Ellery is getting really excited for Halloween this year. She decided one day to be a firetruck. I'm not sure where she got it from. Everytime she hears one she gets really excited! She has also decided what everyone else will be. Since this movie, Ellery has changed Jacob's costume form a big bag wolf to Pumpkin Jack (from Nightmare Before Christmas). Jacob and I are having fun planning and making her costume. I hope it turns out good.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Christmas Village - Town Hall
Last Christmas my father-in-law gave me a ceramic Christmas Village house to start my own under-the-tree Christmas Village. This was never a tradition in my home growing up, but ever since the first Christmas I spent at the Roper's I've wanted to make it a tradition in MY home. Kim, my father-in-law, has a very nice village, which, like his home, has been the focus of several remodel discussions and/or projects.
I was very excited to get the ceramic house last year, and even more so excited at the fact that it was not painted. Not only did I receive my first Christmas Village house but I also had the opportunity to make it personally mine. As the years come and go, and as I add to my collection under the tree, this one will always be special to me.
This last week I FINALLY got around to painting it. I wish I would have taken a picture of it before I painted it, but I think you can imagine, it was just plain white. I'm really pleased with how it turned out and I look forward to doing a few more over the years to come. No, I don't plan on painting ALL my houses, I don't have that kind of time, but I'm sure this wont be my last one either.
This year, being the first, it'll be a small village. I plan on getting a train, a train station and probably a firehouse. It's a small start but it'll grow fast enough.
I was very excited to get the ceramic house last year, and even more so excited at the fact that it was not painted. Not only did I receive my first Christmas Village house but I also had the opportunity to make it personally mine. As the years come and go, and as I add to my collection under the tree, this one will always be special to me.
This last week I FINALLY got around to painting it. I wish I would have taken a picture of it before I painted it, but I think you can imagine, it was just plain white. I'm really pleased with how it turned out and I look forward to doing a few more over the years to come. No, I don't plan on painting ALL my houses, I don't have that kind of time, but I'm sure this wont be my last one either.
This year, being the first, it'll be a small village. I plan on getting a train, a train station and probably a firehouse. It's a small start but it'll grow fast enough.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Life Moves Fast
It's funny how fast life tends to move. Especially the older I get.
Never before has this been more noticeable in my life than over the last two and a half years. I've always known time doesn't stand still for anyone, but watching Ellery grow makes me realize just how true that is. Now with her baby sister on the way I can only imagine how that will factor in. Just in the past few days Ellery has decided she wanted to start potty training. It was kind of out of the blue and she's done really well with it. She had a more difficult time letting herself "drop the Cosby's off at the pool" and when she finally did for her first time it was accompanied by many tears of obvious pain followed by jubilant cheers of "AWESOME - it go plop!!!" We're not sure where she picked that word up, but just imagine the little boy on The Incredibles (the one always outside the Parr's house on his trike) saying it... she sounds just like him - I'll have to try and get it on video/audio (just her saying it, not the scene on the toilet).
She definitely has a mind of her own.
With Halloween (Millie's favorite holiday) quickly approaching Millie has been trying to prep Ellery for the upcoming festivities, probably to insure she gets the most out of such a wonderful (candy filled) weekend. Millie showed Ellery pictures from last Halloween where Ellery is dressed up like a kitty. She seemed to like that and for a while said she wanted to be a kitty again this year. However, about a week ago - and ever since then - whenever we ask Ellery what she wants to be for Halloween she excitedly says, "a FIRETRUCK! wee-woo-wee-woo, trick-or-treat, I get candy!!!" Needless to say, we are trying to figure out a way to turn our little angel into a big red firetruck.
Every now and then I take a proverbial step back from life and try to look at it from a different perspective. More specifically, my own when I was much younger. I often try to compare my childhood with Ellery's, and my life with my parents as a new family starting out. Of course there are some differences... by the time my dad was my age I think he already had four children. Life is so different, I think, for Millie and I than for my parents. In turn, I'm sure Ellery is in for a MUCH different childhood. This makes me both VERY relieved, and somewhat sad. Sure I have my share of unfortunate childhood memories, but there were so many good ones too. Growing up where my back yard was a national forest, I was surrounded by relatives and the small town life gave way to many misadventures and learning experiences had its advantages. On the flip side, growing up where my back yard was a national forest, I was surrounded by relatives and lived in a small town had its disadvantages.
I can't help but think what life holds for Ellery, her little sister, and any other siblings that may join her. Even the next few years are so uncertain for us all. Where I'll be going to PT school, where we'll live after I graduate, how many children we'll have, etc....
One thing is certain. I know I need to live more in the present and enjoy it for all that it's worth. So often in the time travels of my mind I think about how good (sometimes how bad) times used to be and how exhausting and stressful life tends to be now. I have friends, and even family, who are at times of their life that I used to be in. Sometimes I look at them with envy thinking, "man, if only I could go back to the time of life you're at now, I could make my present so much better." Hind sight is always 20/20. But I don't think that's to point of life - to dwell on what we'd like to change or a time we might like to relive. I think sometimes I miss out on the here and now because I'm busy thinking about what I should have done in the past, or what I want to be doing in the future.
For the record, I'm content. I'm happy. What a time I'm living right now! Seeing Millie grow baby sister inside her, having Ellery at a stage in her life where she's SO excited to see me every time I come home that she almost jumps right through the floor, and I'm getting an education in challenging subjects I enjoy learning about. These times will be over soon. Millie will be done having children, Ellery will become a teenager where she most likely wont want anything to do with me, and I'll be working in a job (I will hopefully always love) that may hold monotony, without the challenges of school.
Life is good. I'm going to do what I can to just enjoy it, because, it moves pretty fast.
Never before has this been more noticeable in my life than over the last two and a half years. I've always known time doesn't stand still for anyone, but watching Ellery grow makes me realize just how true that is. Now with her baby sister on the way I can only imagine how that will factor in. Just in the past few days Ellery has decided she wanted to start potty training. It was kind of out of the blue and she's done really well with it. She had a more difficult time letting herself "drop the Cosby's off at the pool" and when she finally did for her first time it was accompanied by many tears of obvious pain followed by jubilant cheers of "AWESOME - it go plop!!!" We're not sure where she picked that word up, but just imagine the little boy on The Incredibles (the one always outside the Parr's house on his trike) saying it... she sounds just like him - I'll have to try and get it on video/audio (just her saying it, not the scene on the toilet).
She definitely has a mind of her own.
With Halloween (Millie's favorite holiday) quickly approaching Millie has been trying to prep Ellery for the upcoming festivities, probably to insure she gets the most out of such a wonderful (candy filled) weekend. Millie showed Ellery pictures from last Halloween where Ellery is dressed up like a kitty. She seemed to like that and for a while said she wanted to be a kitty again this year. However, about a week ago - and ever since then - whenever we ask Ellery what she wants to be for Halloween she excitedly says, "a FIRETRUCK! wee-woo-wee-woo, trick-or-treat, I get candy!!!" Needless to say, we are trying to figure out a way to turn our little angel into a big red firetruck.
Every now and then I take a proverbial step back from life and try to look at it from a different perspective. More specifically, my own when I was much younger. I often try to compare my childhood with Ellery's, and my life with my parents as a new family starting out. Of course there are some differences... by the time my dad was my age I think he already had four children. Life is so different, I think, for Millie and I than for my parents. In turn, I'm sure Ellery is in for a MUCH different childhood. This makes me both VERY relieved, and somewhat sad. Sure I have my share of unfortunate childhood memories, but there were so many good ones too. Growing up where my back yard was a national forest, I was surrounded by relatives and the small town life gave way to many misadventures and learning experiences had its advantages. On the flip side, growing up where my back yard was a national forest, I was surrounded by relatives and lived in a small town had its disadvantages.
I can't help but think what life holds for Ellery, her little sister, and any other siblings that may join her. Even the next few years are so uncertain for us all. Where I'll be going to PT school, where we'll live after I graduate, how many children we'll have, etc....
One thing is certain. I know I need to live more in the present and enjoy it for all that it's worth. So often in the time travels of my mind I think about how good (sometimes how bad) times used to be and how exhausting and stressful life tends to be now. I have friends, and even family, who are at times of their life that I used to be in. Sometimes I look at them with envy thinking, "man, if only I could go back to the time of life you're at now, I could make my present so much better." Hind sight is always 20/20. But I don't think that's to point of life - to dwell on what we'd like to change or a time we might like to relive. I think sometimes I miss out on the here and now because I'm busy thinking about what I should have done in the past, or what I want to be doing in the future.
