26 May 2007
19 May 2007
Rachel Serna Sealing
On Cinco de Mayo we went to the Salt Lake Temple in the morning for the sealing of Raquel (Rachel) Serna to Merlin....?
Rachel was sent on a mission from our ward. She and her sister joined the Church shortly before I was put in as Bishop and moved here from McAllen Texas. Her sister struggled some with the Gospel.
We were happy to nurse Rachel along and onto a mission. She was great. Her return was only last December.
The sealing was very nice. I recognized many who were likely missionary companions. One of the Elders who taught and baptized her was there and it was sweet to see the joy in their embrace.
Both Lenore and I were very moved by the Spirit when we greeted her after the Ceremony.
We also went to the party that evening. Thank goodness for mobile Google maps because it was in North Salt Lake (not SLC as we assumed) which is really south Bountiful. We wouldn't have found it without my palm.
There was lots of Mexican ranchero music and somewhat ethnic food, which was quite yummy.
Rachel was sent on a mission from our ward. She and her sister joined the Church shortly before I was put in as Bishop and moved here from McAllen Texas. Her sister struggled some with the Gospel.
We were happy to nurse Rachel along and onto a mission. She was great. Her return was only last December.
The sealing was very nice. I recognized many who were likely missionary companions. One of the Elders who taught and baptized her was there and it was sweet to see the joy in their embrace.
Both Lenore and I were very moved by the Spirit when we greeted her after the Ceremony.
We also went to the party that evening. Thank goodness for mobile Google maps because it was in North Salt Lake (not SLC as we assumed) which is really south Bountiful. We wouldn't have found it without my palm.
There was lots of Mexican ranchero music and somewhat ethnic food, which was quite yummy.
11 May 2007
Rubeus Hagrid - The Cat
Is on her last legs. She was actually named after a Donald Fagen song, Ruby Baby. she is about 15 years old. I guess the timing of Digory's arrival was fortuitous.
Her sister and litter mate, Maxine died almost two years ago. Ruby was fat, but for the last couple of years has only weighed about 3 ounces.
She had a stroke last night and can't move around well at all.
When I came home after a meeting last night Lane mentioned that she asked mommy if her nose was running. She intimated that she actually knew Lenore was crying. But, "it's not polite to ask if someone is crying." She seems to be getting a lot of exposure to impolite questions from one of her classmates.
09 May 2007
08 May 2007
DDR - Dance Dance Revolution
We went to Lane's semiannual dance-a-palooza last night. Sometimes these are fun. Fortunately, they keep them to around and hour.
My comment dovetails into the standing ovation and three curtain calls at the Wilberg Requiem the other night and the behavior of the crowd at the Sean Hannity and Rocky Anderson debate last Friday.
Utahns don't know how to behave in an audience. At the debate people were constantly yelling things from the audience.
Last night, same thing. They cheer on their dear little Johnny or Susie like they were at a basketball game and hoot at every chance. I'm sorry, the performance isn't about you or your little kid. They cheer wildly and fawn on their kids as if they just won an Olympic Gold Medal. These are the same people who wouldn't know the difference between a William Hung and a Kelly Clarkson.
I'm afraid Ailsa bore the brunt of it. The most vocal and loudest fan was seated right behind her. Too much wooting. Too much people.
My comment dovetails into the standing ovation and three curtain calls at the Wilberg Requiem the other night and the behavior of the crowd at the Sean Hannity and Rocky Anderson debate last Friday.
Utahns don't know how to behave in an audience. At the debate people were constantly yelling things from the audience.
Last night, same thing. They cheer on their dear little Johnny or Susie like they were at a basketball game and hoot at every chance. I'm sorry, the performance isn't about you or your little kid. They cheer wildly and fawn on their kids as if they just won an Olympic Gold Medal. These are the same people who wouldn't know the difference between a William Hung and a Kelly Clarkson.
I'm afraid Ailsa bore the brunt of it. The most vocal and loudest fan was seated right behind her. Too much wooting. Too much people.
05 May 2007
Happy Wanderers
Val-deri,Val-dera,Val-deri,Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
Just some final notes on our most recent trip to California.
