Another Autumn in Utah...And a Weekend Report of Exciting Things

Let me start off by saying that this past week has been nothing shy of insanity.  Lots of things going on....none of them really worth getting into right now....so let's just say it was a busy week.

One of the things that has been keeping me busy over the past handful of weeks was my first Etsy sale.  I sold 100 save-the-dates and have been busy as can be tying bows galore.  Lots of hours (not sure it's worth it sometimes) and ten sore fingers later, 105 save the dates were finished.  I got them shipped out this week and heard back Saturday that she LOVED them.  (Her all caps, not mine)  That was pretty exciting because I was pretty nervous that she wouldn't like them after all of that work.

 

Then a few other exciting things.  Today is the first year anniversary.....hard to believe it's been a whole year already....P. Fisher and I spent some time staycationing at The Waldorf.  I always forget how nice it is to visit Park City.  The last time I was here on vacation was in 1997.  Taking a couple days to just relax and enjoy this town on "vacation" is quite nice.  One really exciting meal was at The Farm at (notice, I actually paid attention and left "the" out even though it's stupid since they aren't facebook) Canyons Resort.  They prepare all local food and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.  I'd wanted to try it, but had heard mixed reviews.  I thought it was DELICIOUS.  I ventured out and tried the game hen....cooked sous vide....on top of cinnamon scented faro, reconstituted port wine cherries, some sort of glazed carrots, and some other stuff....and it was soooo good.  Definitely try it if you get the chance.

The highlight of anniversary though is that it is the year of paper for gifts.  I got tickets to Michael Jackson The Immortal Cirque du Soleil.....And I am very, very, very excited!!!

And last but not least, we went up to Guardsmans Pass through Wasatch State Park to look at the leaves today....It is pretty stunning.  I love fall.  It's definitely my favorite season and it definitely goes by too fast in this mountain paradise we live in.  (And as one added note, I played golf this afternoon over at Wasatch and I had my best round EVER!  I'll get this game yet.  p.s. mom -- I ran into Aunt Mary at the golf course and she'd like you to play with her :-)  I think you probably should.) 

I Voluntarily Went Camping

That's right....You read it here first.  I voluntarily went camping this weekend.

It's been a bit of a crazy few days.  P. Fisher had the entire weekend off (which was a first since he started his new job in April) so we started making plans to get away from it all.  It started with plans to go to Yellowstone for the weekend.  And then that changed to going to Rocky Mountain National Park for the weekend.  And then all of that went awry....There was the possibility that I was going to be jumping on a plane....Once I knew I wasn't going anywhere, I suggested camping in the Uintas....Yes, that is correct, I suggested camping....voluntarily. 

I've been real camping once and it was very dirty.  I had fun, but I was very dirty and I like a shower a bit more frequently if I'm going to be smothered in dirt.  That was two years ago and I thought it was about time that I gave it another try. 

All in all, I'd do it again.  I got dirty this time, but I got to go home and take a shower.

I will say that the Uintas are pretty spectacular....It's beautiful up there....and quiet.  BUT, very, very cold.  I think I only slept for a couple hours because I was so cold.  I definitely could have used a couple of those hot water bottles they got me used to camping in Africa.

The highlights were definitely hobo dinners, hotdogs on a stick, and s'mores.  I saw one animal....One measly deer, a few robins, and a bazillion mosquitoes.  I even brought my binoculars and my birding books to identify all of the new birds I saw.  Maybe next time I'll have more luck with both the animals and birds.  The mosquitoes I can do without.  Today I look like one big red splotch from all of the mosquito bites....

Back to the Uintas

Summer has arrived.  After a very long winter, we had a nice spring day on Tuesday and summer showed its face yesterday.  With the weather in the 90s and the snow pack we still have, that leaves us with flooding.  And morbid curiosity made going to see the flooding our entertainment for the night.

Provo River Falls

The flooding road

The sunset

The Game of Golf (aka Frustration)

I never thought I would be one to golf.  I played some when I was younger.  Then I didn't play at all for a while and spent some time making fun of the game instead for a bit.  Then I met P. Fisher.  Interesting how things change when you end up married to someone who is not just a fan of the game, but is obsessed with the game.

I started playing again with P. Fisher about three years ago or so.  And I've been struggling for the last three years or so.  I have been trying (operative word) to patiently take the bad with the good.  But, I have to say that this game is nothing short of the most frustrating thing in the world and I can't figure out for the life of me why I like it. 

