Utah with Deb

Praise the Lord. I had two great days during our week in Park City, Utah without hardly any pain. We picked Debby up late on Friday night so we slept late on Saturday and then did a little shopping. Sunday we spent doing what Bob & I call the “Mormon” thing in Salt Lake City. The tour that they have and the buildings to see are very interesting. We also enjoy listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We left early on Sunday and listened to the choir practice. There is a new conference center that can hold 21,000 people. We don’t know how many people were there but we figured that 98% of those in the center are spiritually lost. As we toured Temple Square with a “missionary” I wish we had counted how many times they said “our loving heavenly Father”. But never did they mention a personal relationship with Christ or the existence of the Holy Spirit. Oh, how lost they are and how sad that they are so misled. We did get to hear the organ recital and see the historic film of how they moved across the country.

One day we drove north to Promontory to the site of the Golden Spike where the two railroads came together. It is way out in the desert but a necessity to see for historical purposes. We went to Bingham Copper Mine, south of Salt Lake City on another day. It is one of two manmade things that can be seen from outer space. The tires on the dump trucks are 12 feet tall and cost $25,000 eachand last for about 9 months. We saw one of these being loaded and I was even able to operate the video on my camera to get a good movie.

We spent part of a morning watching them practice their ski jumps at the Olympic Park. How in 80 degrees can you do that? Well they put on their ski boots, dive suit, life jacket, walk up the steps, put on their skis and ski down the practice run and land in the water. Not being from a ski area we didn’t know that and were fascinated to watch the action.

We rode the town ski lift up to the top and back down about 45 minutes. It became cooler the higher we got because a rain shower was coming in and of course we forgot our jackets. We didn’t get off at the top though.

Bob & I walked 2 miles every morning and Deb joined us most of the time. We spent time together and visited. We worked on line, on cross stitch and Deb helped us change the look of our blog.

Pagosa to Durango to Utah

Well, my good intentions to post more than once a week didn’t last. We were busy at the end in Pagosa. Bob went on a morning hike sponsored by the resort activity staff and I went to a Mary Kay makeover.

We saw more balloons that day.

We also had afternoon storm issues a couple of days. One day there was pea sized hail. It was interesting to watch.

Another day brought tremendous winds which blew the rain horizontal. I have always watched storms with interest because they are fascinating.

On Friday morning I was feeling well enough that we were able to go the Chimney Rock Archeological Park. What interesting things we were able to see. There were round kivas and at the top of the ridge where we hiked was another stone structure with many rooms but it was rectangle shaped. The picture is of Chimney Rock which is the one on the right. The larger one is Companion. Of course the hiker is Bob.

Saturday we moved to Durango which was an easy drive because it was only 55 miles. We had a very interesting week. We were on the 4th floor (top floor) of the building and were in one of 2 units from which we could see all of the action in the train yard. It was fun and totally captivating. We watched each train arrive, unload and then move around to the other side of the yard. Then the steam engine and coal car unhooked from the passenger cars. The engine backed onto the turn table, the table turned and then the engine went into the round house for the night. There was a diesel engine that then moved the passenger cars to the correct rail in preparation for the next day’s trip. I never knew I would enjoy trains so much.

There are three trains a day, 45 minutes apart, that leave from Durango and go to Silverton. It is 45 miles and takes 3 ½ hours. There is normally about 2 hours to spend in Silverton, which from our perspective is only a town with souvenirs and restaurants. We went on Sunday but it took our train almost 5 hours to get to Silverton. Because they are steam engines, there must be steam to run them but they were having trouble getting the water to the boiler. We had to make a number of stops to take on more water. The ride through the canyons and along the streams was beautiful. Plus the whole thing was so unique. Because we were so late they left ½ hour later than normal to come back.

Durango was a neat town to explore. Everything was within walking distance for us. We ate at a couple of nice restaurants. There was even a Thai restaurant that we ordered take out from. I thought the food ok, but not nearly as good as what we had in Thailand. I had two really, really bad days so we didn’t do much more. We did manage to take in a movie which is unusual for us. We saw Mamma Mia and absolutely loved it.

On Friday, August 1 we left Durango at 8:30 a.m. We had a long drive (approximately 400 miles) but I felt better and the sights we viewed were some more WOW views. We drove through Cortez, Colorado and then angled across into Utah and up to Moab, Utah. The rock formations and colors were beautiful sites to behold.

Of course the temperature went up and was over 100 degrees for a good share of the time. We didn’t find the sights north of Moab to be very interesting. It was mostly dry desert landscape until we got almost to Park City. We had time enough to check in, unload, unpack, and eat our dinner and then head into Salt Lake City to pick up Debby. Her plane arrived right on time at 11 p.m. We are looking forward to a great week with her, doing some visiting and of course sightseeing.

