What a difference a day makes? We woke to a sky a deeper blue than the Hope diamond. Though the temperature hovered in the forties during the early morning, the high bright sky presented its proud bright self in contrast the the blood red dirt and rocks. Shadows ran like bunnies and shifty lizards under the gray green bloom of the desert. We enjoyed this changing spectacle on a nice five mile hike through a portion of Snow Canyon, which is a place so spectacular that if it were located in any other state, it would be a National Park. We were in the park mostly to enjoy the morning, but we were also scouting our biking route for tomorrow. If it happens, it will prove to be one of the most pleasurable rides we've experienced especially since tomorrow's weather is forecast to be more brilliance and even warmer. While Snow Canyon is spectacular, the highlight of our day was an accidental meeting with nephew Tony Valentine and his family who are visiting his bride's (Kallee) grandma. I only met Kallee's grandma briefly (They call her GG), but by all accounts everyone loves her, and rumor has it that she alone can control the dogs. We also met Kallee's mother and of course, their three beautiful daughters. In a family as big as our O'Brien clan, these children and grandchildren grow so fast, it's hard if not understandable to miss a few birthdays. I've only seen Meran, the youngest, twice-once when she was still in swaddling clothes and now that she's a precocious two plus. Emerson, the six year old, has that typical pixie brilliance that so many of the O'Brien kids display. And Reese, the oldest as a second grader, demonstrates the compassion and caring that seems to be a requisite for the first born in our family. Luckily, for us, GG and momma agreed to "guard" the girls while Tony, Kallee, Judy and I enjoyed a nice dinner at the local eatery. It felt great to enjoy family. It was a joyfully unexpected surprise. Unfortunately, we had to cut the evening short because Judy suffered a sudden bout of Montezuma's revenge. We had to rush her back to the trailer, and now she's snuggled under her blanket trying to recover. We don't know what caused it, and as of yet I've suffered no ill effects. We'll see if she recovers enough for us to ride in the morning. Meanwhile, Tony and Kallee reminded me how I came to be the luckiest man on the planet. First, I met Anne O"Brien in 1967. We fell in love, and then her amazing family welcomed a stray dog (Mutt, some say) like me into the clan. I've been there ever since. When Anne died and I remarried, an even more amazing thing happened. The family accepted Judy with unabated true love and unabashed open arms. It speaks volumes about the O"Brien's which of course emanated from Jack and Chotsie. I feel blessed to be included, and seeing my nephew reconnected me with so many fond memories I feel like I'm standing under a fall of healing waters. It makes me grateful, and more, it's the basis for my belief that life is good, especially today.
Only in Utah will a person find paved trails and flush toilets in the wilderness.
And of course, red rocks.
Judy striding toward the white peaks. We were wondering if they are the cause of the name: Snow Canyon.
Though the camera can't really capture it, the green, red, white, blue layers are just stunning.
GG, Judy, and the dogs.
At this point, Meran, who had to stay home while her sisters, mom, and grandma went swimming, was feeling a little down.
She perked right up as soon as big sister, Reese, arrived.
Reese, smiling wide, enjoys being another of the amazing O'Brien progeny.
Dad Tony, as seen wrapped around his daughter's little finger. That's what us Dad's do.
Nothing in the world could get Meran to smile. Reese cajoled her from the left. Emerson tried on the right. She just wasn't having it (By the way, strength of character is another O'Brien trait) P.S. I'm sure there's plenty of strength, character, and smarts on her mother's side as well.
I'll bet GG can get a smile out of her.
On the way to dinner, we put the big baby in the back.
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