For the record, I'm content. I'm happy. What a time I'm living right now! Seeing Millie grow baby sister inside her, having Ellery at a stage in her life where she's SO excited to see me every time I come home that she almost jumps right through the floor, and I'm getting an education in challenging subjects I enjoy learning about. These times will be over soon. Millie will be done having children, Ellery will become a teenager where she most likely wont want anything to do with me, and I'll be working in a job (I will hopefully always love) that may hold monotony, without the challenges of school.
Life is good. I'm going to do what I can to just enjoy it, because, it moves pretty fast.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Timpanogos Labor Day Hike
For those of you familiar with the area you know first hand what Timpanogos Mountain is; for those that aren't familiar, Mount Timpanogos is an omnious presence overlooking the Utah valley. Quite possibly my favorite site in Utah, and although several plans have been made in the past to hike it, they never came to fruition... until now.
Early morning (2:15am) on Labor Day Brandon, Katie and I (Millie couldn't come... too prego) started up the Timpanooke trail head - final destination, the summit of Mount Timpanogos. Several people have hiked it before (including Katie and Millie) but for Brandon and I this would be a first. It was obviously dark at two in the morning but the moon was full (basically) and the cloud cover was sporadic. I decided to hike all natural (not naked - just without an artificial light source).
The first few miles I kept back with Brandon and Katie but, no offense to them, I just hike at a MUCH faster pace and theirs just wasn't cutting it for me so I took off alone - almost alone. Before we headed out, Brandon and Katie thought it would be fun to take pictures with their life size cutout of Aragorn, from Lord of The Rings, at the top of the mountain. I volunteered to carry him up. Not only was he good companionship but he also made for an interesting topic of discussion with the groups of other people I passed on the way up (and there were quite a few of them).
It was a peaceful hike up.
At the "saddle" (the first ridge of the top of the mountain that leads up to the summit) the wind was horrendous. Groups of people were huddled in masses on the calm side of the ridge trying to keep warm. I decided to brave the wind and steep trail in the dark and press on to the summit.
I reached the peak a quarter after five that morning and although it was about 70 degrees at the trail head when we started out, it was now about 30 degrees with a freezing wind at the summit. Fortunately there is a small (maybe 15'x15') metal shack at the very peak. I got inside and found three other hikers in sleeping bags. One of them said they arrived at about midnight and were just waiting for the sunrise. I staked out the last corner of the shack and huddled up in my skimpy blanket (that Millie thankfully encouraged me to bring) waiting for the sun. Shortly after I laid down I noticed I was getting wet... very wet. Smart me forgot to lock my Camelback nozzle and using it as a pillow forced the water right out and all down my side. I thought it was cold before then - wet + wind + freezing temps = EXTRA freezing skinny little Jacob.
A few minutes later the crowds started to pour in. It seems that those waiting at the saddle saw me press on and thought I must have known what I was doing and decided to follow suit. It didn't take long for that little shack to fill up and everyone was more than willing to get cozy with one another to keep warm. Nothing says happy Labor Day like spooning between two total strangers (both male) in the wee hours of morning on a freezing mountain top. About an hour later it was discovered that the east side of the mountain was calm and relatively warm compare to the mountain peak and the shanty which sat thereon. Most everyone found refuge on the east cliff face and about half an hour later Brandon and Katie showed up.
The sun (officially) came up a little after 7am and with it brought its welcoming warmth. Not much of it, but what it brought was very welcome. The sun was greeted with revelry by a (most likely) BYU student who brought his trumpet up with him. It was actually pretty cool/inspiring and I wish I would have caught it on video.
After getting our pictures taken with Aragorn we said our goodbyes to him (yep, left him up there for generations to come) and headed down the mountain. just down from the saddle was a heard of mountain goats. The hike down was BEAUTIFUL! The pictures don't do the area justice.
It took me three hours to get up and four hours to get down. We took our time and stayed back with Brandon and Katie for the majority of the hike. I look forward to doing this hike again - probably won't be til next year so Milli can come too.
Early morning (2:15am) on Labor Day Brandon, Katie and I (Millie couldn't come... too prego) started up the Timpanooke trail head - final destination, the summit of Mount Timpanogos. Several people have hiked it before (including Katie and Millie) but for Brandon and I this would be a first. It was obviously dark at two in the morning but the moon was full (basically) and the cloud cover was sporadic. I decided to hike all natural (not naked - just without an artificial light source).
The first few miles I kept back with Brandon and Katie but, no offense to them, I just hike at a MUCH faster pace and theirs just wasn't cutting it for me so I took off alone - almost alone. Before we headed out, Brandon and Katie thought it would be fun to take pictures with their life size cutout of Aragorn, from Lord of The Rings, at the top of the mountain. I volunteered to carry him up. Not only was he good companionship but he also made for an interesting topic of discussion with the groups of other people I passed on the way up (and there were quite a few of them).
It was a peaceful hike up.
At the "saddle" (the first ridge of the top of the mountain that leads up to the summit) the wind was horrendous. Groups of people were huddled in masses on the calm side of the ridge trying to keep warm. I decided to brave the wind and steep trail in the dark and press on to the summit.
I reached the peak a quarter after five that morning and although it was about 70 degrees at the trail head when we started out, it was now about 30 degrees with a freezing wind at the summit. Fortunately there is a small (maybe 15'x15') metal shack at the very peak. I got inside and found three other hikers in sleeping bags. One of them said they arrived at about midnight and were just waiting for the sunrise. I staked out the last corner of the shack and huddled up in my skimpy blanket (that Millie thankfully encouraged me to bring) waiting for the sun. Shortly after I laid down I noticed I was getting wet... very wet. Smart me forgot to lock my Camelback nozzle and using it as a pillow forced the water right out and all down my side. I thought it was cold before then - wet + wind + freezing temps = EXTRA freezing skinny little Jacob.
A few minutes later the crowds started to pour in. It seems that those waiting at the saddle saw me press on and thought I must have known what I was doing and decided to follow suit. It didn't take long for that little shack to fill up and everyone was more than willing to get cozy with one another to keep warm. Nothing says happy Labor Day like spooning between two total strangers (both male) in the wee hours of morning on a freezing mountain top. About an hour later it was discovered that the east side of the mountain was calm and relatively warm compare to the mountain peak and the shanty which sat thereon. Most everyone found refuge on the east cliff face and about half an hour later Brandon and Katie showed up.
The sun (officially) came up a little after 7am and with it brought its welcoming warmth. Not much of it, but what it brought was very welcome. The sun was greeted with revelry by a (most likely) BYU student who brought his trumpet up with him. It was actually pretty cool/inspiring and I wish I would have caught it on video.
After getting our pictures taken with Aragorn we said our goodbyes to him (yep, left him up there for generations to come) and headed down the mountain. just down from the saddle was a heard of mountain goats. The hike down was BEAUTIFUL! The pictures don't do the area justice.
It took me three hours to get up and four hours to get down. We took our time and stayed back with Brandon and Katie for the majority of the hike. I look forward to doing this hike again - probably won't be til next year so Milli can come too.
Tibble Fork Fishing
I didn't get enough fishing in on our last camping excursion so I decided to get Brandon and Katie and our family out again. We went up to Tibble Fork Reservoir on August 27th. All the fishing reports said the place has been hot for weeks and they keep stocking it. The reports were right! Millie and I each caught our limit and had a lot of fun in the process. All we got were rainbow trout (not the prettiest of the trout family) but they were quite the fighters, which always makes fishing more fun.
Brandon and Katie fished from their inflatable raft and had some good luck catching fish but struggled a bit to land them. We fished till the sun went down then headed home. I cleaned all the fish and refrigerated them to cook up on a night when Brandon, Katie and the Walls could come help us eat them.
The fish turned out surprisingly well. I pan fried them (after the manor that Don Wall taught me on the Uinta hike) with just some butter, salt and pepper. So easy, yet so delicious!
Millie caught the two largest fish and the fourth largest fish. I caught the third and all the rest of them (except for the one Brandon was able to land).
We're going camping and fishing near that same lake this weekend with the Walls; hopefully we have just as good, if not better success!
Brandon and Katie fished from their inflatable raft and had some good luck catching fish but struggled a bit to land them. We fished till the sun went down then headed home. I cleaned all the fish and refrigerated them to cook up on a night when Brandon, Katie and the Walls could come help us eat them.
The fish turned out surprisingly well. I pan fried them (after the manor that Don Wall taught me on the Uinta hike) with just some butter, salt and pepper. So easy, yet so delicious!
Millie caught the two largest fish and the fourth largest fish. I caught the third and all the rest of them (except for the one Brandon was able to land).
