as we drove through Zion's. Maddi and Mom had the windows down for quite some time, but thankfully there was no vomiting in the van. The drive through the tunnel of the mountain was really cool. It didn't take long, but felt kind of neat, especially when you went past the "holes" in the tunnel and caught a quick glimpse of the outside.
Bryce was incredible! We first saw Sunrise Point, and this group of horses was on the way down the canyon. The tour guide gave this big talk to his group saying that the horses take this trip twice a day, every day, six days a week. Some of the horses like to "walk on the very edge" he said. Then he headed down the hill. One girl's horse started veering to the right (the edge) and I could see she was getting nervous. I called out, "Don't let that horse sense your fear. You take the reigns and be in charge." She pulled back on the reigns and guided him to the left. Finally a look of relief showed on her face. It was fun to watch those horses move down the mountain just like they knew what to expect.
We stopped at Sunset Point, but only a few of us got out. Our last stop was at Inspiration Point, and inspirational it was. Maddi and I stood gazing out with our mouths open. Bailey trotted clear to the top, and probably got a better view and better pictures. Since I'm afraid of heights, it was all I could do to get near enough the edge to face the camera down and click a few times. It was incredible! Each layer had its own unique look and cut. It was truly breathtaking, and I'm glad I got out of the car for that one.
We drove back through Panguitch, which is not the most wonderful drive you could ever take. However, around one curve we came upon a beautiful lake. There were boats docked at one side and cabins dotting the other. The water was clear, and because we were all so hot, it would have been nice to jump right in. We found out it was Lake Panguitch. It's a little out of the way, but well worth the trip to spend time on it.
On our way home we stopped at Cove Fort. Bailey and I went in the Ira Hinckley cabin and watched a movie about the fort. The cabin is actually the cabin Ira Hinckley built. The Church tore it down and numbered the pieces and brought it to Cove Fort where they rebuilt it in the exact same way. It was tiny! And to think he and something like 10 kids lived there. They must have really liked one another! We didn't actually go into the fort, but we drove around it and got photos. The barn that was there has been rebuilt and moved some to make a road through the area. It would be fun to return one day and take the full tour.
This area was where the Milford Flats fire was this summer, which is now the largest wildfire in Utah history. There was so much land that was torched. The fire actually came right up to the edge of Cove Fort, but stopped before it burned any land or property. Miracle! We saw where the fire had jumped the freeway and got some pictures of trees that were burned. They were black from root to tip. Maddi and I (and Mom - thanks!) got some pictures of the carnage, but it doesn't do the damage justice.
The trip was great fun, and it was nice to spend time with the girls. I think we were all glad to be home, but had a blast while it lasted. Mom and Dad deserve all the credit for making it such a great vacation. Next year will be . . .
6/29/07
Shauna started it
So, my friend Shauna emails me this morning and asks do I have a blog. Ha! She thinks I'm technically inclined or something. Then, of course, I have to create one because she asked and she has one. And so begins my blog, even though I have no idea what I'm doing. This ought to be interesting . . .
It's 73 degrees outside at 9:50 in the morning, with 100 degrees pegged as the high later today. I'm sitting in a cubical with a fan blowing and trying hard to focus on work. Yeah, right. It's a Friday. We should all take the day off and eat Popsicles until we're sick. Remember the good ol' days when you could run through the sprinklers in a bathing suit and not worry what the neighbors thought? Yeah, those were good times.
Now, we're adults. We go to work every day, have to do our own laundry, and clean our own homes. We have to earn our money, pay for gas, and budget for groceries. If only we had known! The worst part is that we probably wouldn't have changed a thing. That's human nature for you. We see it coming and still don't duck.
Work is calling - and loudly! Thank goodness for weekends that save our sanity. You can bet at 5:00 I'll be dreaming of the Popsicle and licking my lips. Until then, data entry and more! Happy weekend!
It's 73 degrees outside at 9:50 in the morning, with 100 degrees pegged as the high later today. I'm sitting in a cubical with a fan blowing and trying hard to focus on work. Yeah, right. It's a Friday. We should all take the day off and eat Popsicles until we're sick. Remember the good ol' days when you could run through the sprinklers in a bathing suit and not worry what the neighbors thought? Yeah, those were good times.
Now, we're adults. We go to work every day, have to do our own laundry, and clean our own homes. We have to earn our money, pay for gas, and budget for groceries. If only we had known! The worst part is that we probably wouldn't have changed a thing. That's human nature for you. We see it coming and still don't duck.
Work is calling - and loudly! Thank goodness for weekends that save our sanity. You can bet at 5:00 I'll be dreaming of the Popsicle and licking my lips. Until then, data entry and more! Happy weekend!
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