Here are some of the photos I took while I was at Bryan's Scout camp this week. You can see the set of Bear Lake camp photos here.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Bear Lake Camp Photos
Here are some of the photos I took while I was at Bryan's Scout camp this week. You can see the set of Bear Lake camp photos here.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Big Bird
Our daughter, (and her mama for that matter) have fallen in love with a cockatiel named "Big Bird".
Big Bird belongs to a boy named Dallin. Dallin, and his 5 sisters and mom are visiting their dad who is in the Army Reserves. Their dad is currently working in New Hampshire for the Army full time, and he recently just returned from a stint in Iraq as well.
They needed a bird sitter, while they visited with dad for the Summer. The family will return in the fall and move to a new home about 20 miles to the West of us in Tooele. Dad will follow when his assignment is completed in NH.
Its going to be tough for the girls in our family to give up this bird. We have several parkeets, but the cockatiel is much more affectionate than the smaller birds. He snuggles up to them, and wants them to pet him on the back of his neck, and preen his feathers. He also likes to give them kisses. Sometimes if the girls are eating, the bird will reach over and take a bite of their food as it is en route to their mouths. And sometimes, the bird will try to share its food with them (which the girls graciously decline).
Its going to be tough for the the girls in a few weeks, when Dallin returns to reclaim his bird. Mama was heard uttering the other day, "I sure hope they forget about that bird -- so we can keep him!"
Big Bird belongs to a boy named Dallin. Dallin, and his 5 sisters and mom are visiting their dad who is in the Army Reserves. Their dad is currently working in New Hampshire for the Army full time, and he recently just returned from a stint in Iraq as well.
They needed a bird sitter, while they visited with dad for the Summer. The family will return in the fall and move to a new home about 20 miles to the West of us in Tooele. Dad will follow when his assignment is completed in NH.
Its going to be tough for the girls in our family to give up this bird. We have several parkeets, but the cockatiel is much more affectionate than the smaller birds. He snuggles up to them, and wants them to pet him on the back of his neck, and preen his feathers. He also likes to give them kisses. Sometimes if the girls are eating, the bird will reach over and take a bite of their food as it is en route to their mouths. And sometimes, the bird will try to share its food with them (which the girls graciously decline).
Its going to be tough for the the girls in a few weeks, when Dallin returns to reclaim his bird. Mama was heard uttering the other day, "I sure hope they forget about that bird -- so we can keep him!"
Bear Lake Snake Camp!
My son Bryan, is camping this week at the Bear Lake Aquatics camp, on the East side of the Bear Lake in Northern Utah. I joined him for the first two days. He will be staying on until Saturday.
We saw two of these not too far from the camp site. Bryan spotted one that was cozying up to the privy, nearby. It was the same species as this, though it was smaller - it was about 2 1/2 feet long, and had only 2 or 3 rattles. Big or small, still a danger. The East side of Bear Lake is notorious for Rattlers, and we found out why! One of the first things the camp leaders did upon our arrival, was to review rattlesnake safety, and what to do if you see one.
I was glad to see Bryan follow the rules just as we were instructed. After hearing and seeing the rattler, he stopped, backed up slowly, and called for help. Good Boy! (Of course, the temptation for 12 and 13 year-olds, who are attending this camp would be to start throwing rocks at the snake, and chase it around, and get it really angry and far more dangerous.)
We called the camp staff, who sent out a crew to move/dispatch the snake. The one Bryan spotted went down a rodent hole in the to hide.
Shortly thereafter, another rattler was spotted at the campsite next to ours. The camp staff, who were still in the area, were summoned. This time they dispatched the snake (shot it), and hauled it away. Too bad I didn't get a photo of the remains.
It seems like wherever you go there are dangers out there. One of the BSA camps that our troop regularly attends, besides Bear Lake, is Camp Steiner, in the Uinta Mountains. The same day that we had our rattlesnake encounter, a scout was struck and killed by lightening at Camp Steiner, while sleeping in his sleeping bag under a shelter. From what I have heard, the scouts at camp Steiner were behaving appropriately, but the lightening still happened to strike in such a way that the scout was killed. Two other scouts were injured, but have since been released from the hospital and have gone home.
(Warning! Waxing philosophic now. Proceed at your own risk!.)
I would hate to have been one of those scout or church leaders (who sponsor the scout troop) that had to report to the parents that their child had been killed or injured. But what can you do? You can't just go to your room and hide! That's not living either! Thats not facing up to life and its challenges!
Take all prudent safety measures - YES!, Take no unnecessary risks - YES! But still live your life, and enjoy the great outdoors (and crossing the street, and driving your car, and going out in public, etc.). There are certain risks that we all take everyday of our lives. You never know when a truck (or disease, or illness, or fluke of nature) is headed toward you with your name on it! Really, any of us could meet an untimely demise at anytime. Each of us is given a certain amount of time in which to live on this earth. None of us knows how long our turn on earth will be.