I digress....I've been struggling.  I've known there is potential for a while, but nothing good seemed to be happening.  I had two choices:


A) Quit--I don't really like to do things I'm not good at.
B) Suck it up, admit that it's not going to get better on its own, and get some lessons.

Much to my dismay, I opted for choice B.  I have plenty of hobbies that are much easier, involve less pain in the twisty muscles, and I already have some element of talent.  All that said, I'm still not completely sure why I'm doing this to myself.....I should probably go back to curling, reading, knitting, sewing, swimming....or any of the other things I'm good at.

Red Ledges

But, as it turns out, lessons may not have been the worst decision I ever made.  I am committed to a series of five lessons at Red Ledges (which is really a stunning display of red rock out in Heber, UT).  After an almost comedic (I didn't think it was funny, but I can see how others might) first lesson in which I was so nervous that I spent the first 50 (of 60) minutes thinking that I was going to vomit and shaking so much that I couldn't even get a ball to stay on a tee without valiant effort, this past Saturday was much better.  I didn't even feel nauseous.  That's definitely progress.

The point of all this: I'm getting marginally better.  I'm actually building up a little bit of confidence in myself--though things aren't great at the moment, I'm actually trying to make them get better.  I'm spending free time practicing.  This is an interesting phenomena for me....wanting to get better instead of just quitting like I usually do.  This is one of the first things I have started, not been good at, and then been not only willing, but wanting, to do better.  Sometimes I just need to stop being so obstinate and ask for help a lot earlier.  It would save me a lot of frustration....and maybe, just maybe, there are things out there that I am missing out on because I quit after the first try because I'm not satisfied with my performance.

Wildlife in Utah

The road is definitely closed for a reason

Lower Provo River

Happy Memorial Day!  It's been quite an uneventful weekend.  (I read two books cover-to-cover and made an entire quilt.)  The weather wasn't cooperating with the plans for getting outside some.  Regardless, P. Fisher and I thought we might try to drive up into the Uintas and see Provo River Falls.  It's one of my favorite spots up there, but there were lots of factors working against us today (the roads being snow covered and closed was the main one).

However, there was one redeeming event on our drive.  I'm always excited to see wildlife.  I don't think it ever lets me down...even when it's just a measly pot gut. (See a picture of a Uinta ground squirrel somewhere on this page if you don't know what I'm referring to.)

The snow is falling.....still.

But on this fantastic (please imagine me saying that in the most sarcastic way since we got snow all weekend -- see what I woke up to all weekend on the left.) Memorial Day weekend, I saw a moose.  It was not only very close to me, but it was alive!  (As opposed to the ones I see after they have been hit by a semi truck.) 

My moose....It's just a little one, but not far away at all.

The rainbow outside after the snow and drizzle and rain finally stopped.

Utah Jazz -- My Favorite Player -- Mr. Wesley Matthews

I'm not normally an NBA fan....Lots of showmanship....Little teamwork.....

I've been to a few Utah Jazz games this year.  And I'm happy to say that Wesley Matthews - a fellow Marquette University alum - is now playing for them.  I wasn't even sure if he'd make the team.  But as an undrafted rookie, he is not only on the team but playing really well.  Last week he had a professional record of 21 points.  Tonight he only scored 16 points - BUT, he was 100%.  6 of 6 baskets and 4 of 4 from the line.  I'm impressed. 

In my little imaginary world, he and I are pals because of our common bond - and being that we are of a very small minority in Utah (Marquette alums, that is) it's only natural that we should be friends - haha.

Regardless - just thought I'd share my moment of school pride this evening....

The Big News....

I'm going to take a moment to write about something I normally wouldn't.  A bit more personal and emotional that I generally care to be.

I'm getting married...Sometimes I say it out loud to myself and am shocked all over again. 

I never thought I would be so stressed out so soon over making plans....but I am.  I should have known better because that's what I do.  Despite the stress, I know that I need to focus on what is important.

I'm not always so good at talking about these things but I have to say that I am truly happy.  I am excited.  I am going to be with someone who not only treats me well and wants nothing but the best for me so that I am always happy, but someone who is always there for me, I can talk to endlessly, and best of all is everything I consider to be my best friend. 

(Now to move forward and just not get caught up in planning stress and remind myself daily of what is really important....)

