Happy Days in Colorado

I just returned from my second annual outing with Wyatt and Hank. This is the second year Sally has taken the young women (about 14 girls) on a backpacking trip to the Sawtooth Mountains and has asked me to be with the boys while she is away. I was greeted by a room full of flowers as only Sally can provide.
I have my own private antique filled space in the lower level of their home.

The days usually began with Wyatt and Hank greeting their friends from next door. It is such a pleasant neighborhood with nice people who have fun and watch out for each other. The two next door boys are the same age so they play with gusto and share each other's toys. There used to be a fence dividing the properties which has recently come down to make it easier to go back and forth.


Wyatt asked me to draw a target and make him an arrow so he could work at practice with his homemade bow.

Ginny gave me a rest by taking all the boys to the park.
We went to the city pool and Wyatt said he thought he would like a snorkle. He was so kind and helpful the whole time I was there that I was happy to get one for him.
What more would a grandma want than two boys who run up and want to have snuggle time.
Wyatt was impressive as he practiced his Karate and listened so well to instruction.
Wyatt is Hank's protector and friend.

Hank loved his glasses.
Refreshing on the porch.
Going out to lunch.
Wyatt and Hank are very musical as you might imagine. Every night before they go to bed they choose a song to sing and sometimes during the day they like to sing as well.
Sally is a photographer extraordinaire. She can even me look good.
I'll treasure the sweet photos she took of me and the boys.

We had lots of fun. Maybe she'll go camping again next year.

Remembering Grandpa

During these last two years four of my remaining aunts and uncle have passed away. As Memorial Day approached this year I realized that I am now of the "older" generation. It is my place now to acquaint the younger generations with their ancestors they never knew.

Grandpa was born of pioneer ancestory. His mother passed away while he was a teen. He worked along side of his father in the cattle business and did much to support his older brothers and sisters financially as they became doctors, mission presidents. He is the first one on the back row.

Utah has a unique celebration for Memorial Day. As Mormons, we revere our ancestors and take the opportunity to show respect and love for them on this special day. Since my mother was born in Heber City from McDonald ancestors who settled the area, the cemetary is the place of rest for her, my father, and all of her siblings but one. This brings about a great gathering of cousins who come long distances to visit their parent's graves. The cemetary is a place to behold..laden with flowers and binding memories. My cousin Larry plays the bagpipes at three places..honoring each generation. I would say he is the "rock star" of Memorial Day because people plan their visit to hear him as the nostalgic sounds waft through the trees and gravesites. As we walked from place to place we passed many gathered families and heard them telling stories as they shared family history in writing and spoken word. I took the time today to tell about my grandfather Andrew McDonald. He is the only grandparent I knew since all the others had passed away by the time I was born.
This is a photo of my grandfather shortly after he married my grandmother. He reminds me a little of Gary Cooper the actor since he was tall and lanky. He was the silent type but had a very wry sense of humor and would come out with zingers every once in awhile. He died at 85 when I was ten years old. It was my first experience with death and had quite an affect on me. He had been a big part of my life. He would come to our home almost every day to give my mother physical therapy since she had been crippled as a child. I enjoyed his humor and kindness and grieved at his passing. I remember sitting at his home as friends and family came to give respect and comfort to the family. As each person viewed his body they would tell a story that would bring laughter. One night several weeks after his passing I had a vivid dream of him sitting at the end of my bed. I remember feeling love and comfort from him which allowed me to let go of the sadness I had been feeling.
My mother was the only girl of five children. Grandpa was so proud of his children and provided them with every opportunity. He was a properous and well respected cattleman. He became a cattle broker for the Wrigley family of California and shipped an annual cattle train to Los Angeles. I remember going to help him hay with my father. I of course only knew him after his active business life but found him to be a hard worker into his 80's.
This photos shows him with my older cousins. It was taken on Memorial Day 1942. He loved his family and his grandchildren. I consider him to be one of my closest and most beloved relatives.

A Happy NYC Birthday

Scout and I have birthdays two days apart. I decided this year the thing that would make me the happiest would be to share my birthday with her. This was a landmark year of 10 years old for her. It seemed hardly possible. They live close to the school so we were able to walk her and Calder each morning. It was beautiful spring weather and such fun to walk them and see where they go to school.
This was the first time we had seen Travis and Sara's new home. I love everything about it. I think I've always dreamed about living in a home just like theirs.
Travis and Sara are minimalists..as seen in their living room.
We call David "the baby whisperer" because babies and children gravitate to him. Crosby was no exception.
Scout stopped eating her ice cream long enough for a photo in front of the blossoms.
We went to see Calder at his swimming lessons.

We went to back to school night. Their school is like a mini Ivy League college...so traditional and beautiful. The neighborhood that they live in was developed in the 20's. There us a great deal of diversity and pride.
Calder is quite an artist. He is sitting in front of one of his paintings. I should probably snag some of his work before he becomes famous and expensive.
We are in Calder's room looking at the project I had prepared called "Flat Stanley". Flat Stanley came in the mail to Midway. We were asked to take him around the city and give him a tour of where we lived. I placed Stanley at various places in Midway then told about them. I was gratified when his teacher met us in person and told us we got an excellent grade for the project.
Scout is a very gifted writer. She read us the stories and poetry she had written.
For her birthday her mother made the best cupcakes ever to be seen at their school.
For my birthday David and I met Travis at his office in Soho and we had a birthday lunch with his partners and employees.
Travis took us to some of his favorite places. This is his favorite graffiti/art wall.
This is the Breton Way street he lives on. He is at the end of a cul-de-sac. The home next to him at the end was built and lived in by the gangster Bugsy Segil.
It is a great place for Calder to learn skate boarding tricks with his dad.
David in his GQ pose.
On Saturday Travis, Scout, David and I went to Manhattan for a day of adventure. This is the trail to the train that Travis walks on every day. It is a beautiful nature walk to and from home.
It was a little chilly when we got to the pier. We went to an exhibit on the body at a museum.
We visited Ground Zero. This is the church yard that was just a block from the twin towers that miraculously escaped damage.
Part of the monument that is now being built.
On our way home at Grand Central Station.
Amy and Enoch Palmer..best friends live close by Travis and Sara. They exchange baby sitting and take care of each other.
I like this mother and daughter photo.
Scout is the best big sister.
Scout's birthday Sunday morning started out with breakfast in bed.
She and David and Calder played some good games of checkers.
Here she is opening her gifts.
A bunch of friends came for dinner and had a great time with computer games.
The next day Scout wasn't feeling well so she stayed home and enjoyed reading her new books.
David and I walked down to the village..seeing one of our offices in the nicest building in town.
Fun shops, beautiful architecture.


They still wear furs.
An "only is Scarsdale" reminder on the grocery store door.
This is the all white "celestial room" much like Travis' Aunt Marilyn had. We loved staying there and felt so special. Being with family is the best birthday I could have had.