Adventure 415: Fracless Day Five

Douglas with his favorite cousin, Maria

Oh my, this day has had more twists and turns than President Trump's position on policies of "love". It started out as an uncertain day: unusually dreary clouds for Park City, a steady stream of cold rain, and an immediate change in plans. Of course, we rolled with the punches because they seemed harmless. Douglas decided not to go skiing due to the uncertain weather, so we headed for Salt Lake City for breakfast, a rendezvous with our cousin Maria, and a visit with our Uncle Butch and Aunt Patty (Maria's father and mother). Breakfast at the Park Cafe was the highlight of the day. It may be the best purchased breakfast I've ever had. After breakfast we met with our cousin, Maria, who has usurped me as my cousin Douglas' favorite cousin, which of course made me feel a little bit like Jeff Sessions. She's battling with a serious decision. Her oldest son has severe disabilities that are beginning to affect the rest of their family. She and her husband are wrestling with the decision to emancipate their son, who is about to turn eighteen, and whose current condition is beginning to not only disrupt the family, but also drain the treasury. It's not an easy decision, but it's becoming apparent that they can no longer give him the attention he needs. It's easy on the outside to offer advice, but the love of a mother and father who take their responsibilities seriously tears at the very fabric of a person's heart. I'll add her to my prayer list, and I'm encouraged by her strength and resolve. We ended our meeting, and our small walk in the drizzle to go meet with her father and mother. Our Uncle Butch whose real name is George, but was christened Sam, and has been known all his life as Butch is the last of our Ruden relatives. He's the youngest member of the Ruden family, and the brother of our mothers. He's been in our life for a long time beginning when he came back from what was known then as Formosa. We chatted with those two for a couple of hours, and the topic, as always, led to family history. Aunt Patty is very much into genealogy and is guardian of the family legends. We spent much of our time learning how to make food stuffs we ate as kids. It turns out Uncle Butch also knows how to make those old country dishes and he has the recipes. Along the way, we uncovered some old wounds, some fond memories, and we all agreed that our family alone could provide circus entertainment for the E! channel. Along the way, we got a call from my Dad's retirement home. He had to be transported to emergency due to dehydration and what turns out to be a bladder infection. Long distance decision making is difficult, especially in an emergency room setting, and Dad's predisposed distaste for the medical profession along with his dementia put a heavy burden on our son, Steve. At one point, Dad pulled out his tubes, got dressed, and was ready to go home. I think Steve finally convinced him that he had to stay, but it's a slippery as a political half truth. Judy and I have talked of this possibility, but the reality is we're at least two days from home as it is, and since Dad will stay in the hospital for a minimum of two days, we've decided to continue on to Phoenix. If by Monday, he takes a twist for the worse, we'll abort, cash out our responsibilites in Phoenix, and head home. If something else happens, we'll adjust to that. After all, the world is our oyster, money is just that, and in the end, we'll do the right thing. Regardless, even a life of twists and turns is good, especially today.

Boot Camp report:  no alcohol, 6636 steps, and more shared restaurant food than I needed.

 This chile verde breakfast burrito, which Judy and I shared, was simply magnificent.

 So, this guy came to Utah, built his American dream, and gave it all to the prophet, Brigham Young when asked. Now that's unselfish service!

 We got some steps in walking around Liberty Park in downtown Salt Lake. Despite the cold drizzle, it was a pleasant time with our cousin, Maria.

 Uncle Butch, a man not short on opinion, soliloquizing.

 Aunt Patty searching through the family cook book for old recipes.

 I don't remember this particular recipe.

 But Potica, which many cultures know as an Easter roll, is definitely worth remembering.

 This is who we are.

We ended the night by sending Diane home a sad loser in cribbage. This is her sad face.