'tis the season....

I love December and holidays and the snow.  I was thinking about how fast this year has gone by.  Faster than the rest - it is a smaller percentage of the whole than last year was after all.

This year has been one series of roller coaster rides after another.  Some big changes.  Some seemed like they might be awful when they happened but it all ended up being ok. (Just like so many people told me)  So lucky for me, I can say that all in all, it has been a good year and I am in a good place right now.  Even the few things that have been driving me crazy lately are minor in the grand scheme of things.

So in preparation for the new year, it's time to start thinking about the New Year's Resolution list.  I did alright with last years - I made it to four of five Utah National Parks.  I only purchased three books.  I am nowhere near my reading goal of 36 complete books - But got through two thirds of that.  I don't think I'll be able to finish the rest in the 26 remaining days of the year.  I crossed a couple items off my bucket list (camping, making a quilt, and starting my own business)

One of next year's goals - definitely blog more, read more, and the big one i think will be finding a new hobby....I'm undecided on what it will be but apparently I need a hobby.....at least that's what p. fisher says....

Burr Trail Grill - The BEST Hamburger EVER

Driving along on Utah's scenic byway Highway 12, we were discussing our meals over the weekend and nothing hand been particularly great (I did have some good cornbread but that's about it) and R brought up how nice it would be to run into some diner or local place and get some lunch.  Well minutes later, in Boulder, Utah, we saw the Burr Trail Grill and decided to stop.

I am glad we did.  It was the best hamburger I have ever had. 

"The Famous Boulder Burger: Our burgers are made from heirloom longhorn ~ born and raised at a local ranch right here in Boulder, Utah: Eagle Star Ranch Longhorn Beef. ~USDA stamped and approved. ~Raised without growth hormones, antibiotics or vaccinations. ~Grass fed; pure pasture raised and finished. ~Free roaming. ~Extra lean and lower in cholesterol and calories than chicken or turkey."

They have a variety of burgers.  We had the Egger (which had bacon, fried egg, herbed aioli, and beehive full moon cheddar) and the Red Rock (guacamole, chipotle aioli, tomato relish and behive smoked habanero cheddar) and both were incredible!

So next time you're down in Boulder, Utah (or just in the vicinity), Burr Trail is worth the trip. 

Bryce Canyon - Escalante Grand Staircase - Capitol Reef

It has been a whirlwind of a weekend.  It probably would have been far less eventful had I not purchased an atlas shortly after we started our drive to southern Utah.  But I saw it, bought it, studied it,  and decided we could fit more in than we probably should have. 

As a side note, I was told I didn't need a map - I feel like everyone can use a map - And as it turns out (not surprisingly), I was right on this one as there is no cell service throughout most of the areas we were this weekend (AT&T does NOT have more bars in more places - The Verizon users seemed to have very little trouble making and receiving calls) and without that signal, there was no GPS that I have come to be very dependent on.  So I guess it's a good thing I impulsively bought an atlas after all....

Anyway - One of my New Years resolutions this year was to visit all of Utah's national parks.  I went to Arches a couple years ago for a friend's birthday and that's it in the ten years that I have lived here.  S ever so nicely got me a National Park's pass for my birthday and I immediately went to Zion as part of my birthday trip.  Since then I've been a bit of a slacker - I did go to Colorado and visit Garden of the Gods and Royal Gorge, and went to the Uintas and Fish Lake National Forest in Utah, but I haven't made my way to any other national parks yet.  Until this weekend....This weekend was the weekend to go to Bryce Canyon N.P.  We spent Saturday hiking about through the hoodoos (Which I learned is Caribbean - like voodoo) and then went on a guided walk and learned lots of fun facts about the park.  And even went out and looked at the stars in the crystal clear sky.

The highlight: I SAW WILDLIFE!!  I never see wildlife.  I don't know why that is but I never do.  I saw a chipmunk which hardly counts.  And then I saw a stellar jay which apparently is rare - I thought it was a blue jay.  And then we saw a baby deer and it's mom.  I love the baby animals.  And then a bunch of pronghorn deer.  And then to top it of, there were wild turkeys.  It only could have been better if I saw a bear or a mountain lion....

So then today with the help of my new maps, I figured out how to get to Capitol Reef National Park.  I thought it would be much closer but it was an extra three hours or so driving to get there.  We took the scenic byway, highway 12 through Escalante/Grand Staircase which was definitely worth the extra time. 