The car, although aging, performed wonderfully. Through the years we have enjoyed a lot of good Kharma with our cars (Carma?)
Lenore kept us entertained a lot with input from the Mad Board, Mormon Apologetics and Discussion Board. Two main topics absorbed our time, differences (degree of leniency) between Bishops in dealing with repentance of members and the Word of Wisdom as a Covenant. This last one was a Red Herring. The Board members should have been smart and stopped it in the bud. They allowed the person posing the question to establish incorrect definitions without challenging her on it.
I managed to get in one short bike ride in Saint George on my Dad's bike. I went down River Road past the AZ State line a couple of miles. The road turns to dirt after the border so it's really not the best ride.
The family was really great and for the most part got along very well. Laney managed to barf again just as we were arriving into Barstow. We gave her some Dramamine. But, Ailsa accused her of palming it because it didn't put her to sleep.
Of course, we stopped at In-N-Out in Barstow both ways.
Lenore and I sang with cousin Beth at the Orange III ward on Sunday 22 April. We sang Sally DeFord's arrangement of "Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire." It went very well, and it was good to see some of the old timers. Saw Paul Snow and Cindy Baron Cowdell.
I didn't forget to take my Beta Blockers and used them for the Wedding Ceremony (I was quite nervous) and the song.
We had to make it back home Monday night in time to watch Heroes since it was the first new episode in about a month.
We stopped in Orem for Krispy Kreme donuts because Ailsa has a 2 for 1 (dozen) card.
Just some final notes on our most recent trip to California.
The car, although aging, performed wonderfully. Through the years we have enjoyed a lot of good Kharma with our cars (Carma?)
Lenore kept us entertained a lot with input from the Mad Board, Mormon Apologetics and Discussion Board. Two main topics absorbed our time, differences (degree of leniency) between Bishops in dealing with repentance of members and the Word of Wisdom as a Covenant. This last one was a Red Herring. The Board members should have been smart and stopped it in the bud. They allowed the person posing the question to establish incorrect definitions without challenging her on it.
I managed to get in one short bike ride in Saint George on my Dad's bike. I went down River Road past the AZ State line a couple of miles. The road turns to dirt after the border so it's really not the best ride.
The family was really great and for the most part got along very well. Laney managed to barf again just as we were arriving into Barstow. We gave her some Dramamine. But, Ailsa accused her of palming it because it didn't put her to sleep.
Of course, we stopped at In-N-Out in Barstow both ways.
Lenore and I sang with cousin Beth at the Orange III ward on Sunday 22 April. We sang Sally DeFord's arrangement of "Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire." It went very well, and it was good to see some of the old timers. Saw Paul Snow and Cindy Baron Cowdell.
I didn't forget to take my Beta Blockers and used them for the Wedding Ceremony (I was quite nervous) and the song.
We had to make it back home Monday night in time to watch Heroes since it was the first new episode in about a month.
We stopped in Orem for Krispy Kreme donuts because Ailsa has a 2 for 1 (dozen) card.
02 May 2007
Yo Gabba Gabba
While we were at Disneyland, Christian was filming with Elijah Wood. Again, Ailsa and Jensen had to be restrained.
I suggested that at least once he should have told him, "I made a promise, Mr. Frodo!"
I suggested that at least once he should have told him, "I made a promise, Mr. Frodo!"
01 May 2007
Flammis Acribus Addictis
We went to the newly refurbished Tabernacle Saturday evening at the invitation of ScaryEllen to see performances of the Mozart Requiem and the new Wilburg Requiem. It was very nice. Everyone needs to go to a live performance once in a while to remember how much better they are than recordings.
Now, I'm a pretty big fan of Mack Wilburg and he is very talented. But, I didn't love his Requiem. I did like the main orchestral theme and the haunting music of the "O Nata Lux." I might add that these were some of the things people I talked to liked the least. I didn't go for the one movement that was mainly Baritone solo. I think it was the 23rd Psalm movement. I found it very recitative sounding, without a musical line. If it was the 23rd Psalm movement, that is unfortunate because Mack Wilburg did a lovely arrangment of "My Savior Will Supply My Need" that is way better.