Adventure 414: Fracless Day Four

The view from Douglas' living room

After a warm sendoff by the Hooley Clan, we were once again blessed with traveling mercies. While rainy for much of the day, the roads held traction nicely and we arrived safely at my cousin's condo in Park City, and as is his want, he treated us royally. We went to lunch at at a local Park City distillery that not only makes excellent whisky, but also serves a well prepared lunch. I didn't try the whisky, but the Reuben Judy and I shared was excellent. After lunch, we toured the Park City museum, which for today only, was free. We then took a small driving tour of the ski area, which despite the rain was filled with tourists from all over the world. Just at lunch I heard melodic Spanish and soothing French emanating from nearby tables. Back at the condo, I was victorious in the first cribbage game of our visit. We then took naps until dinner (Life is tough; retired people need to rest). Douglas baked a large  filet of halibut that he caught last summer in Alaska, accompanied by a bowl of roasted vegetable seasoned with fine herbs. For dessert we had ice cream smothered with huckleberries picked last summer at Priest Lake. Joan, Douglas' sister, and another of my cousins, joined us for dinner. It's always good when the three of us get together because the banter most often returns in some way to our childhood. In this case, one of the talks was food that we grew up with. Last month, Douglas and Joan went to visit our uncle who lives in a suburb South of Salt Lake. They spent the whole day with Uncle Butch teaching them how to make a sweet cake we call Potica. It's a kind of Easter bread made of sweet dough filled with walnuts, raisins, sugar and cinnamon. It's rolled into a log and formed into a circle, buttered, and baked until brown. My mother used to make it, and all of my aunties knew how as well. That event led us from one memory to another, which filled the evening with laughter. We also played a few games of cribbage. Judy and I won two of three because truth be known, Joan plays without the true intention the rest of us take in the game. That made for some laughs as well. After leaving the warmth of the Hooley Clan, it just keeps getting better. I enjoy my time with these two as they are some of my very dearest family members. It reminded me once again that life is good, and that I'm very possibly the luckiest man alive, especially today.

Boot Camp report: No alcohol; very little exercise; another round of good food. 

 Pat and Tom Losser sent us on our way with a hearty breakfast of ground red wheat topped with canned plums and milk.

 Loey and and Judy said their goodbyes.

 The road beckoned us.

 And this excellent version of  the classic Reuben warmed us at the High West distillery.

 Art shot of the day: The rainbow reflection off of Douglas's Tesla.

 My Bunny getting ready to learn some Park City history.

 Douglissimo preparing dinner.

 Evidence of my victory is the furthest black peg.

 Douglas opening wine for his sister Joan. I drank Boot Camp water while Douglas and Judy enjoyed Kambucha.

 Let the giggling begin. So says Judy and Joan.

 Simple, yet delicious dinner.

And huckleberries Oh, so sweet.

Adventure 413: Fracless Day Three

Thin Gruel, Filer Style

We decided to enjoy another day in Filer, which by now (after dinner) has proven to be a great choice. After a restful sleep last night in the Losser guest room, we joined Tom and Pat for their morning walk (three laps around the perimeter of their three acres). The four of us ventured out before sunup, which is their ritual. Pat starts the coffee, and by the time the laps are completed, so is the coffee. And that, my friends, is my first actual taste of Boot Camp. I mean, if exercise before dawn isn't Boot Camp, then I'm not G.I. Tim. From there it just got better. Pat made Dutch Baby Pancakes for breakfast accompanied by delicious local bacon. After breakfast, Tom and I went over to his son's place to fetch a twelve foot 1960 Hewescraft heirloom boat that Tom is restoring for his daughter-in-law. The boat has lived most of its life at Priest Lake at her family's cabin. Unfortunately, the family couldn't keep the cabin property under the new lease laws instituted by the state of Idaho. Tom's gift is to restore the boat, so his son, wife, and kids can enjoy it down here in Southern Idaho. Tom and I moved the boat to Gary Hooley's shop, which is not only warm, but is equipped with every tool necessary to strip the split wooden dashboard, the old control cables, the rotting transom, and the too well worn wooden bench seats. We accomplished this all before lunch, which again was a farm fresh meal prepared by Sarah and Loey Hooley with a little help from my Bunny. From there, Tom and I wheeled into Twin Falls to buy marine plywood for the transom and bench seats, a nice piece of poplar for the dash, and brand new hardware to reassemble the pieces after they've been milled. We managed to remove both the transom and the dashboard intact, which Tom will use as templates to fabricate the new pieces. It was a satisfying day. We got back to the Losser place just as dusk was spreading across the farmlands. It's unseasonably warm here this week, and the pastel winter sunset hung like Impressionist art on the horizon. Very peaceful. Pat made Manhattan Clam chowder for dinner, and Tom and I watched the college football championship feeling all the while like patriots. Judy and I will leave in the morning after saying our good byes. If we're blessed with traveling mercies once again, we'll arrive at my cousin's place in Park City, Utah sometime in mid afternoon. It's clear, especially when surrounded by good friends, that life is good, especially today.