We're going camping and fishing near that same lake this weekend with the Walls; hopefully we have just as good, if not better success!
Best Weeks Ever: Part Three of Three - Silver Lakes
On August 21st (just after getting back from my Uinta hike) we decided to go camping up to Silver Lake Flat (SLF) with Brandon and Katie. Brandon and Katie had gone camping there a few weeks earlier and loved it.
We got to the site where we wanted to camp fairly late in the afternoon only to find other people occupying it. Disappointed, we set out find a new spot. Luckily we found a good spot that was fairly flat, secluded and far enough away from the crowds. Setting up camp was easy and dinner (hot dogs cooked over the fire) was provided by Brandon and Katie - the perfect first day meal; quick, easy and practically no clean up! Later that night Katie made a cobbler type dessert in the dutch oven that was pretty good. There were some cooking difficulties but the flavor was fine.
We didn't get much sleep that night because Ellery kept pushing us both off the inflatable mattress; a problem that was easily remedied for the next night by putting her on the ground. Saturday morning we got up and I made my signature biscuits and gravy and some scrambled eggs. After breakfast we headed up to Silver Lake, about a three mile hike almost straight up from SLF where we were camped. The hike up was pretty arduous (and I had to pack up Ellery on my shoulders), but we all made it up. It was worth it! The lake was beautiful and the fishing fun. Millie, Brandon and Katie each caught a fish. I thought (from the fins and markings) they were tiger trout, but after comparing other pictures they were probably brook trout. Either way, they were delicious! No, I didn't get to land one, but I was just happy that the three novices did - keeps them coming back for more fishing trips, I'll keep fishing whether I catch anything or not.
We hiked back to camp and cooked up the trout; tin foil in the coals method. As mentioned, they were pretty good. I got to eat Millie's since she's afraid eating lake fish will ruin baby Aayla... oh well, more fish for me! For our planned dinner that night I made a beef dutch oven pot pie... of sorts. I forgot to bring a good thickening agent for the sauce and I didn't have enough Bisquick for the topping. Oh well, it turned out fine as far as flavor was concerned - either that or we were all so hungry anything would have tasted pretty good. After dinner we had some peach and apple dutch oven cobbler. I thought it turned out very well, but next time I'm going to try it with peach and raspberry instead! I LOVE my dutch oven (thanks Roper parents) and new dutch oven cookbooks (thanks mom)!
It rained that night. I like sleeping in the rain.
Luckily, the rain cleared up just long enough after breakfast for us to break down camp. On our way home Ellery got a little car sick from the winding mountain road and ended up throwing up a few times. Ever since our trip to Cozumel she seems to get car sick fairly easily.
Unfortunately for this trip, we didn't break out the camera much. Brandon and Katie forgot to bring theirs at all and Millie and I couldn't find ours for most of the trip. But here are some of the highlights from the photos we did get.
We got to the site where we wanted to camp fairly late in the afternoon only to find other people occupying it. Disappointed, we set out find a new spot. Luckily we found a good spot that was fairly flat, secluded and far enough away from the crowds. Setting up camp was easy and dinner (hot dogs cooked over the fire) was provided by Brandon and Katie - the perfect first day meal; quick, easy and practically no clean up! Later that night Katie made a cobbler type dessert in the dutch oven that was pretty good. There were some cooking difficulties but the flavor was fine.
We didn't get much sleep that night because Ellery kept pushing us both off the inflatable mattress; a problem that was easily remedied for the next night by putting her on the ground. Saturday morning we got up and I made my signature biscuits and gravy and some scrambled eggs. After breakfast we headed up to Silver Lake, about a three mile hike almost straight up from SLF where we were camped. The hike up was pretty arduous (and I had to pack up Ellery on my shoulders), but we all made it up. It was worth it! The lake was beautiful and the fishing fun. Millie, Brandon and Katie each caught a fish. I thought (from the fins and markings) they were tiger trout, but after comparing other pictures they were probably brook trout. Either way, they were delicious! No, I didn't get to land one, but I was just happy that the three novices did - keeps them coming back for more fishing trips, I'll keep fishing whether I catch anything or not.
We hiked back to camp and cooked up the trout; tin foil in the coals method. As mentioned, they were pretty good. I got to eat Millie's since she's afraid eating lake fish will ruin baby Aayla... oh well, more fish for me! For our planned dinner that night I made a beef dutch oven pot pie... of sorts. I forgot to bring a good thickening agent for the sauce and I didn't have enough Bisquick for the topping. Oh well, it turned out fine as far as flavor was concerned - either that or we were all so hungry anything would have tasted pretty good. After dinner we had some peach and apple dutch oven cobbler. I thought it turned out very well, but next time I'm going to try it with peach and raspberry instead! I LOVE my dutch oven (thanks Roper parents) and new dutch oven cookbooks (thanks mom)!
It rained that night. I like sleeping in the rain.
Luckily, the rain cleared up just long enough after breakfast for us to break down camp. On our way home Ellery got a little car sick from the winding mountain road and ended up throwing up a few times. Ever since our trip to Cozumel she seems to get car sick fairly easily.
Unfortunately for this trip, we didn't break out the camera much. Brandon and Katie forgot to bring theirs at all and Millie and I couldn't find ours for most of the trip. But here are some of the highlights from the photos we did get.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Best Weeks Ever: Part Two of Three – Granddaddy Basin
On Monday Aug 17th we (Jacob Wall, his dad Don, his bro-in-law, Alex and I) left for a hiking/camping/fishing trip to the Granddaddy Basin in the high Uinta Mountains. I don’t think the trip could have been much better… unless it was a little longer. Even the weather was perfect.
We headed up at about 830am and reached the trailhead around 1030am. It was good weather, slightly cool, for the 4.5 – 5 mile hike… with each of us packing about 40lbs or so, cool weather was welcome. Although it did heat up as the day went on we found our campsite (one Don used to frequent when he was much younger) and we set up camp. It was great spot next to an infamous giant rock table and a couple of fresh mountain springs. There was still quite a bit of daylight left so we grabbed our poles and went fishing – expecting to one in with just about every cast (according to the stories we’d heard and read about for the area lakes). That wasn’t the case. We camped near Mohawk Lake (supposedly a promising fishing lake) but as dusk fell, we never even saw fish jumping, let alone got a bite or a catch. We ate Mountain House meals that night.
I must have overdone myself (as I usually do) hiking to other remote lakes and up the side of West Granddaddy Mnt. Looking for other fishing holes. It didn’t help that I have such a one-track mind at times and I forgot to eat much during the day. My body was spent and my head started pounding that night. I ended up throwing up a few times before calling it an early night hoping the rest would be enough to recoup for the remainder of the trip.
I woke up the next morning fairly refreshed and ready to fish. Wall (Jacob) and I made eggs hash browns and bacon for breakfast and the hot coco was perfect for taking the edge off the morning chill. After getting skunked at Mohawk and its surrounding ponds we decided to hike over to Shadow Lake where Don guaranteed us a catch or two. It was about an hour hike and when we arrived the lake (or so we thought) was gone. In its place were some spring streams that looked to be the remains of the lake. We all caught a few small, 6-8 inch, brookies (brook trout) fairly quickly. My first two were off a small frog I had found on my way over. After a while we stopped to eat lunch and get out of the sun and rest a bit. After looking at the map a little closer, Wall noticed we couldn’t possibly be at Shadow Lake. We decided to follow the main stream down and see if his hunch was right. Sure enough, about a 1/4 mile down we came to Shadow Lake, bigger and more beautiful than ever. As promised the fishing there was great. I caught a few larger (9-10in) trout that I kept and Don and Wall caught and released a few as well.
It was starting to get a bit late so we decided to head back to camp. Alex, Wall and I chose to take a “shortcut” up the side of a cliff while Don took the trail. Although we beat Don back to camp, we’re still not sure which way was actually faster since he (Don) claimed he had stopped by Betsy Lake on his way back to scope out the fishing there.
We ate fish and rice that night. Don fried up the fish with some butter salt and pepper in a pan. It was delicious!!! Great thing about trout is: no scales. So when you fry it up and get the skin crispy, it’s just like fried chicken… only, better, because it’s trout. :)
The next morning we decided to fish Betsy Lake since it was so close and seemed to have more fish at least jumping in the water than Mohawk. The entire morning was a bust, except for the old crappy lure Wall retrieved from the lake thinking it could be a gold ring or something of value. He tried to get it without getting too wet, but even his floating one log “raft” backfired on him and he ended up going completely under… which, he would have had to do regardless since the lure was under about 4 ft of water. If nothing else, it was entertaining for Alex and I to watch. We built a small fire and Wall dried his clothes then we headed back to camp at Mohawk.