True to form the Utah audience had to give standing ovations at the drop of a hat and three curtain calls for Mack and Craig Jessop.
Harbor and Katella
We had been planning on visiting Disneyland (the Happiest Place on Earth) on Friday 20 April while we were in California for Elizabeth's wedding. As the day approached it was looking more and more like it would be a rainy day. Lenore was very pleased with the very nice weather in CA when we arrived Thursday afternoon, and justifiably disappointed when we awoke in the morning to rain.
Not to despair, We had been to the Magic place once before when it was drizzly and it was a great time because mainly only the die-hards go to the park when it is rainy. This time didn't disappoint either.
We had tried to find our stash of ponchos before leaving home. But, no such luck. Ed was able to turn up a couple of raincoats for me and Lenore. He was sure he had about 15-20 ponchos in his attic (probably emblazoned with the Steelers logo). But, he couldn't find them. We stopped at Target in FV and picked up a couple of $1.00 ponchos for the big kids and a nicer smaller (but still almost too big) poncho for Laney, and a couple of hats.
The park was only mildly populated and most lines were quite short. Seriously, we spent more time in line at a Churro cart than we did for the last two times on Pirates and the last time on Haunted Mansion, combined!!! They should have vendors like at baseball games throwing those things to grateful customers. There is a really big demand for them. That's one of the treats we look forward to when going to D-land.
There was one 20 minute or so period where it was really raining too hard. We went on the Jungle Cruise and Jensen was sitting right next to one of the poles supporting the tarp and water was just draining onto her head. Unfortunately, we couldn't hear most of the lame jokes the guide was saying. After that, still in the downpour, we went to Big Thunder Mountain.
Ever since the first time I rode on Pirates of the Caribbean, I've wanted to eat in the Blue Bayou restaurant. It has been a childhood dream of Lenore's too. A month ago Ailsa called and made a reservation. We had a great time with wonderful food. The kids went Cajun with Gumbo and Jambalaya. Lenore and I had the best short ribs ever. Laney was having difficulty eating because of a loose tooth. So, I pulled it out right there in the restaurant. Later I thought we should have made a wish and tossed it into the lagoon.
While waiting in line at the Matterhorn I overheard a DSA (Disneyland Service Announcement) that went something like: "Due to inclement weather the Electric parade has been cancelled. We invite you instead to enjoy Mickey's Rainy Day Cavalcade!!!!" I envisioned a techie placing a cd in a player somewhere in the bowels of the park and putting it on endless repeat.
Jensen finally got to go on the Indiana Jones ride. Every time in the past when she has tried to go, it was broken down. This ride is actually quite fun, and if you notice it seems like it takes up a huge area. We weren't sure that Laney could go on it. She didn't seem like she was quite tall enough. But we puffed up the hood of her poncho and no one seemed to care. She thought is was great. Later in the day we tried to go again. The lady at the beginning of the line checked her height and let her in line. Later, right before boarding the jeeps, another worker pulled her out of line and checked her height. She was about 1/4 inch too short and he wouldn't let her on. This made her cry. We called him a height Nazi. I made that last part up. I went with Ailsa and Jensen, and Laney recovered from the anxiety and embarrassment soon enough. We should have had her wear slightly taller shoes.
I had to leave the park for a little while in the evening for the wedding rehearsal. But, we connected up again and stayed there until about 10:30 when we were mostly beat.
The fireworks show was very fun and beautiful. Interesting shapes of explosions, like hearts and cubes.
A couple of notes. There is a racket of renting wheelchairs and motorized (little weasel) wheelchairs for those feigning handicaps and too delicate to be on their feet all day. And lo and behold there is an upside for such people. They get to go right to the head of the line without a fastpass . I did actually see two women who obviously needed wheelchairs. But, they were the kind you propel with your hands. I'd like to have the wheelchair concession at Disneyland.
Pirates has a couple of updates. They play some of the soundtrack music from the movie. They've added Captain Jack Sparrow in three places. The first mannequin is extremely lifelike. We had to restrain Ailsa and Jensen. Right before you enter the lagoon with the sea battle, they have added an oilcracker screen that you ride through and they project a video image of Davey Jones on the smoke. It is pretty cool.
