Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time. ~John Lubbock

First day of Summer is this week. Of course I am still stressed about the job and money issues that hover over me like a dark canopy.
But I cannot help but bask in the long awaited sunshine and soak up a little bit of happiness, laziness and relaxation.
This past weekend was an extended family reunion. Over a decade ago, we spent our first reunion at my mothers sisters house to celebrate the beginning of summer, Fathers Day and my maternal grandfathers birthday (all of which happened to fall in the same week as my wedding anniversary) for a family get-together. Although it is no longer my anniversary at least in celebration, and my grandfather has now passed, we continue to celebrate each year.
The weather could not have been more beautiful.
I had a house full. There were twelve adults and three toddlers in this house for two nights. Which is not too bad if everyone pitches in.... that was not the case.
But it was a small sacrifice.

The third weekend in June is also the time for our town celebration and fair. We happen to live on the parade route and merely step outside with cup of coffee in hand to enjoy the festivities.

Could not have crammed more into this three day weekend. It was a needed break from the stresses.

And yesterday, a phone interview for potential employment! Please let this not jinx it.

Hope all of the Fathers had a wonderful day last Sunday. The daughters and sons had a chance to spend it with their fathers. And that those who no longer have opportunity to spend the time physically with their father, at least had a chance to reflect on the time that they did.

I love you Dad. I cherish every day I get to spend with you.

More small town fun

Last night my daughters, I and my daughters friend headed into the next county for a county fair. It was a little over two hour drive through the mountain canyon to get there but so worth it. It was a beautiful drive too.

We've made this same route every November to spend thanksgiving at my aunts house for the past ten years.  After stopping for a quick hello, hugs and grabbing the tickets they were nice enough to reserve for us, we headed another half hour south.

If you have never been to a small county fair, you are really missing out on some fun.
We hit the carnival first- but it was horrible overpriced.  I loved watching the little children on the brightly colored  rides against the natural hues of the open range background.

I think we stood out like a sore thumb though. Everyone knew everyone else... we were 'strangers in this town'.

We also took the time to walk through the exhibits and livestock. I love the babies.
My youngest loves pigs and wants one of her own... hmm coincidence to her skills with chores?
Just kidding baby- I love you.

We grabbed some fair grub then settled in for the main event. The reason for our drive.
If you have ever owned a POS car. A car that seemed as thought it was made of a bucket of bolts and nothing more, this event is for you.

A Demolition Derby.

If you don't know what that is, teams of mechanics and hobbyists create cars out of old junk car finds and beef them up with roll-bars,  paint, extra power and some personal touch. Then they crash them into each other until they no longer run.

If a car stalls, gets stuck in the mud, or hung up on another car, they have a limited amount of time to 'make a hit' before they are disqualified. Last car running/ hitting wins.
It really is a treat. So much more fun than it sounds.
The pictures say it all.

The view was outstanding as one of the oldest and most beautiful of the Mormon temples was just across the street.

Some menacing clouds threatened to make the night a little bit more moist, but moved on and didn't drop a bit of precipitation on our fun.

As the clouds parted, a 'flock' of ten bald eagles made their presence in the distance.

And who would have thought we would see this guy? In a small town in rural Utah? Just two seats in front of us.

No... it is not really Matt Damon. But wow he could win a contest couldn't he?

We got home in the wee hours of this morning... calling to report a drunk driver on our way. But it was a lot of fun to help round off the end of summer.

Busy Summer

I have not had but a moment to blog this summer.. Been out enjoying this weather while it lasts. In about one hour I will be picking my daughter up from the airport. We splurged a little on a flight so that she could see her brother one more time before he heads over seas for a whole year to serve our country.
Thought I would pop in for a quick moment to share some photos.
Last weekend my youngest daughter and I went into downtown Salt Lake City for the annual Arts festival. I carried my camera through the entire festival and never took one photo... I suppose it was the fact that there was so much to see and do.. and eat we got sidetracked a bit.
However, being the spontaneous and crazy chick that those who know me know I can be, we arrived at the festival about 2 hours early.
We decided to take a walk around the city. There was a convention of some sort being held in the city and there were women with name badges on everywhere we went. When we saw them looking up at the local buildings in awe, some stopping to pose near statues and in parks, I mentioned how we take for granted the beauty of our own city. It is only when we visit other places when we notice the architecture or the surroundings.