Don was off fishing somewhere else (we didn’t know where) and Alex and Wall wanted to take a nap, so I decided to head back to Shadow Lake alone to catch some fish. After all, this was a fishing trip. I made the long hike back to Shadow, taking the “shortcut” down the cliff. It was both peaceful and a little scary being out there all alone… not another soul around for who knows how many miles. It was so quite, with the exception of the occasional wind blowing through the trees causing random creaks and moans from the forest around the lake. I enjoyed the solitude, peacefulness and fishing but when it looked like I had hit the fishing dead zone (between 1 and 4 pm) I decided to just head back to camp with my catch.
I got back to camp and no one was around. I figured they had all decided to head up to the West Granddaddy Mountain peak high above our campsite. I couldn’t see them anywhere on the bare mountain and wasn’t sure when they’d be back. The four small fish I had caught and cleaned at Shadow were in need of being cooked and eaten since they had already been in my warm pack in the sun the entire hike back to camp. I waited close to an hour before deciding to just cook them up and eat them myself so they wouldn’t go to waste. Although I wasn’t as good a cook as Don, they were very good and was just what I needed to give my stomach something to digest while I took a short nap waiting for everyone to return.
Some time later I woke up to the sound of Don returning to camp to test his blood sugar level. A short time later Wall and Alex returned. I felt a little bad to discover Don had caught a couple of decent sized trout (about 10in or so) that morning in Betsy Lake and had them on a stringer in the lake near camp. With his two and my four small ones from Shadow, we could have all had a good little meal. Instead I told them to eat the two themselves since I already had some fish earlier.
Don told us about his success at the south end of Betsy Lake and said he caught several other (larger) fish there too earlier that morning but failed to land them. We decided to give Betsy one more try (despite getting hosed earlier that day) and followed Don to the “hot spot.” On the south end of Betsy there were two DEEP coves. Both were hopping with fish. We started casting very optimistic to catch something. Hours must have passed with no success. Everyone was using flies since that’s what Don was using when he had his success. I never gad a single hit after going through SEVERAL different flies so I decided to go back to worms – this meant I had to hunt for worms. Don found an abandoned worm container on the far side of the cove and said there was one sad looking worm in it. I decided to use it since there didn’t seem to be a worm to be found under any of the rocks or logs within a 1/4 mile of the lake. I wormed up my hook and cast in. My first cast I caught a fish! It was a decent sized (about 7 or 8 in) trout. I cast in again and called for Alex (who had given up fishing for the night) to bring me a stringer. By the time he got over I started to reel in my line only to find I had another fish! This one was a bit larger too! It was starting to get dark and cold and Alex and Wall (who hadn’t caught anything all day) were ready to go home. Don caught three good-sized fish (one about 13in) and was satisfied and ready to head back to camp. I decided to go for one more cast. I reeled in a good 12 inch brown trout! It was great to catch a fish on my last cast and even better that it was so big! The icing on the cake was that this was my first brown trout ever!
We ate the six fish that night and finished off the Mountain House dinners to make sure we’d have enough energy for the hike out the next day.
We woke up the next morning and took our time cleaning up camp and packing to head out. Somehow, against all the laws of physics, each of us was POSITIVE we were hiking out with a heavier pack than we had come in with. Wall and I had reasonable grounds to stand on with the theory that our packs were heavier since he took the tent for his dad and I took much of his pack to make room for the tent. We took our time hiking out and all went well. The ride home went quickly and I weighed my pack just to see if I was right in my assumption. Yep, my pack was a few pounds heavier going out than coming in… that means someone had a MUCH lighter pack on the way out.
It was a great trip! We all look forward to doing it again next year and maybe with a larger group! We really wanted Bret to come and I think my dad would really enjoy it too. Next year I’m going to hike to the summit of West Granddaddy Mountain since I missed out on it this year and I plan on taking a LOT more photos and video clips – even if they don’t do the area justice!
We headed up at about 830am and reached the trailhead around 1030am. It was good weather, slightly cool, for the 4.5 – 5 mile hike… with each of us packing about 40lbs or so, cool weather was welcome. Although it did heat up as the day went on we found our campsite (one Don used to frequent when he was much younger) and we set up camp. It was great spot next to an infamous giant rock table and a couple of fresh mountain springs. There was still quite a bit of daylight left so we grabbed our poles and went fishing – expecting to one in with just about every cast (according to the stories we’d heard and read about for the area lakes). That wasn’t the case. We camped near Mohawk Lake (supposedly a promising fishing lake) but as dusk fell, we never even saw fish jumping, let alone got a bite or a catch. We ate Mountain House meals that night.
I must have overdone myself (as I usually do) hiking to other remote lakes and up the side of West Granddaddy Mnt. Looking for other fishing holes. It didn’t help that I have such a one-track mind at times and I forgot to eat much during the day. My body was spent and my head started pounding that night. I ended up throwing up a few times before calling it an early night hoping the rest would be enough to recoup for the remainder of the trip.
I woke up the next morning fairly refreshed and ready to fish. Wall (Jacob) and I made eggs hash browns and bacon for breakfast and the hot coco was perfect for taking the edge off the morning chill. After getting skunked at Mohawk and its surrounding ponds we decided to hike over to Shadow Lake where Don guaranteed us a catch or two. It was about an hour hike and when we arrived the lake (or so we thought) was gone. In its place were some spring streams that looked to be the remains of the lake. We all caught a few small, 6-8 inch, brookies (brook trout) fairly quickly. My first two were off a small frog I had found on my way over. After a while we stopped to eat lunch and get out of the sun and rest a bit. After looking at the map a little closer, Wall noticed we couldn’t possibly be at Shadow Lake. We decided to follow the main stream down and see if his hunch was right. Sure enough, about a 1/4 mile down we came to Shadow Lake, bigger and more beautiful than ever. As promised the fishing there was great. I caught a few larger (9-10in) trout that I kept and Don and Wall caught and released a few as well.
It was starting to get a bit late so we decided to head back to camp. Alex, Wall and I chose to take a “shortcut” up the side of a cliff while Don took the trail. Although we beat Don back to camp, we’re still not sure which way was actually faster since he (Don) claimed he had stopped by Betsy Lake on his way back to scope out the fishing there.
We ate fish and rice that night. Don fried up the fish with some butter salt and pepper in a pan. It was delicious!!! Great thing about trout is: no scales. So when you fry it up and get the skin crispy, it’s just like fried chicken… only, better, because it’s trout. :)
The next morning we decided to fish Betsy Lake since it was so close and seemed to have more fish at least jumping in the water than Mohawk. The entire morning was a bust, except for the old crappy lure Wall retrieved from the lake thinking it could be a gold ring or something of value. He tried to get it without getting too wet, but even his floating one log “raft” backfired on him and he ended up going completely under… which, he would have had to do regardless since the lure was under about 4 ft of water. If nothing else, it was entertaining for Alex and I to watch. We built a small fire and Wall dried his clothes then we headed back to camp at Mohawk.
Don was off fishing somewhere else (we didn’t know where) and Alex and Wall wanted to take a nap, so I decided to head back to Shadow Lake alone to catch some fish. After all, this was a fishing trip. I made the long hike back to Shadow, taking the “shortcut” down the cliff. It was both peaceful and a little scary being out there all alone… not another soul around for who knows how many miles. It was so quite, with the exception of the occasional wind blowing through the trees causing random creaks and moans from the forest around the lake. I enjoyed the solitude, peacefulness and fishing but when it looked like I had hit the fishing dead zone (between 1 and 4 pm) I decided to just head back to camp with my catch.
I got back to camp and no one was around. I figured they had all decided to head up to the West Granddaddy Mountain peak high above our campsite. I couldn’t see them anywhere on the bare mountain and wasn’t sure when they’d be back. The four small fish I had caught and cleaned at Shadow were in need of being cooked and eaten since they had already been in my warm pack in the sun the entire hike back to camp. I waited close to an hour before deciding to just cook them up and eat them myself so they wouldn’t go to waste. Although I wasn’t as good a cook as Don, they were very good and was just what I needed to give my stomach something to digest while I took a short nap waiting for everyone to return.
Some time later I woke up to the sound of Don returning to camp to test his blood sugar level. A short time later Wall and Alex returned. I felt a little bad to discover Don had caught a couple of decent sized trout (about 10in or so) that morning in Betsy Lake and had them on a stringer in the lake near camp. With his two and my four small ones from Shadow, we could have all had a good little meal. Instead I told them to eat the two themselves since I already had some fish earlier.