Not to despair, We had been to the Magic place once before when it was drizzly and it was a great time because mainly only the die-hards go to the park when it is rainy. This time didn't disappoint either.
We had tried to find our stash of ponchos before leaving home. But, no such luck. Ed was able to turn up a couple of raincoats for me and Lenore. He was sure he had about 15-20 ponchos in his attic (probably emblazoned with the Steelers logo). But, he couldn't find them. We stopped at Target in FV and picked up a couple of $1.00 ponchos for the big kids and a nicer smaller (but still almost too big) poncho for Laney, and a couple of hats.
The park was only mildly populated and most lines were quite short. Seriously, we spent more time in line at a Churro cart than we did for the last two times on Pirates and the last time on Haunted Mansion, combined!!! They should have vendors like at baseball games throwing those things to grateful customers. There is a really big demand for them. That's one of the treats we look forward to when going to D-land.
There was one 20 minute or so period where it was really raining too hard. We went on the Jungle Cruise and Jensen was sitting right next to one of the poles supporting the tarp and water was just draining onto her head. Unfortunately, we couldn't hear most of the lame jokes the guide was saying. After that, still in the downpour, we went to Big Thunder Mountain.
Ever since the first time I rode on Pirates of the Caribbean, I've wanted to eat in the Blue Bayou restaurant. It has been a childhood dream of Lenore's too. A month ago Ailsa called and made a reservation. We had a great time with wonderful food. The kids went Cajun with Gumbo and Jambalaya. Lenore and I had the best short ribs ever. Laney was having difficulty eating because of a loose tooth. So, I pulled it out right there in the restaurant. Later I thought we should have made a wish and tossed it into the lagoon.
While waiting in line at the Matterhorn I overheard a DSA (Disneyland Service Announcement) that went something like: "Due to inclement weather the Electric parade has been cancelled. We invite you instead to enjoy Mickey's Rainy Day Cavalcade!!!!" I envisioned a techie placing a cd in a player somewhere in the bowels of the park and putting it on endless repeat.
Jensen finally got to go on the Indiana Jones ride. Every time in the past when she has tried to go, it was broken down. This ride is actually quite fun, and if you notice it seems like it takes up a huge area. We weren't sure that Laney could go on it. She didn't seem like she was quite tall enough. But we puffed up the hood of her poncho and no one seemed to care. She thought is was great. Later in the day we tried to go again. The lady at the beginning of the line checked her height and let her in line. Later, right before boarding the jeeps, another worker pulled her out of line and checked her height. She was about 1/4 inch too short and he wouldn't let her on. This made her cry. We called him a height Nazi. I made that last part up. I went with Ailsa and Jensen, and Laney recovered from the anxiety and embarrassment soon enough. We should have had her wear slightly taller shoes.
I had to leave the park for a little while in the evening for the wedding rehearsal. But, we connected up again and stayed there until about 10:30 when we were mostly beat.
The fireworks show was very fun and beautiful. Interesting shapes of explosions, like hearts and cubes.
A couple of notes. There is a racket of renting wheelchairs and motorized (little weasel) wheelchairs for those feigning handicaps and too delicate to be on their feet all day. And lo and behold there is an upside for such people. They get to go right to the head of the line without a fastpass . I did actually see two women who obviously needed wheelchairs. But, they were the kind you propel with your hands. I'd like to have the wheelchair concession at Disneyland.
Pirates has a couple of updates. They play some of the soundtrack music from the movie. They've added Captain Jack Sparrow in three places. The first mannequin is extremely lifelike. We had to restrain Ailsa and Jensen. Right before you enter the lagoon with the sea battle, they have added an oilcracker screen that you ride through and they project a video image of Davey Jones on the smoke. It is pretty cool.
Digory - New Kitty
Tommy is not so sure about him yet. But, just look at him, how cute! We think he doesn't look very cat-like, more like a cross between King Juilan and a Red Panda.