Then and I took a few candid shots of the truly amazing sites most may not notice in our own back yard.






Here I share with you, my backyard:







Salt Palace Convention
Center. (Above right)


Sidewalk Cafe






Are these Bouncers?

Resting Spot

This last photo is the same 'pond' that we went Ice Skating on this past winter.

State fairs, Dates and Mom and Daughter time.

As I was beat from working in the yard and cleaning all morning, Saturday night I didn't do much at all. A little TV, a quick fast food burger and then the guilt of eating said burger.

But I did get a chance to meet daughter number one's latest date. Jake.

Here is a picture:

How cute they look, Honestly, it is nice to see her go out with a boy who is just genuinely interested in going out and having a good time. These days even the teen boys seem to be filled to the brim with soap opera drama. But not Jake.

Some of the boys my daughter has gone out with are just in such a hurry. Relax boys, live in the moment. you are only 17 for god's sake.

Plenty of time for drama later.

I love when the kids come home at night from being out with dates, or even friends and after I get past my half-sleep induced stupor, we sit on my bed and talk about what great fun they have had. Not only do I get to re-live their evening with them, the same laughter and excitement that they experienced earlier in the evening, But I feel a closer connection with my kids that they feel comfortable enough to share it with me.

As I understand it, Chantel and Jake had a great time, dinner at Noodles and Co., a walk through the mall, talk of more food. (He is a teen boy) a view of the city lights, (for you locals, no, they did not go to squaw peak). An he was full of compliments on her outfit, comparing her to his own kid-like attire (his words) including his transformers belt buckle. I may be partial, but she did look cute.

*******

Sunday we had plans of watching our latest netflix arrival, and settling in with some popcorn and getting laundry caught up, but we were all feeling a little stir crazy and well, there are few warm days of summer left. So we saddled up (figuratively speaking) for the state fair, for some mom and daughter bonding.

The theme for the fair this year was Out of the ordinary- I have to agree:

We had funnel cakes and greasy corn dogs, saw the tigers, viewed livestock, watched a magic show and some great artists. It seems that I like the entertainment of some 'up and comers' better than some stars who are getting paid millions.

The fine arts and photography entries were so amazing. I felt a little better at having forgotten the camera. Let's just say- not only are my pictures not crystal clear, but as you can see from the few I have posted here, I have not quite figured out how to avoid shadows or the sun, and in some instances, even my thumb. But, Wow! The talent in the state of Utah.

Amidst the excitement and the all too familiar sights and smells of the fair, I did feel a bit of melancholy too. It seems that the fair, as with every other event in this state, has come under the wrath of commercialism. Of course there were livestock barns, and crash Derby's and sideshow cars of yesteryear. But the main thoroughfare and most of the barns were filled with commercial sales booths. The same booths that I see in every carnival, festival, or event held locally every year. Filled with cheap, but overpriced homemade jewelry, latest kitchen gadgets cook wear, and cable TV services.

What happened to the home town, home grown, fare at the fair? Where are the greased pig races? Where are the pie eating contests? Does anyone still grow the largest squash or pumpkin? I miss the old days of simplicity and home grown. Of overalls and hay rides. Sure I see these things from time to time, at different festivals, but they all seem to have a city flair, a commercialism, and with it, a high price tag.

I am sure that in some of the smaller Utah towns there are events that take you back to another time. Possibly, we as a family, will venture out to the small towns of Utah soon. Such as, Oakley, Salina, or Fairview, and see a small town rodeo or a demolition derby. I need to get out of the city air and breathe.

Note to self: Next time wear better shoes.