Don told us about his success at the south end of Betsy Lake and said he caught several other (larger) fish there too earlier that morning but failed to land them. We decided to give Betsy one more try (despite getting hosed earlier that day) and followed Don to the “hot spot.” On the south end of Betsy there were two DEEP coves. Both were hopping with fish. We started casting very optimistic to catch something. Hours must have passed with no success. Everyone was using flies since that’s what Don was using when he had his success. I never gad a single hit after going through SEVERAL different flies so I decided to go back to worms – this meant I had to hunt for worms. Don found an abandoned worm container on the far side of the cove and said there was one sad looking worm in it. I decided to use it since there didn’t seem to be a worm to be found under any of the rocks or logs within a 1/4 mile of the lake. I wormed up my hook and cast in. My first cast I caught a fish! It was a decent sized (about 7 or 8 in) trout. I cast in again and called for Alex (who had given up fishing for the night) to bring me a stringer. By the time he got over I started to reel in my line only to find I had another fish! This one was a bit larger too! It was starting to get dark and cold and Alex and Wall (who hadn’t caught anything all day) were ready to go home. Don caught three good-sized fish (one about 13in) and was satisfied and ready to head back to camp. I decided to go for one more cast. I reeled in a good 12 inch brown trout! It was great to catch a fish on my last cast and even better that it was so big! The icing on the cake was that this was my first brown trout ever!
We ate the six fish that night and finished off the Mountain House dinners to make sure we’d have enough energy for the hike out the next day.
We woke up the next morning and took our time cleaning up camp and packing to head out. Somehow, against all the laws of physics, each of us was POSITIVE we were hiking out with a heavier pack than we had come in with. Wall and I had reasonable grounds to stand on with the theory that our packs were heavier since he took the tent for his dad and I took much of his pack to make room for the tent. We took our time hiking out and all went well. The ride home went quickly and I weighed my pack just to see if I was right in my assumption. Yep, my pack was a few pounds heavier going out than coming in… that means someone had a MUCH lighter pack on the way out.
It was a great trip! We all look forward to doing it again next year and maybe with a larger group! We really wanted Bret to come and I think my dad would really enjoy it too. Next year I’m going to hike to the summit of West Granddaddy Mountain since I missed out on it this year and I plan on taking a LOT more photos and video clips – even if they don’t do the area justice!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Best Weeks Ever: Part One of Three – The Webbs Come to Visit
Ok, maybe not “ever” but they were some pretty good weeks. The visit from my family went very well. It was good to have them come up and see us, and even better that Ellery got to see her other grandparents, aunt and uncle and bond a bit more with them. She LOVED having another grandma around!
Millie and I tried to plan (fun) things to do that we normally do so my fam could get a better look into our lives and get to know us and how we live up here, since our visits are so few and far between. We didn’t get to do everything we wanted to, on account of time and weather, but what we did was fun. Their first (full) day here we went down to Burraston Pond in Mona, UT. Brandon and Katie met us down there with their inflatable raft and we spent the day doing the rope swing and going out on the raft.
Millie had to work that night so when we got home we just ordered pizza for dinner and hung out at home. I think that the combination of the long trip up the day before and the rope swing wore everyone out so after playing Wario Ware on the Wii for a bit, everyone went to bed by about 10… I stayed up reviewing anatomy for my lab final the next morning.
My lab final was at 9am the next morning. It was cold and raining that day so I was a little worried we wouldn’t be able to do our planned hike to Stuarts Falls. We went to Zupa’s for soup, salads and sandwiches for lunch and by the time we finished it turned into a pretty nice day for a hike. Everything was slightly damp and green, so there was no dust on the trail and the falls were amazing! My dad, Risa and I went up to the higher falls and drank from them – cold, fresh mountain water, right from the source!
Sunday morning we all went to church and Brandt just about grinned his face right off when he noticed a notable LDS actor was in our ward. To be honest, I knew he was in our ward but I never noticed him before then – but I’m glad Brandt got such a kick out of seeing him. :) That night Millie’s parents invited us all over for dinner (which is where we usually spend our Sunday dinners anyway) and as always, the food was excellent. Afterwards Millie’s dad had us play a team building dice game that he wanted to try out on his new staff at his new school. Abbie and Rob won, so I guess that proves that even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and again. :) Later that night I hurried to get my camping/hiking stuff packed and ready for my early morning departure to the Granddaddy Basin in the high Uinta Mountains.
It was really nice having my family in town to visit. I know Millie and I really look forward to the day when we can live perhaps a little more central between the families and/or are more financially well off where we can spend more and equal time between the Webbs and the Ropers so the kids get to know and have fun with both families: grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and cousins! Till then, we look forward to these fun little visits!
Millie and I tried to plan (fun) things to do that we normally do so my fam could get a better look into our lives and get to know us and how we live up here, since our visits are so few and far between. We didn’t get to do everything we wanted to, on account of time and weather, but what we did was fun. Their first (full) day here we went down to Burraston Pond in Mona, UT. Brandon and Katie met us down there with their inflatable raft and we spent the day doing the rope swing and going out on the raft.
Millie had to work that night so when we got home we just ordered pizza for dinner and hung out at home. I think that the combination of the long trip up the day before and the rope swing wore everyone out so after playing Wario Ware on the Wii for a bit, everyone went to bed by about 10… I stayed up reviewing anatomy for my lab final the next morning.
My lab final was at 9am the next morning. It was cold and raining that day so I was a little worried we wouldn’t be able to do our planned hike to Stuarts Falls. We went to Zupa’s for soup, salads and sandwiches for lunch and by the time we finished it turned into a pretty nice day for a hike. Everything was slightly damp and green, so there was no dust on the trail and the falls were amazing! My dad, Risa and I went up to the higher falls and drank from them – cold, fresh mountain water, right from the source!
Sunday morning we all went to church and Brandt just about grinned his face right off when he noticed a notable LDS actor was in our ward. To be honest, I knew he was in our ward but I never noticed him before then – but I’m glad Brandt got such a kick out of seeing him. :) That night Millie’s parents invited us all over for dinner (which is where we usually spend our Sunday dinners anyway) and as always, the food was excellent. Afterwards Millie’s dad had us play a team building dice game that he wanted to try out on his new staff at his new school. Abbie and Rob won, so I guess that proves that even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and again. :) Later that night I hurried to get my camping/hiking stuff packed and ready for my early morning departure to the Granddaddy Basin in the high Uinta Mountains.
It was really nice having my family in town to visit. I know Millie and I really look forward to the day when we can live perhaps a little more central between the families and/or are more financially well off where we can spend more and equal time between the Webbs and the Ropers so the kids get to know and have fun with both families: grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and cousins! Till then, we look forward to these fun little visits!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
New Baby Flavor
As promised to those of you whose cell phone numbers I don't have and thus did not receive the text from me late last week the new baby flavor is:
PINK.
Yes, once again, the Roper girls prove to be unable to create oocytes that are permeable to spermatozoa that carry a Y chromosome.
I guess in a way I was a little excited to hear the alien in Millie's uterus is a double X since it will save us SOME money in the immediate and near future (while money is tight) so we don't have to buy all new boy stuff. Of course, if I had MY way, even if we had a boy he'd be wearing Ellery's old stuff till he's at least two... before then, no one can tell the difference between male/female unless you're changing the diapers.
Either way, the flavor is pink and everything seems to be developing just fine.
PINK.
Yes, once again, the Roper girls prove to be unable to create oocytes that are permeable to spermatozoa that carry a Y chromosome.
I guess in a way I was a little excited to hear the alien in Millie's uterus is a double X since it will save us SOME money in the immediate and near future (while money is tight) so we don't have to buy all new boy stuff. Of course, if I had MY way, even if we had a boy he'd be wearing Ellery's old stuff till he's at least two... before then, no one can tell the difference between male/female unless you're changing the diapers.
Either way, the flavor is pink and everything seems to be developing just fine.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Good-bye To Summer - What a Send-Off!
The last week and a half has been the perfect end to a gruesome summer. As most of you know I spent my summer taking physiology and human anatomy. Physiology was the first term and anatomy finished up with my lecture final on August 13 and the lab final on the 15th. For those that care, yes I did get an A (no, not A-, although I do consider that just as much of an A).
Thursday August 13th I woke up and took my lecture final. That evening my parents, my sister, Risa, and brother, Brandt, came to visit. (more on that in the blog to come).
Saturday morning I took my lab final. Nice to have that behind me for the week that followed.