More Pagosa

Well, Sunday was a slow day. I did sleep a little better but was still hurting. The Proverb we read for the day was Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” I am hanging onto that as I continue to search for the LORD’s purpose in all of this. We did manage a 2 mile walk, and 2 bike rides of about 2 ½ miles each. It is just that it takes me until about 10:30 a.m. or so to actually get going.

Monday I felt a lot better, we walked 2 miles and then took a bike ride later. I did learn one thing though. If Bob says let’s ride around the lake, I should answer no. It was 4 ¼ miles but I don’t like the long inclines because I am still having trouble with the altitude. I did feel better after resting for a couple of hours. Now I have to rest a day or so. I am not used to sitting on a bicycle seat.

I im’d with Deb on Tuesday and told her I had started the blog for this week. She quickly pointed out that I “could” post more often than once a week. I guess I just got into a weekly routine and didn’t think of posting more frequently. Tuesday was a sort of down day. We did go to the Choke Cherry Tree store and to one that says “Made in Colorado”. There were some very interesting items. I only bought postcards. We are not buying souvenirs because we don't have room for them and we don't know what to do with them later. Pictures are our memories.

Despite the fact that we are not hiking as much as we had thought we would there are many enjoyable things to see. The unit we are in is right next to the lake. We see and hear the Canadian geese as well as some ducks. It is fun to watch the geese fly in squawking and land on the water. There have been some folks feeding them and the next day or two we will hear a goose squawk and protest wanting something and the goose is standing right outside the patio waiting. We also can see some very large fish that seem to hug the edge of the lake at different times. If we walk early enough in the mornings we can see the hot air balloons. The afternoon brings some showers most days. The flowers are blooming everywhere and we are so thankful to be able to view God’s creation.

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Our drive through the mountains from Vail to Pagosa Springs was beautiful but again I got really tired of riding in the van. Part of the drive was along the Arkansas River. As we drove west it was interesting to see the change in temperature. Before we started up to Wolf Creek Pass it was 78 degrees. At the top of the pass the temperature was 52. It was still 58 as we checked into the timeshare. Poor Bob had to carry everything up two flights of stairs again. We have a nice unit but it really needs refurbished. There are ceiling fans so we didn’t use the air conditioning.

Sunday I did not feel well but we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at Centerpoint Church. They were ending a 3 day mission conference. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised because God had it planned. Amazing! The rest of the day I just rested. The grocery is close so it is easy to get what we need. I am still getting tired and my sciatic is really bothering me. We went to town one day but most of the time we just spent time around the resort. I did get some more sewing done and I am really having fun quilting things. I made a backpack purse for Deb, one for me and also an apron.

We walked about 2 miles every morning and three days we rode our bikes. We have even been riding to the grocery. Saturday was a really down day. I was really discouraged because I felt half sick and could not get rid of the pain in my back. It has started hurting in the middle of the night and I can’t get comfortable. Saturday night I fixed a bed with my exercise mat on the floor in the middle of the night and I was able to finally get comfortable. I think I have to agree with Debby, the bed is not good for me and I need to be more careful. I know that God is healing me, but it is so difficult to be patient.

Bob has worked on the computer and watched TV. I am so thankful that he is so caring and helpful. We worked on putting more pictures on our digital photo frame. We now have pictures of most everyone in our family. We have started planning how to put together our picture book with our pictures of our 3 years in South Asia.

Bob took the van on Wednesday to a dealership in Durango and they worked on it for three hours. They could not get it to leak. The manager is supposed to get in contact with some other folks around the country to see if anyone else has had the leaking problem. Oh well, Bob got to finish reading a book while waiting.

Till next week, God bless everyone. We have been thinking this week of many of our friends in South Asia. How we do miss them and continue to pray for them and their work.

Vail, Colorado

We checked in on Saturday to the Marriott resort in Vail and spent the week in our 2 bedroom unit with just the 2 of us. After driving for 2 days with above 90 degree temperatures it was great to be in the mountains. The flowers are beautiful and we love the Bavarian village of Vail, just to see though. I was amazed at what was for sale and the prices. Other than some ice cream at Marble Slab I only bought 3 post cards. We have done a lot of relaxing but also lots of walking. It was great because the resort ran a van to Lionshead and Vail every half hour so we didn’t have to drive our van. We also were able to park in underground parking at the resort. There were elevators and luggage carts. Boy, are we spoiled.

We had been walking about 1 ½ miles each morning. Then on Wednesday we checked in and did our first Volkswalk. We walked 11 kilometers. It took us 6 hours total including a stop of over 45 minutes for lunch. We walked on a trail along the creek, through the Betty Ford Gardens, past a golf course and then further along the Gore Creek Trail. It was fun but very, very exhausting. My ankle did not hurt and I walked the second half without the ace bandage. The problem is I was still totally exhausted on Friday. I am sure that the altitude had something to do with it. But we plan to do some additional walks.