Boot Camp report: No alcohol, three lively laps around the Losser spread, several gymnastic moves around the Hewescraft, and another plethora of farm fresh food.

 Quit playing with your food, Timmy!

 The Hewescraft in full refit mode.

 Tom wisely taking pictures of things as we went BEFORE we took things apart.

This two piece transome was sandwiched over a thin piece of aluminum, and held together with thirty wood screws along with a brushing of epoxy. We kept at it until we coaxed the pieces off in one piece.

 Whoo! Hoo! Now, off to town for the first of several trips to the hardware store.

 Tom grows his own popcorn (Which is incredible). This is the stash we get to take with us!

 The Bunny relaxing before dinner with seed catalogs; Tom in the background watching her in order to "practice" retirement.

 Tom's man shed.

 The back "yard" and the bulk of our walking route.

Adventure 412: Fracless Day Two

Farm Fresh Happiness

Some joys in life are worth repeating, sort of like capturing lightning in a bottle, and even though many may say "You can never go back", I respectfully disagree. Every time we visit the Hooley Clan in Filer, Idaho, my spirit shivers, electrified as it were by the joy, peace, and love these people offer us. it's all consuming just as the bright light from a flashing bolt. The only thing missing is the pouring rain; rather, there is an outpouring of genuine interest, generous intention, and all that is left is a tingle of joy so refreshing we feel renewed. We left Boise at about 7 A.M. We arrived in Filer just in time for Sunday School at Filer Mennonite Church, where we've visited so often now, the members of the congregation welcome us as old friends. The drive, while short presented a bit of a challenge due to the dense fog and the patchy slippery roads. No matter. We took it slow and made it safely. After church, we became pampered "farm fed" guests. We enjoyed a freshly butchered rash of roast beef, green beans which had been canned fresh from the garden, a mixture of roasted root vegetables, shredded cabbage, and home made apple sauce. For dessert, we had yogurt made from Molly the Cow's fresh milk, topped with canned cherries, plums, and peaches. Along side, Pat Losser, Loey Hooley's sister, presented us with fresh baked short bread so jam packed with filberts they could have passed for nut bars. After lunch, the men sat in the living room and jibber-jabbered while the women did the same at the table. After what seemed like mere moments, it was time for a family tradition of  enjoying popcorn, which Tom Losser grows. We kept the jibber-jabber up talking the gamut from animal husbandry to woodworking to Andy Hooly's upcoming marriage to weather to faith and love and hope, and not once did anyone pull out a cellular device. There were no distractions, just honest heart to heart communication. What a joy. i can't tell you how uplifting these visits are for both me and Judy. Tonight, we're staying with Tom and Pat in their guest room. It's like an AirBandB except better because the price is right! Our yearly travels have included visiting these fine people on our way South and our way North. They never give us the impression we've overstayed, and again, if what we need in this world is love, the Hooley Clan is happy to oblige, which makes life good, especially today.

Boot Camp report: No alcohol, no exercise. A fair amount of excellent food.

 We've come to know many of the people who attend this church due to our helping one year as volunteers for their annual MCC sale.

 Tom popped this fresh corn, which I must tell you is like no corn you can buy in a supermarket.

 Our bed for the night.

 The powder room.

 Pat, our hostess.

Adventure 411: Fracless Day One

Look! No Ice!