Monday August 17th I left to the high Uintas to hike, camp and fish with Jacob and Don Wall and Alex Sevey (Jacob's bro-in-law). We came home Thursday 20th, in the afternoon and then I left on a camping/fishing trip with Millie and her sister and bro-in-law, Katie and Brandon, from Friday to Sunday afternoon (also more on all that in later blogs).
Today Brandon and I went fishing up at Deer Creek Res and tomorrow, it's back to school for me.
This semester will keep me more than busy with Physics, Biology and Chemistry; so, I'll try and at least get a few last posts in before I fall off the face of the planet for the next 16 weeks.
Thursday August 13th I woke up and took my lecture final. That evening my parents, my sister, Risa, and brother, Brandt, came to visit. (more on that in the blog to come).
Saturday morning I took my lab final. Nice to have that behind me for the week that followed.
Monday August 17th I left to the high Uintas to hike, camp and fish with Jacob and Don Wall and Alex Sevey (Jacob's bro-in-law). We came home Thursday 20th, in the afternoon and then I left on a camping/fishing trip with Millie and her sister and bro-in-law, Katie and Brandon, from Friday to Sunday afternoon (also more on all that in later blogs).
Today Brandon and I went fishing up at Deer Creek Res and tomorrow, it's back to school for me.
This semester will keep me more than busy with Physics, Biology and Chemistry; so, I'll try and at least get a few last posts in before I fall off the face of the planet for the next 16 weeks.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Some Advice...
Don't let your 2-year old have your Cherry 7-up while she's in her high chair eating shredded cheese!
She will put cheese inside of if when you are not looking. Then when you take a big swig of yumminess.....that's right- a mouth full of cheese and 7-up. NOT YUMMY!
I think I almost threw up.
She will put cheese inside of if when you are not looking. Then when you take a big swig of yumminess.....that's right- a mouth full of cheese and 7-up. NOT YUMMY!
I think I almost threw up.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Lub Dub
The human heart is truly a remarkable little contraption. It works day in and day out nonstop, in many cases for almost a century, without fatigue. The SA node starts the signal to contract, opening and closing Ca+, Na+ and K+ channels in a uniform wave of depolarization and repolarization all throughout the various chambers, circulating blood as it contracts and relaxes: Right Atrium, Right Ventricle, out to the lungs to be oxygenated, back into the heart via the Left Atrium then down to the Left Ventricle - then out to the various organs of the body.
The average human heart goes through this cycle (beats) about 100,000 times in one day and about 35 million times in a year. During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times. Your body has about 5.6 liters (6 quarts) of blood. This 5.6 liters of blood circulates through the body three times every minute. In one day, the blood travels a total of 19,000 km (12,000 miles)—that's four times the distance across the US from coast to coast. The heart pumps about 1 million barrels of blood during an average lifetime—that's enough to fill more than 3 super tankers.
Impressive.
Additionally, it is the sound of new life. Something unmistakable. A sure sign that you're probably going to be loosing sleep and sharing smiles for (hopefully) years to come!
Millie had her first Dr. visit yesterday and we got to hear the lub-dub of a new heart for the first time. Here's to many more lub-dub's to come!
The average human heart goes through this cycle (beats) about 100,000 times in one day and about 35 million times in a year. During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times. Your body has about 5.6 liters (6 quarts) of blood. This 5.6 liters of blood circulates through the body three times every minute. In one day, the blood travels a total of 19,000 km (12,000 miles)—that's four times the distance across the US from coast to coast. The heart pumps about 1 million barrels of blood during an average lifetime—that's enough to fill more than 3 super tankers.
Impressive.
Additionally, it is the sound of new life. Something unmistakable. A sure sign that you're probably going to be loosing sleep and sharing smiles for (hopefully) years to come!
Millie had her first Dr. visit yesterday and we got to hear the lub-dub of a new heart for the first time. Here's to many more lub-dub's to come!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Edible Arrangement
Millie's sister Katie and her hubby Brandon have made a few edible arrangements for some of the recent family gatherings and they keep turning out SO cool! Katie really has an eye for decorating, be it cakes, homes or whatever... and I'm sure Brandon is good at taking orders and putting things where Katie wants them, so they make a good team at what they do.
Millie and I decided to give it a go ourselves. Unfortunately, Millie insists she doesn't have a creative bone in her body, which is sad because I know she can be very artistic if she's given a specific project to do - case in point, her past cake decorating endeavors. This project wasn't her cup of tea, and although she helped quite a bit by doing most of the prep work and skewering of fruit, she left the final compilation of the arrangement up to me.
In the end, it was a fun project, but nowhere near as good looking as Katie and Brandon's work. Maybe we just need more practice!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Weenie Hut General
I know this is a long post. Here's what it's about: I cut my knee up pretty bad while fishing. If you don't want to read the whole story, skip to the pics at the end and be done.
Although this blog really doesn't have anything to do with it.. all of you true Spongebob fans should understand the title, the rest of you... you should be watching more Spongebob.
For the last week or so I've been dying to go fish in a creek up Payson Canyon. It was a spot with three small falls and three small pools just off the road (about 15ft below the road) that were swarming with fish. Not HUGE ones, but decent enough to get the trill of a catch.
Well, I don't have much "free time" this summer thanks to anatomy class, so when class was going to be canceled for the 4th of July I decided to jump on the opportunity. No one else seemed too thrilled about the idea of fishing that hole, or getting up early to go for that matter, so I planned to go alone at 7am - not too early - on Friday July 3rd. It was a perfect morning. Crisp, cool, and the Provo sky was just filling with hot air balloons for Freedom Fest. The drive to the canyon was good. Still early enough on the day before a holiday that traffic wasn't bad - so that put me in a good mood.
I got to the spot and got my gear out. I'm a simple fisherman so that consisted of a cooler for the fish to be caught, and a pole with a couple of small sinkers and a hook. Bait was to be gathered at river's side... worms. So I started moving rocks looking for some little slimies - after a few minutes I had what I needed. I baited my hook and moved up stream to drop my line.
Because of the nature of the spot it was a little difficult to get to. On the road side of the creek was a concrete and stone wall (about 15ft) straight up. There was also a small (about 6") ledge at the base of that wall just above the water lever that ended a few feet down from the water fall that of the pool I wanted to fish. I dropped my line just into the fall area (since it was deepest there and it looked like that's where the fish were gathering). Unfortunately, the bait was too light and kept floating down stream before it would sink to fish level. I decided I needed to cross over to the other side (no more walking ledge space on the roadside I was on) so I could get upstream from that spot because it would allow me to hold my line where I wanted it. It was just a short hop across to the other side (a boulderous mountain that was also fairly steep). It wasn't going to take much of a jump to get across, and I didn't want to land with too much of a "thud" since it might scare the fish to head down stream. Now, those of you who know me, know I'm a good jumper... also, those of you who know me, and especially those of you who have played basketball with me, know I'm very lightweight and it doesn't take much to throw me off a jump. Well, I gauged the distance, crouched accordingly, and sprung. Something, (a stone, plant, or piece of metal from the wall) caught my shoe just enough that I fell short of my mark. On my way down I had time to think, a lot more time than one would think you'd have, but for those of you who've been in such a situation know how the world can sometimes seem to slow down for you... to let you think about the fact that "you're about to be hosed."
My first thoughts were about the phone in my pocket - I wasn't sure just how deep the water was. Other than that I was just thinking about the fish that were now going to rush down stream and I would probably have to drive to a new spot - not too big of a problem since I had one already picked out as a back up plan.
Well, I ended up not falling short enough and I hit my left knee on a the huge boulder that was intended to my landing. It was not your ordinary, smooth, river boulder either, it was a very jagged beast of a rock... and it won. I grabbed my knee out of surprise and a little bit of pain... mostly just a reflex. When I pulled my hand away it was covered in blood, and lots of it. I looked down at my knee and saw two decent sized and very deep lacerations.
"Oh great."
Now my first thought was, "this is just what Millie and I need... more medical bills" - because I was sure at first sight that I would need stitches.
A cyclist that happened to be passing at that moment on the road above stopped and asked if I was okay and if I needed any help. This is where you'll have to use your imagination: I responded very monotone, "yeah."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Really? Looks pretty bad." (I'm sure he could see the blood oozing out from between my fingers)
"Yeah, I just have to go home now."
My concerns turned back to my phone, which now had almost a minute under water at this point. I pulled it out of my pocket and popped the battery out (best thing for a submersed electronic device), then I started fishing around the murky water with the foot of my uninjured leg to find my fishing pole. Found it and started to hobble up to the car.
