Handcart Days in Bountiful

In younger days, this was an event we took the children to see, along with the parade which happens the evening before.

I was lucky enough to have Darien and Marius with me this time as we explored the various options at the Bountiful City Park.

My favorite parts were the actual pioneer activities which included carding wool and watching it be spun into yarn, the Indian flute demonstration by Nino Reyos who performed in the 2002 Olympic torch ceremonies, and the double man saw trial (completed expertly by the boys).

I think the boys like the ponies. However, there was a fiddler there who was letting the kids take a try at playing the fiddle. Both boys gave it a whirl. It was delightful.

When we were done, we were dehydrated, but had a good time.

As I look through the family photos, I have found a few of our "Dog of Blessed Memory", Choochi (formal name Duchess).

She was acquired by Tamara who stole her from an abusive situation. (Tenderheart Pab). For the first two years of her life she chewed everything and anything that came in her path; from tooth brush to hairbrush to mascara to my favorite little wooden stool made by Jeffrey in junior high wood shop, and everything in between.

When she turned two she suddenly became the most marvelous companion and friend to everyone in the house. We nearly didn't make it through her baby stage, but are so glad we did. She had a great sense of humor too, as witnessed by friends who told stories of her sneaking up and giving a loud and scary bark (in the dark), then walking away quite pleased at the reaction.

We only had her two more years, but they were great years. We were all devastated at her passing and mourn her still. She is, by far, my favorite dog of life.

More random thoughts...er, photos

This is Jeff at Disneyland in 1988 on tour with Viewmont High School Madrigals. I love it.