Bob took the van to a dealership and they couldn’t find the problem but told him to go to a dealership with a special ultra sound tool. We have called one in Durango and they have another van right now in their shop with the same problem. We have an appointment for next week so we are praying that they can find the problem before we get there. I believe that it is a manufacturing defect.

I did some sewing, some cooking and relaxed. We even played some cards and used the hot tub. Bob watched TV and rested. We talked quite a bit to both our kids and still keep them tops on our prayer list. They both are going through some special times right now. Each day was warm but the nights were cool. We did go to an owners meeting which was informative. There are 5 buildings here and only three are with Marriott – Birch, Douglas and Evergreen. The other two (Aspen & Cedar) decided not to stay upgraded to Marriott standards and are being managed by VRI.

Branson -3rd week - June 29-July 3

This was a really great week. We were in a resort in the mountains so our morning walks were up and down hills. We were just thankful that we had a one bedroom because we were located in the “presidential” units which are lock-offs. It was a Silverleaf resort and the customary cabins could have as many as 80 steps. We only had one flight to go up. The unit was neat, easy to use and very comfortable.

We only had five full days and there was quite a bit of rain. The highlights of the weeks were the shows we attended. We spent an afternoon at the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum and then attended the Roy Rogers, Jr. show. Boy did it bring back memories. The museum held so many items. There were even video and audio clips to go with many items. We saw Trigger, Buttermilk, Bullet and of course Nelliebelle. It was so much fun. The show ended with Happy Trails.

Then as if that wasn’t enough we ate at Moon River Grill and went to the Andy Williams theatre. We saw Andy Williams and Ann-Margaret. Again it was enjoyable and fun. We decided that if we every wanted to see Andy we had better do it now.

Then on Thursday we went to see Noah at the Sight and Sound Theatre. This is a new theatre in Branson but they have one in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I can’t begin to explain how awesome the show was. Of course the show is based on Genesis 5-9. To make a musical they have embellished personalities and things that might have happened that aren’t recorded. It took 120 years to build the ark. They brought out the taunting and ostracism that could have occurred. Then the animals came, two by two. They used both live and animatronic animals of every color, shape and size. Part of the second half we felt as if we were in the ark because there were animals all around and in the front of us three and four stories high. It was even more realistic because it happened to storm during the play. At the end after Noah and his family left the ark, the ark lowered into pieces and became a cross out of which Christ came and gave an invitation. It was AWESOME. What a fantastic reminder of God’s love and forgiveness. It was also great because everyone in the theatre heard a gospel presentation.

We stopped at the Elderhostel to watch their skits and see our leaders from last week. We are planning to come back and do another Elderhostel with adults only. It is a great way to see the shows and learn a lot.

Friday and Saturday were spent driving from Branson to Vail, Colorado and for me they were really hard days. We have a problem with the van because it is leaking and has ruined some of my cross-stitch and embroidery. It left me with nothing to do because the floor is soaking wet and I can’t put anything up front with me. It also is beginning to smell because of the wet.

Two Branson Weeks With James

Well, I really don’t know how to begin to tell about these two weeks. It has been busy, fun, tiring, enjoyable, hectic and awesome. We did something special each day and spent time playing games. James learned a couple of new card games. We taught him Hearts and also Pinochle. He picked up the rules easily and is doing well.

We stayed at the Palace View by Spinnaker timeshare for the first week. James relished in the fact that he had a whole side with kitchen to himself, even though he didn’t cook. We played 3 games of Bingo one day at the activity center but we didn’t win anything. We went to the BBQ dinner at the resort and listened to a variety of songs by different folks promoting their individual shows for us to go to. James chose Jim Owens. We think it was because of the 13 year old grand-daughter. It was a morning show and very family oriented. There was music, some dancing and comedy. I think we all enjoyed it.

We watched two movies on the big IMAX screen: Deep Sea and Ozarks Legacy & Legend. Bob & I liked the Ozarks best because we were quite tired & sleepy watching the fish. James also met his friend from 4 years ago. I don’t think the friend remembered him.

James also purchased a helicopter to fly and spent time at the unit learning how it worked. He practiced making it fly and then come back to him so he could catch it. It is plastic and does not use batteries but uses a rubber band. James requested we go to the Veteran’s Museum, so we spent a couple of hours viewing the exhibits there. It is a private museum and had many uniforms from all the different wars.