I stood by my car, soaking wet, holding my knee in one hand and gear in the other wondering if I really wanted to get in my car all wet. After a moment of consideration I decided to drive home without my shorts on - so off they came. My next concern was the bleeding knee. All my clothes (even my shirt) were wet and dirty... not something I wanted to tie around a wide open wound. This is one time that having a clean vehicle (like I keep) is not helpful. Luckily, Ellery saved the day - sort of - found one of her (clean/unused) diapers in the back. I wrapped it tightly around my leg and headed home - just hoping that I didn't get pulled over because, really, who wants to explain to a police officer why you're driving with no pants and a diaper around you knee?
Do I need to mention how for the first time in my life I wished I had an automatic?
I got home (around 8:30ish) and went up to the house to wake up Millie and break the news. Her first reaction to me telling her we need to go to the hospital and that I need stitches was: "where are your pants?!"
"In my car."
"You came up the stairs like that?!" (outside stairs of our condo)
"Yes."
"Why do we have to go? What did you do?!"
I explained and she started to get Ellery up and ready to go. I started calling doctor's offices to find one that was open... no dice. The 3rd of July must be a holiday for them too... go figure. My next choice, an Urgentcare - less expensive than the ER, which I avoid if at all possible... especially when not insured. I found an Urgentcare that was going to open at 10am, so we waited. A little before 10:00 we went to Sonic to get some ice for my knee and headed to the Urgentcare.
We had to wait a few minutes before the Urgentcare opened - but were brought right back when they did. Millie (and Ellery) came back with me to the room anxious to see my knee since I wouldn't take the diaper off for her (first aid training: don't remove a wound dressing once applied until advanced medical care is available so as not to disturb the clotting process).
Here's what she got to see (after it got cleaned up):
And here's what the doc did:
And here's the swelling:
It hurts most when I get up from laying down since blood rushes to it and pulsates with pain with each heart beat for a few minutes. It also feels like it buckles back on me sometimes if I put weight on it. Not sure if there are other internal problems with bone, muscle, ligaments or tendons, but I'll post an update as I know more... and I'll keep it short. Promise.
Although this blog really doesn't have anything to do with it.. all of you true Spongebob fans should understand the title, the rest of you... you should be watching more Spongebob.
For the last week or so I've been dying to go fish in a creek up Payson Canyon. It was a spot with three small falls and three small pools just off the road (about 15ft below the road) that were swarming with fish. Not HUGE ones, but decent enough to get the trill of a catch.
Well, I don't have much "free time" this summer thanks to anatomy class, so when class was going to be canceled for the 4th of July I decided to jump on the opportunity. No one else seemed too thrilled about the idea of fishing that hole, or getting up early to go for that matter, so I planned to go alone at 7am - not too early - on Friday July 3rd. It was a perfect morning. Crisp, cool, and the Provo sky was just filling with hot air balloons for Freedom Fest. The drive to the canyon was good. Still early enough on the day before a holiday that traffic wasn't bad - so that put me in a good mood.
I got to the spot and got my gear out. I'm a simple fisherman so that consisted of a cooler for the fish to be caught, and a pole with a couple of small sinkers and a hook. Bait was to be gathered at river's side... worms. So I started moving rocks looking for some little slimies - after a few minutes I had what I needed. I baited my hook and moved up stream to drop my line.
Because of the nature of the spot it was a little difficult to get to. On the road side of the creek was a concrete and stone wall (about 15ft) straight up. There was also a small (about 6") ledge at the base of that wall just above the water lever that ended a few feet down from the water fall that of the pool I wanted to fish. I dropped my line just into the fall area (since it was deepest there and it looked like that's where the fish were gathering). Unfortunately, the bait was too light and kept floating down stream before it would sink to fish level. I decided I needed to cross over to the other side (no more walking ledge space on the roadside I was on) so I could get upstream from that spot because it would allow me to hold my line where I wanted it. It was just a short hop across to the other side (a boulderous mountain that was also fairly steep). It wasn't going to take much of a jump to get across, and I didn't want to land with too much of a "thud" since it might scare the fish to head down stream. Now, those of you who know me, know I'm a good jumper... also, those of you who know me, and especially those of you who have played basketball with me, know I'm very lightweight and it doesn't take much to throw me off a jump. Well, I gauged the distance, crouched accordingly, and sprung. Something, (a stone, plant, or piece of metal from the wall) caught my shoe just enough that I fell short of my mark. On my way down I had time to think, a lot more time than one would think you'd have, but for those of you who've been in such a situation know how the world can sometimes seem to slow down for you... to let you think about the fact that "you're about to be hosed."
My first thoughts were about the phone in my pocket - I wasn't sure just how deep the water was. Other than that I was just thinking about the fish that were now going to rush down stream and I would probably have to drive to a new spot - not too big of a problem since I had one already picked out as a back up plan.
Well, I ended up not falling short enough and I hit my left knee on a the huge boulder that was intended to my landing. It was not your ordinary, smooth, river boulder either, it was a very jagged beast of a rock... and it won. I grabbed my knee out of surprise and a little bit of pain... mostly just a reflex. When I pulled my hand away it was covered in blood, and lots of it. I looked down at my knee and saw two decent sized and very deep lacerations.
"Oh great."
Now my first thought was, "this is just what Millie and I need... more medical bills" - because I was sure at first sight that I would need stitches.
A cyclist that happened to be passing at that moment on the road above stopped and asked if I was okay and if I needed any help. This is where you'll have to use your imagination: I responded very monotone, "yeah."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Really? Looks pretty bad." (I'm sure he could see the blood oozing out from between my fingers)
"Yeah, I just have to go home now."
My concerns turned back to my phone, which now had almost a minute under water at this point. I pulled it out of my pocket and popped the battery out (best thing for a submersed electronic device), then I started fishing around the murky water with the foot of my uninjured leg to find my fishing pole. Found it and started to hobble up to the car.
I stood by my car, soaking wet, holding my knee in one hand and gear in the other wondering if I really wanted to get in my car all wet. After a moment of consideration I decided to drive home without my shorts on - so off they came. My next concern was the bleeding knee. All my clothes (even my shirt) were wet and dirty... not something I wanted to tie around a wide open wound. This is one time that having a clean vehicle (like I keep) is not helpful. Luckily, Ellery saved the day - sort of - found one of her (clean/unused) diapers in the back. I wrapped it tightly around my leg and headed home - just hoping that I didn't get pulled over because, really, who wants to explain to a police officer why you're driving with no pants and a diaper around you knee?
Do I need to mention how for the first time in my life I wished I had an automatic?
I got home (around 8:30ish) and went up to the house to wake up Millie and break the news. Her first reaction to me telling her we need to go to the hospital and that I need stitches was: "where are your pants?!"
"In my car."
"You came up the stairs like that?!" (outside stairs of our condo)
"Yes."
"Why do we have to go? What did you do?!"
I explained and she started to get Ellery up and ready to go. I started calling doctor's offices to find one that was open... no dice. The 3rd of July must be a holiday for them too... go figure. My next choice, an Urgentcare - less expensive than the ER, which I avoid if at all possible... especially when not insured. I found an Urgentcare that was going to open at 10am, so we waited. A little before 10:00 we went to Sonic to get some ice for my knee and headed to the Urgentcare.
We had to wait a few minutes before the Urgentcare opened - but were brought right back when they did. Millie (and Ellery) came back with me to the room anxious to see my knee since I wouldn't take the diaper off for her (first aid training: don't remove a wound dressing once applied until advanced medical care is available so as not to disturb the clotting process).
Here's what she got to see (after it got cleaned up):
And here's what the doc did:
And here's the swelling:
It hurts most when I get up from laying down since blood rushes to it and pulsates with pain with each heart beat for a few minutes. It also feels like it buckles back on me sometimes if I put weight on it. Not sure if there are other internal problems with bone, muscle, ligaments or tendons, but I'll post an update as I know more... and I'll keep it short. Promise.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Boy's Night Out
Last night was my first official "boy's night out" since getting hitched. It's been a long time coming as far as I'm concerned... but I think Millie would have liked me to hold off even longer. :)
So, what was the great event that got Millie to let me have a night?... a combination of two things: 1) Transformers II and 2) girls get Harry Potter opening night.
Jacob (Wall), Chris, Alex and I were granted permission from the women to grab dinner, watch the first Transformers and then go to the theater for Transformers II.
Dinner was Ernie's. I've only eaten there a few times and Wall swears by it. My roast beef (the Full Back) was a bit chewy, but still a darn good sandwich - I'd like to go back and get it with turkey maybe.