After a brief stop to check on my Dad, George, we were off at nearly the stroke of eight. The temperature hovered around freezing, but the roads were bare, mostly wet, and we were able to keep pace at highway speed. To our surprise, we traversed Deadman's Pass under clear skies, nearly fifty degree temperature, light traffic, and nearly stress free driving. In fact, I must say I would describe my mood as ebullient. Thank you, Lord, for traveling mercies. We checked into our AirBandB without incident. It's a lovely space connected to a larger home. I really can't see why anyone would take lodging in an old fashioned road side hotel. We took a short drive to Tim and Carissa's home, which timed perfectly to a just fed, just changed, and completely happy little girl named Celia, who spent the next hour or so entertaining us with her cute baby tricks. Tim shared a bit of his finest bourbon with me, and like all creative types, we talked art: in this case wood art. Compared to Tim (or his father), I'm a neophyte, but since they are by nature gracious, unassuming, and consistently kind, they make me feel welcome in their world. Dr. Pereda (Carissa) came home from a full shift at the hospital. We chatted until it was time to get Celia ready for bed. Judy and I then found an exquisite Vietnamese restaurant where we enjoyed a steaming hot bowl of PHO. What a day. We're now snuggled nicely in our space awaiting the Gonzaga game. What more could we want? 

Now, as for Boot Camp. I didn't fare well on the no alcohol pledge, but the top shelf bourbon was very nice (Best excuse so far). I also exercised my right foot all day by repeatedly, pressing and releasing pressure on the gas or brake pedal. I got a little arm work in when I hugged Tim and Carissa, and of course, my Bunny. The only success I had in terms of pledges today was to abstain from sugar, which I must tell you, I would have consumed had there been any nearby. 

So, I guess Boot Camp is off to an excellent start. At any rate, life is good, especially today.

 We stopped in Baker City for a pretty good old fashioned burger. This sign reminds me that I've entered a space where I can only discuss the weather.

 Bunny heading back to our night's lodging.

 If the season was right, this pleasant Zen garden would be welcoming.

 The bed.

 The couch.

 The powder room.

 Our snacks.

 Papa Tim and his precious Celia.

 Celia looks ready to go camping.

 Bella, still a pampered member of the family, but no longer at the head of the list.

 Kai, even younger, shows his need for loving.

 Clearly, this one gets much of the attention.

 Thanks, Tim. This is very good sipping bourbon.

 Hey, look at my mom!

Adventure 410: Prelude to our Fracless Adventure

Get Ready to Spin

We leave tomorrow on our drive to Phoenix where we'll spend the next three months, hopefully warm and happy. It all began because of our extended trip this past fall which brought us home mid November. I thought it too late to drag the trailer South, so we decided to rent a Casita near downtown Phoenix. In a way, it's an experiment to see if we like staying in one place. While it's not yet imminent, our window for trailer travel does have a closing date. We just don't know when that is, but as my buddy, Ed Drouin says, "The world is our oyster", which basically means we get to do whatever we decide to do. Pretty cool work if you can get it. It only took us thirty years to find this job. So, for now, Plan A is to arrive in Phoenix on Monday, January 15 in the early afternoon for check in to our little casita. In the meantime, we've penciled stops at Boise, Filer, Honeyville, Park City, St. George, and Tucson before arriving in the Valley of the Sun. In those nine days, we'll see Tim, Carissa, and Celia Ulmen in Boise; Gary, Loey, Andy (Hopefully, Lisa), Sarah Hooley, along with Tom and Pat Losser in Filer; a nice warm soak at Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville; an overnight stay with my cousin, Douglas, in Park City, a couple of tourist days in St. George, and a weekend with David and Ginny Kral in Tucson. If all of this goes well in terms of traveling mercies, we'll be buoyed by the love of these good friends and filled to the top with positive energy by the time we get to Phoenix. Regardless, It sounds quite a bit better than slipping and sliding around in these freezing conditions here at home. Whatever happens, we'll still believe that life is good, especially today.

P.S. For me, Phoenix represents "Boot Camp". My goal is to become bicycle fit to the tune of 1,000 miles (Or More). I'm also going to willingly subject myself to the tenacious tutelage of my Bunny (However you define taskmaster), which basically means no alcohol, no obvious sugar, and a fleeting romance with carbohydrates. This Blog will report the gap between what I hope to accomplish and the reality of what my weak will really manages to muster. It will all be reported here, and on the days I fall short, I'll have believable excuses to offer. What fun!