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.