Of all the national parks, I would have to say that I'm glad I didn't plan on spending an entire weekend in Capitol Reef.  It is pretty spectacular to see.  And the pictures definitely don't do it's size justice but there wasn't a ton to do there.

All in all, a good weekend....I wish I had more time and I think I would have finished the entire national park circuit.  I have officially visited four of the five Utah national parks and I'm feeling pretty good about it.  Just need to get to Canyonlands before December 31 to complete my checklist.

Two More Quilts

I finished two more quilts this week! (Now I just need to finish the quilting on my other one so it can be posted to my Etsy store)

I feel like they turned out pretty well - minus one mistake.  

A while ago a friend asked me to make something for a silent auction for a 'friend-raiser' coming up for Angel's Hands.  Angel's Hands is a local organization that helps families of children with rare diseases.  They help with medical necessities that insurance won't cover, things that will help improve quality of life, events so the kids can get out, and support for families so they don't have to go through everything alone.  I've been to a handful of their events over the last few years and the organization is a good one.  So if you have a minute - or two - check them out - help them out if you can.  They have a a few annual fundraising events that have all been fun...And I obviously think it's a good cause. 

On a more self-serving note, I posted pictures of my latest quilting creations.  I feel like I'm getting a little bit better at this.  Let me know what you think!

Snow in September

After ten years in Utah, I'm not surprised by snow in summer months.  One of the first couple years we were here, I recall snow around the 4th of July.  Last year we had a big snow storm on Labor Day weekend.  So I guess all things considered, not getting any snow until September 30 is lucky.

Park City Falls....I Only Wish My Favorite Season Was Longer

It's supposed to snow this week.  It is still September. 

Fall is my favorite season.  The weather isn't too hot.  It isn't too cold.  I love the brisk mornings and the crisp evenings with a hint of burning leaves in the air.  My one complaint is that it doesn't last very long here in Park City.  But for the brief three week time that it does make an appearance, it certainly does look nice....

 

 

 

 

 

Ten Years.....Gone

I was just reminded of my ten year reunion on facebook a couple minutes ago.  This weekend.  I can't believe ten years has already gone by.  It certainly doesn't feel like I'm old enough to have a ten year reunion.  On one hand, part of me wouldn't mind going to see everyone and do the usual "what have you been up to for the last ten years?" routine.

(But, to be honest, it was poorly planned.  There wasn't a lot of notice and making the trip to Warsaw, Indiana isn't an easy (or cheap) one....lots of layovers and no matter what airport you end up in, you still have at least two or three hours of driving from there.  Definitely makes me appreciate Salt Lake International Airport being a half hour away from my house.)

On the other hand, I'm not so sure I want to go see 400 people that I haven't seen in ten years.  In the last ten years I can count the people I have seen on one hand and count the people I keep in touch with on two.  High school is a weird time.  I wasn't a huge fan of it while I was there and I'm not one of those people who remembers it as "the best years of my life."

Maybe I'll consider the 20 year reunion??

The Bucket List

If you know me, you know that I obsessively make lists.  Everything from 'to-do' today to 'to-do' in life.  I referred to my list in an earlier post and here it is: the 'to-do' in life list.  I don't have the full 100 but it does expand occasionally.  For now the 60 or so things I have to do are keeping me plenty busy.  Some things are definitely more likely to happen than others, but I'll make the effort to get through it.  And really, what fun is a list like this if it's not a challenge??


(Here is the key: Not yet started  Complete  Started at some point but haven't gotten very far  A work in progress)