We did our morning walks each day but James pooped out on us after two days. Since Branson is in the mountains we found that there was not level ground to walk on so we started doing some inclines. We did often stay up late playing games but we didn’t need an alarm since we were relaxing. The hardest part was the adjustments James had to make. As typical he thought we were going to pay for Silver Dollar City ($150), race cars ($9 for 5 minutes), ride the ducks (we were doing that the second week) and miniature golf. There are so many things to do in Branson. Being thirteen and wanting to do everything is really tough.

We packed up everything on Saturday, June 21st and spent the better part of the day at the Branson Convention Center. There was a RC Craze. It was put on by hobby shops in the area and they had planes, cars, helicopters and trains. It was not well attended which gave James the opportunity to spend time running the race cars and practice flying on a simulator without having to wait in line. It was interesting and fun to watch. There were two flight simulators. One was for practicing to fly your own model plane and the other was actual full size planes.



On Sunday we checked into the Ramada for the Elderhostel after attending church at one of the theaters. We ate lunch at a steakhouse and then drove past the Wyndham timeshare where we stayed 4 years ago. We stopped at the top of the dam to see the lake which has very high water. One of the parks was closed and where we stopped the end part of the walkway was under water. Some of the islands were much smaller than normal and the trees looked like they were growing in water. The lake is so high that the tall boats can’t go under the bridges.

Sunday evening we registered. The name of the Elderhostel is Branson Show Biz Kids. The orientation, evening meal and get acquainted activities were all held in a meeting room at the Ramada. We met our host, Barbara and the Elderhostel program director, Sarah. There were 15 grandchildren and 20 grandparents. We each had a partner that we had to get to know and then introduce to the entire group. Monday we had three sessions and a dinner show. We learned about the background of Branson from Sarah. Then we learned some performance principles by Mark Young who is a professor at the College of the Ozarks. In the afternoon we were entertained by a troubadour, Danny Eakin, who performs at Silver Dollar City.

The dinner show was Dixie Stampede where we enjoyed music, horses and a delicious meal which was eaten with our fingers.


The second day we had two sessions. One was about the fundamentals of acting including body movement, pantomime and character development. It was taught by Lisa Young. The second was a dance studio workshop. I think we thought it the least interesting and informative. As a group we rode the Ducks. That was a lot of fun. Each of us was given a “quacker” and we toured the area around the dam and then took a ride on the lake. Each of the kids got to drive the Duck while we were in the water. We rode the Ducks in 2004 with Susan and James but really enjoyed riding with an entire group. Dinner was at Golden Corral and then we attended the Hamner Barber Variety Show. It was awesome and the kids as well as grandparents loved it. David Hamner is a magician who uses beautiful birds in his acts. Jim Barber is a ventriloquist and comedian who has been on the David Letterman show.

Wednesday we had another session with Mark Young. Then we were blessed and fortunate to have David & Denise Hamner for a 1½ hour workshop and in the afternoon Jim Barber. It was unbelievable to me that they took time from their schedule to have a workshop with us. The kids loved it. We learned about the birds, their eating, their care and how fragile they really are. The Hamner’s brought 2 birds with them for us to see. Everyone received a magic trick and a signed photograph. Jim Barber talked about his puppets and the practice time needed. He brought some in his suitcase and the kids were allowed to try their hand as a ventriloquist. He gave everyone a pair of eyes and also a signed photograph.

Wednesday night we ate at the Grand Country Buffet and then went to see The Acrobats of China. It was amazing and the way they could twist their bodies was unbelievable. Thursday was an easier day. We had a short time with Sarah and then left for the Ricky Boen and Texas Mud Show. Ricky is from Odessa, Texas and is a world champion fiddler. I’m sure that the grandparents enjoyed this show more than the kids. Thursday afternoon we spent preparing for our own “variety show”. Yes, each grandparent and child had to participate in an act of their own choosing that was to last around 4 minutes each. I’m sure there was a lot of worry but it really was fun and I think everyone enjoyed it. We found a reading on the internet about “An American” and presented that. James was also in another skit. The evening was topped off with ice cream sundaes.


Friday morning was the critique of our performances. The judge was Bill Lennon of the famous Lennon’s. He is the seventh child of 11 and is very involved in the new Landing along the lake in Branson including the street actors. He had very kind and encouraging words for each of the kids. Then we said our goodbyes, packed up and headed out. It was truly an interesting and enjoyable experience. Bob & I know we will be back to Branson more frequently because of the family atmosphere they have created.

In order to deliver James to his parents we needed to drive to Oklahoma City where we met Susan, spent the night and then we all went opposite directions on Saturday. Susan & James were headed to her parents in west Texas and Bob & I drove back to Branson to stay another week in a timeshare in Kimberling City. I know this is a long post but it was two weeks worth and we really did a lot. There is a lot more to tell but only so much space. Thankfully my leg and back are still holding up.