Fountain Valley
In California we stayed at Kim and Ed's new House. It was elegant. Darrell is somewhat disappointed that I didn't take video of it. It didn't even cross my mind. The house has a basement (very unusual for California) and then two 15 foot(?) levels with a very ample attic. Besides the normal sized garage for Kim's car there is a gargantuan two bay 30 foot high (on one side) garage for Ed's stuff.
The main floor has two suites for guests. The upper floor also has two suites (Katy's and Shaun's) and the master bedroom. Ailsa and Jensen slept in the sewing room. Ed has a large office and Hoke Depot storage upstairs as well.
I understand that Ed has had this parcel of land for a while. He and his partner developed it with five homes. They each kept one and sold the remaining three for somewhere over $4 million.
Ed has a "farm" in the back as well as a "ranch" and a sort of BBQ pit that also doubles as a nifty wading/relaxing pool, easily filled in about 45 minutes and then drained when not in use.
Many people who live in the area are from Viet Nam. A couple who was considering buying the house across the cul de sac from Ed and Kim had their Feng Shui master look at it first. He did not recommend it because their view is dominated by the imposing Hoke house. They left the home for someone else to purchase.
California is an amazing place. There is so much affluence and wealth and people. The entrepreneurial spirit thrives. The Hoke's next door neighbor has an ethnic grocery store. Their delivery van is plastered with advertising for breast augmentation surgery. Thankfully, the "graphics" are not too racy.
The main floor has two suites for guests. The upper floor also has two suites (Katy's and Shaun's) and the master bedroom. Ailsa and Jensen slept in the sewing room. Ed has a large office and Hoke Depot storage upstairs as well.
I understand that Ed has had this parcel of land for a while. He and his partner developed it with five homes. They each kept one and sold the remaining three for somewhere over $4 million.
Ed has a "farm" in the back as well as a "ranch" and a sort of BBQ pit that also doubles as a nifty wading/relaxing pool, easily filled in about 45 minutes and then drained when not in use.
Many people who live in the area are from Viet Nam. A couple who was considering buying the house across the cul de sac from Ed and Kim had their Feng Shui master look at it first. He did not recommend it because their view is dominated by the imposing Hoke house. They left the home for someone else to purchase.
California is an amazing place. There is so much affluence and wealth and people. The entrepreneurial spirit thrives. The Hoke's next door neighbor has an ethnic grocery store. Their delivery van is plastered with advertising for breast augmentation surgery. Thankfully, the "graphics" are not too racy.
Elizabeth's Wedding
We went down to California the long weekend of 19-23 April for my niece Elizabeth's wedding. We had a great time and did lots.
Elizabeth was married in a Civil ceremony at which I officiated at the Tustin Hills Racquet Club to David Gerns on 21 April. It was a very nice day. The ceremony was originally planned for the field outside. But, rains on Friday made the grass too soggy. So, it was performed on the patio just outside the reception hall.
Wade and the spouses wrote a talk for me to give that was very nice. You can read it here.
We had fun visiting with all of the Rozsa kids who were there. Danny Rozsa was not able to attend. I also visited with David Cluff. He insists that my present job is just a cover for my secret work for the Government.
It was fun to see Sean, and Aron came with Sheryl, who we met for the first time.
David and Kathy Cluff's oldest daughter sang a song for the couple's first dance and did a great job. She was dressed rather late 60's and Lenore mused if "Lulu" from "To Sir With Love" was performing for us.
Elizabeth was married in a Civil ceremony at which I officiated at the Tustin Hills Racquet Club to David Gerns on 21 April. It was a very nice day. The ceremony was originally planned for the field outside. But, rains on Friday made the grass too soggy. So, it was performed on the patio just outside the reception hall.
Wade and the spouses wrote a talk for me to give that was very nice. You can read it here.
We had fun visiting with all of the Rozsa kids who were there. Danny Rozsa was not able to attend. I also visited with David Cluff. He insists that my present job is just a cover for my secret work for the Government.
It was fun to see Sean, and Aron came with Sheryl, who we met for the first time.
David and Kathy Cluff's oldest daughter sang a song for the couple's first dance and did a great job. She was dressed rather late 60's and Lenore mused if "Lulu" from "To Sir With Love" was performing for us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