• Get a masters (A whole class in - Really enjoyed that Finite Element Analysis though)
• Get a Ph.D. (I'm thinking in religious studies - just to learn about it - I already know the topic of my dissertation)
• Climb The Great Wall
• Raise $100,000 for charity (Over a couple years I organized fundraising events)
• Run a half marathon
• Learn a second language (This all depends on what we define as learning a second language.  I know Latin pretty well but can't speak it.  If we don't count Latin, then this is barely started since I only know a handful of words in about twelve languages)
• Learn to play guitar
• Learn to play piano
• Try to surf
• See the Pyramids
• Write a book
• Join the Peace Corps
• Go on a safari
• Start a scholarship fund
• Make a quilt 
• Learn to knit
• Learn to draw/paint
• Run for public office
• Visit Denmark
• Visit Switzerland
• Visit Italy
• Visit Spain
• Visit Portugal
• See the Taj Mahal
• Go to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day
• Set foot in all 50 states (Up to 35 out of 50)
• Go deep sea fishing
• Ride in a hot air balloon
• See a baseball game in every MLB stadium (4 out of 30)
• Be a groupie (in the follow a band around for an entire tour sort of way...not the band-aid sort of way)
• Meet a U.S. President
• Learn to cook
• Start a restaurant
• Buy a house
• Read the Bible cover to cover
• Scuba Dive
• Learn to fly a plane
• Sky dive (It terrifies me)
• Learn to box
• Learn to dance
• Camp (Last week I crossed this one off the list)
• Go to the top of Mt. Timpanogos
• Stop at the view area (I don't know why I haven't done this yet - And for that matter, I'm not sure why it's on my list but it's something I always mean to do on my way home)
• Finish a triathlon
• Learn to ride a motorcycle
• Invent something
• Start my own business
• Ride a gondola in Venice
• Go to the opera
• Go to the movie theater alone
• Dine alone
• Ring the NYSE bell
• Be a delegate for a political party
• Donate a gallon of blood (I am 5/8 of the way there.  Only 3 more pints)
• Read all of Kurt Vonnegut's work (I think I am about half way there.  He wrote a lot of books)
• See the 7 wonders of the world
• Set foot on all 7 continents
• Go to all of the National Parks in Utah (2 of 5 so far - Arches and Zion down...Canyonlands, Bryce, and Capitol Reef left)

The Mystic Hot Springs

Last week while on the camping adventure, we spent a lot of time riding about on the Paiute ATV Trail and so as you may have guessed, a lot of the time I was covered in dirt and a little bit sore from more than 100 miles on an ATV over the course of two days.

That said, one of the highlights of our trip was the visit to Mystic Hot Springs. (Yes, I am being facetious. Kind of. It was a highlight because it is something to laugh at in retrospect but that's all.)

After two days outside, I was ready to go soak in the mineral pools. That is saying a lot since I am not usually one to soak in my own filth let alone other people's. (Also as I mentioned in an earlier post, I hate packing because I always feel like I'm forgetting something...especially when I don't know what I need for a new situation. I needed a swimsuit and I didn't have one.) Armed with clothes that were allowed to get wet and a change of clothes for my much wanted shower, ten of us headed to Monroe, Utah.

We arrived and this is what we saw:

Very nice, eh? It was an interesting experience to say the least.... (P. Fisher put it more like "This is the way horror movies start.")

That's about all I can tell you about it. I didn't have an opportunity to learn very much about it. (We asked what kind of minerals were in the hot springs and the response was "good ones." I did learn about what minerals are in the water on the website - and I also learned why myfeet were scalded when I touched the water. It is 168 degrees.) So I would say check out their website. They make it sound like a very nice place to visit.

The Camping Adventure....

I did it. I returned alive. No poisonous bug or snake bite (just a few mosquito bites). No broken bones. No burns. Stuff White People Like was wrong (this time)......Though they made me laugh a couple times at the sight of certain things.

The week started off a little rocky. I was nervous. All around nervous about job interviews and being outside for the next three/four days. Though, I did get a Sugar Baby's doughnut to start so that made it quite a bit better.

Richfield, Utah and Fishlake National Forest are in the center of the state....About three hours south of home. When driving along the major highways in Utah, there isn't a lot to see. Don't get me wrong. It is far more scenic than Nebraska and Wyoming because there are a few mountains giving the landscape something to look at. But 15 and 80 really don't do Utah justice. There is so much to see in this state and I am finally beginning to scratch the surface but even I realize that the major roads do not give Utah much appeal. If I were just passing through, I probably wouldn't put the state on my list to come back to. But, once you get into the mountains, it is beautiful and there are some real hidden gems.

So camping....Lots of things to say. I'll try to be brief. It was fun. I didn't sleep well. I am exhausted from being outside for the last seventy-two hours. I am pretty sure I could do it again. Things I would change: I would spend a little bit more time relaxing and I would have a hot dog on a stick over the camp fire.

We spent the first day golfing. The second day we rode the dirt bikes and 4 wheelers and then made an attempt at hot springs (that is a blog post to come). The third day we rode almost 70 miles.

All in all, a good time.