The best we can do is to be wise and prudent in our actions. Make sure that we have given the best part of ourselves to our family and loved ones - let them never question our love and devotion to them. Make sure that each day is one that is lived to the fullest. And prepare ourselves for whatever God has planned for us after this life is over. If we have prepared ourselves wisely, then whenever the Good Lord decides to call us home, whether sooner or later, we will know we have done our best. We can depart with no regrets. If we are thusly prepared we have no need to fear that which is to come, but can look forward, with faith to the next great adventure.
We saw two of these not too far from the camp site. Bryan spotted one that was cozying up to the privy, nearby. It was the same species as this, though it was smaller - it was about 2 1/2 feet long, and had only 2 or 3 rattles. Big or small, still a danger. The East side of Bear Lake is notorious for Rattlers, and we found out why! One of the first things the camp leaders did upon our arrival, was to review rattlesnake safety, and what to do if you see one.
I was glad to see Bryan follow the rules just as we were instructed. After hearing and seeing the rattler, he stopped, backed up slowly, and called for help. Good Boy! (Of course, the temptation for 12 and 13 year-olds, who are attending this camp would be to start throwing rocks at the snake, and chase it around, and get it really angry and far more dangerous.)
We called the camp staff, who sent out a crew to move/dispatch the snake. The one Bryan spotted went down a rodent hole in the to hide.
Shortly thereafter, another rattler was spotted at the campsite next to ours. The camp staff, who were still in the area, were summoned. This time they dispatched the snake (shot it), and hauled it away. Too bad I didn't get a photo of the remains.
It seems like wherever you go there are dangers out there. One of the BSA camps that our troop regularly attends, besides Bear Lake, is Camp Steiner, in the Uinta Mountains. The same day that we had our rattlesnake encounter, a scout was struck and killed by lightening at Camp Steiner, while sleeping in his sleeping bag under a shelter. From what I have heard, the scouts at camp Steiner were behaving appropriately, but the lightening still happened to strike in such a way that the scout was killed. Two other scouts were injured, but have since been released from the hospital and have gone home.
(Warning! Waxing philosophic now. Proceed at your own risk!.)
I would hate to have been one of those scout or church leaders (who sponsor the scout troop) that had to report to the parents that their child had been killed or injured. But what can you do? You can't just go to your room and hide! That's not living either! Thats not facing up to life and its challenges!
Take all prudent safety measures - YES!, Take no unnecessary risks - YES! But still live your life, and enjoy the great outdoors (and crossing the street, and driving your car, and going out in public, etc.). There are certain risks that we all take everyday of our lives. You never know when a truck (or disease, or illness, or fluke of nature) is headed toward you with your name on it! Really, any of us could meet an untimely demise at anytime. Each of us is given a certain amount of time in which to live on this earth. None of us knows how long our turn on earth will be.
The best we can do is to be wise and prudent in our actions. Make sure that we have given the best part of ourselves to our family and loved ones - let them never question our love and devotion to them. Make sure that each day is one that is lived to the fullest. And prepare ourselves for whatever God has planned for us after this life is over. If we have prepared ourselves wisely, then whenever the Good Lord decides to call us home, whether sooner or later, we will know we have done our best. We can depart with no regrets. If we are thusly prepared we have no need to fear that which is to come, but can look forward, with faith to the next great adventure.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
This Makes it All Worthwhile!
Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong clutched his new trophy for winning the Tour de France. With tears welling up in his eyes, he was heard to exclaim: "This makes it all Worthwhile!"
Lance was most apppreciative to receive this valuable handelbar accessory for his bike. Said Armstrong: "With a trophy like this I might just come back for number 8!"
It all makes one wonder, could handlebar streamers be on tap for next year?
-----
(PS: You can see the real story here.)
Lance was most apppreciative to receive this valuable handelbar accessory for his bike. Said Armstrong: "With a trophy like this I might just come back for number 8!"
It all makes one wonder, could handlebar streamers be on tap for next year?
-----
(PS: You can see the real story here.)
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Contraband!
There are three things that my wife, Dawn Ann, just cant stand: Pretzels, Corn Nuts, and Black Licorice.
In fact, she threatens that anyone who partakes of these banned substances will not be receiving any kisses from mama! Out of respect for her wishes, (and because we LIKE mama's kisses) we don't ordinarily buy these things, or bring them into the house.
Bryan and I are leaving tomorrow morning for scout camp - to the Bear Lake Aquatics Camp. I will be there for Monday and Tuesday, and Bryan will be there until Saturday.
Bryan and I actually like these things, so when we go camping toghether, all bets are off!! After all, its just us Boys! We just have to take this contraband along with us. You should see the mischevious gleam in Bryan's eyes when when we get these things -- like we're really getting away with something!
When Dawn Ann saw these things, she feigned horror, which adds to the effect for the kids. Amy, in solidarity with the women folk, has decided that these are, in fact, evil and disgusting too!
In fact, she threatens that anyone who partakes of these banned substances will not be receiving any kisses from mama! Out of respect for her wishes, (and because we LIKE mama's kisses) we don't ordinarily buy these things, or bring them into the house.
Bryan and I are leaving tomorrow morning for scout camp - to the Bear Lake Aquatics Camp. I will be there for Monday and Tuesday, and Bryan will be there until Saturday.
Bryan and I actually like these things, so when we go camping toghether, all bets are off!! After all, its just us Boys! We just have to take this contraband along with us. You should see the mischevious gleam in Bryan's eyes when when we get these things -- like we're really getting away with something!
When Dawn Ann saw these things, she feigned horror, which adds to the effect for the kids. Amy, in solidarity with the women folk, has decided that these are, in fact, evil and disgusting too!
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Depression
In my daily blog reading, I ran across a post in which an individual had been experiencing some personal difficulties. The situation, and the symptoms she described indicated that possibly she might be suffering from clinical depression.
I am not a mental health professional, but I shared some of my thoughts and experiences with her in her comments. I thought that I would relay them here as well:
I share these thoughts here, in case they may be of use to others as well.
I am not a mental health professional, but I shared some of my thoughts and experiences with her in her comments. I thought that I would relay them here as well:
It sounds like a tough situation that you find yourself in.
What I have found in my experience is that we can't always control the actions and attitudes of others. The only thing that we can truly control is how we react to the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes we can become so focused on our own difficulties and trials, that we forget to look outward, and forget to see the bright side of things.
When I get in that frame of mind, I have learned that I must look outward. Look for opportunities to forget myself, and serve others. Not only does it get my mind off of my own troubles for awhile, it can help me be more grateful for what I do have, as I serve those who may be less fortunate.
I also have come to realize that I cannot do it all on my own. I seek for help and guidance in reading the scriptures, and in prayer, and with the help of the Divine, I am able to get thorugh.
Another thing you might want to consider is whether or not you might be suffereing from clinical depression. I say this not because I am any kind of a health care professional, but because I deal with it in my own home.
My wife sufferes from Depression, and I have come to know the signs of when she is about to crash. For her, she gets a great sense of being overwhelmed by the day to day struggles and challenges of life. In addition to feeling overwhelmed, she also has a greatly reduced ability to cope with any kind of stress as well. Combined, these two symptons form a dark cloud over her.
I have come to know and dread that dark cloud. I have given it a name: "The Thief of Joy".
This thief steals away the joys and happiness that one should experience from life. An objective observer, given all the facts, would see that she has much to be joyful about. But when that dark cloud is upon her, she has a difficult time seeing the light, and feeling the warmth and joy that should be hers.
For my wife, medication has been a great help in dealing with this problem. It's not a cure-all, and it has its side-effects too. But all in all, it helps her to cope with life and face her challenges rather than wanting to run-away and hide.
This may not be the answer for you. Your situation may be quite different. I am just saying what has been helpful in my home.
I wish you the best.
I share these thoughts here, in case they may be of use to others as well.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Pioneer Day Fireworks
We took a little day trip on Friday (July 22nd).
First we visited the cemeteries at Kamas and Woodland. Found some early Lefler relatives in the Woodland Cemetery.
Then we drove over the Mirror Lake Highway. Unfortunately it was pretty cloudy and rainy, so we didn't really stop along the way -- but it was till a scenic drive.
Then we went to Evanston and bought some fireworks at Schwietzer's. We got one package of fireworks that were rockets - to be shot off in Wyoming. And we got another package that were supposed to be ground only fireworks, which we thought would be legal for Utah.
Friday night, we found a favorite out of the way marshy spot in the Almy area, just outside of Evanston, and shot off our rockets. We had a lot of fun, but we did have to use insect repellent. Not too many skeeter bites though.
Tonight (Monday July 25th) we opened up the "ground" fireworks package. A few of these did a little more than we expected -- like sending a charge up into the air about 50 feet, and go off, like a mini staduim type firework! Oops! Well, we'll no better next time. This one (pictured) was one of the legal ones.
First we visited the cemeteries at Kamas and Woodland. Found some early Lefler relatives in the Woodland Cemetery.
Then we drove over the Mirror Lake Highway. Unfortunately it was pretty cloudy and rainy, so we didn't really stop along the way -- but it was till a scenic drive.
Then we went to Evanston and bought some fireworks at Schwietzer's. We got one package of fireworks that were rockets - to be shot off in Wyoming. And we got another package that were supposed to be ground only fireworks, which we thought would be legal for Utah.
Friday night, we found a favorite out of the way marshy spot in the Almy area, just outside of Evanston, and shot off our rockets. We had a lot of fun, but we did have to use insect repellent. Not too many skeeter bites though.
Tonight (Monday July 25th) we opened up the "ground" fireworks package. A few of these did a little more than we expected -- like sending a charge up into the air about 50 feet, and go off, like a mini staduim type firework! Oops! Well, we'll no better next time. This one (pictured) was one of the legal ones.
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