We went to the Wall's to watch T.1 since it's close and they have a system that literally shakes the complex... literally. It was only 9:00 and the neighbors were complaining about the noise/rumbling... I can't blame them but at the same time... seriously, it was only 9!
Got to the theater around 10 and they had already seated our showtime (for TII starting at 12:01am). We ended up getting fairly decent seats, but not the best... who knew two hours early would be considered late?? Have to say, Harry Potter looks like it's going to be awesome! (Millie and I rarely go to the theaters, so this was the first preview of Potter I've seen... I'm excited for it!)
Transformers was great! I heard critics gave it some weak reviews, what do they know? My only real complaint was the addition of two new characters (Autobots) that are basically the Transformers' version of Jar-Jar Binks (times two). Great fight scenes (even got graphic with the bots - would have been R if they were human I'm sure), and the screen time Megan Fox got was optimal... it was even great to see she got some acting lessons since the first movie. :)
Movie got out at 3am and we stayed through till the very end of the credits... if you're going to a midnight showing on opening night, it's kind of a must. FYI, no end clip like in the first one (with Starscream), but still set up for a third film.
I too would like a little Decepticon that I can carry around in my purse!
So, what was the great event that got Millie to let me have a night?... a combination of two things: 1) Transformers II and 2) girls get Harry Potter opening night.
Jacob (Wall), Chris, Alex and I were granted permission from the women to grab dinner, watch the first Transformers and then go to the theater for Transformers II.
Dinner was Ernie's. I've only eaten there a few times and Wall swears by it. My roast beef (the Full Back) was a bit chewy, but still a darn good sandwich - I'd like to go back and get it with turkey maybe.
We went to the Wall's to watch T.1 since it's close and they have a system that literally shakes the complex... literally. It was only 9:00 and the neighbors were complaining about the noise/rumbling... I can't blame them but at the same time... seriously, it was only 9!
Got to the theater around 10 and they had already seated our showtime (for TII starting at 12:01am). We ended up getting fairly decent seats, but not the best... who knew two hours early would be considered late?? Have to say, Harry Potter looks like it's going to be awesome! (Millie and I rarely go to the theaters, so this was the first preview of Potter I've seen... I'm excited for it!)
Transformers was great! I heard critics gave it some weak reviews, what do they know? My only real complaint was the addition of two new characters (Autobots) that are basically the Transformers' version of Jar-Jar Binks (times two). Great fight scenes (even got graphic with the bots - would have been R if they were human I'm sure), and the screen time Megan Fox got was optimal... it was even great to see she got some acting lessons since the first movie. :)
Movie got out at 3am and we stayed through till the very end of the credits... if you're going to a midnight showing on opening night, it's kind of a must. FYI, no end clip like in the first one (with Starscream), but still set up for a third film.
I too would like a little Decepticon that I can carry around in my purse!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Really? Do you think I didn't notice that?
I'm going to complain about some ladies I observed today. If you don't want to hear complaining about probably stupid stuff- don't read. But I was bugged.......
Today we went to 7 peaks. Ellery and I were waiting in line for the Flash Floods ride. The lines were exceptionally long!!! I thought, oh well I don't mind waiting since Ellery really likes this ride. So we waited and waited, it was probably a good 15-20 minutes. There was a mom in front of me with like 5 kids, and was talking to another lady with her kid in the other line every now and then like they knew each other. (For those of you who don't know this ride, there are 2 slides, therefore 2 lines.) So we were almost to the front of the line when I notice this lady coming over to stand with her friend! HELLO?? Does she really think I didn't notice her butting in line right in front of me?? I don't mean to be elementary school complaining, but really!!!! We had been waiting our turn too! UGH!
Anyway, the lady proceeds to sit down in the slide. She was wearing a hat and sunglasses. You can't wear these on the rides, but you can hold them. So the little teen-aged lifeguard tells her she needs to take them off and hold them. The lady just says "Oh, ya right, I know! I will!" Yet she continues to just sit there and turn back to talk to her friend. Didn't take them off. The lifeguard was looking at her like,"HELLO! Do you think I don't notice you with your stuff still on?" Yet didn't say anything else and just flushed her down. UGH. How annoying are these ladies.
Ok there's more. The next lady was putting her son in the slide and he had a big hard cast on his arm. There's a sign saying no casts...(earlier in the day I saw a lifeguard not letting a girl on with one.) So the lifeguard says he can't go on. I'm not sure what the mom said, but was arguing with her about it til the girl just said, ok fine he can go. Then the same story with the second lady, she gets on and goes down with her hat and sunglasses!
Um, hello? Really? Do they think they are the exceptions to all the rules or something? Or that people really don't notice them??
Today we went to 7 peaks. Ellery and I were waiting in line for the Flash Floods ride. The lines were exceptionally long!!! I thought, oh well I don't mind waiting since Ellery really likes this ride. So we waited and waited, it was probably a good 15-20 minutes. There was a mom in front of me with like 5 kids, and was talking to another lady with her kid in the other line every now and then like they knew each other. (For those of you who don't know this ride, there are 2 slides, therefore 2 lines.) So we were almost to the front of the line when I notice this lady coming over to stand with her friend! HELLO?? Does she really think I didn't notice her butting in line right in front of me?? I don't mean to be elementary school complaining, but really!!!! We had been waiting our turn too! UGH!
Anyway, the lady proceeds to sit down in the slide. She was wearing a hat and sunglasses. You can't wear these on the rides, but you can hold them. So the little teen-aged lifeguard tells her she needs to take them off and hold them. The lady just says "Oh, ya right, I know! I will!" Yet she continues to just sit there and turn back to talk to her friend. Didn't take them off. The lifeguard was looking at her like,"HELLO! Do you think I don't notice you with your stuff still on?" Yet didn't say anything else and just flushed her down. UGH. How annoying are these ladies.
Ok there's more. The next lady was putting her son in the slide and he had a big hard cast on his arm. There's a sign saying no casts...(earlier in the day I saw a lifeguard not letting a girl on with one.) So the lifeguard says he can't go on. I'm not sure what the mom said, but was arguing with her about it til the girl just said, ok fine he can go. Then the same story with the second lady, she gets on and goes down with her hat and sunglasses!
Um, hello? Really? Do they think they are the exceptions to all the rules or something? Or that people really don't notice them??
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Rain Rain Go Away...
I'm usually one to love the rain. Especially the monsoons that roll in across the Arizona desert. However, Utah rain is not nearly as welcome. Sure the "locals" (no, just because I've lived here for the last 6? years I don't consider myself a local) love the rain and praise the moisture... but I don't. The thunder and lightening that accompany the rain here is lacking, at best, so all you really get is wet, and COLD. Makes for a pretty gloomy summer and it's sad to see Seven Peaks Water Park season passes going to waste.
I think it's had an adverse affect on Ellery as well. The past week or so (since the bulk of the wet stuff has been coming down) she's been exceptionally ornery (yes that's spelled correctly). I suppose it COULD be because the prego hormones in the air are getting to her too... but I highly doubt that's the case since even Millie has been exceptionally pleasant so far this pregnancy. The poor kid (Ellery) is addicted to playing in the pool and going down the water slides at Seven Peaks, LOVES THEM SLIDES! Unfortunately, her uninsulated father isn't one to jump out of his temperature specific comfort zone to take her lately.
Here's hoping the weather turns around soon! In the mean time, I guess I'll appreciate the fact that the utility bill is manageable. :)
I think it's had an adverse affect on Ellery as well. The past week or so (since the bulk of the wet stuff has been coming down) she's been exceptionally ornery (yes that's spelled correctly). I suppose it COULD be because the prego hormones in the air are getting to her too... but I highly doubt that's the case since even Millie has been exceptionally pleasant so far this pregnancy. The poor kid (Ellery) is addicted to playing in the pool and going down the water slides at Seven Peaks, LOVES THEM SLIDES! Unfortunately, her uninsulated father isn't one to jump out of his temperature specific comfort zone to take her lately.
Here's hoping the weather turns around soon! In the mean time, I guess I'll appreciate the fact that the utility bill is manageable. :)
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Unexpected
So there are several things in life that can be counted on and expected... routine day to day things like: the sun is going to rise, the moon will go through its phases, and two-year-old girls will throw a tantrum now and again. However, I must say, Ellery's tantrums are relatively few and far between in comparison to some.
The unexpected things in life are difficult to plan for and can be good or bad. One recent unexpected event has been all that's gone on with my teeth. Apparently I have some freakish root system going on in my number 12 tooth which has caused problems now in its two neighbors number 11 and 13. The good news is things are getting better and I am eating normal food (even cereal) again.
Another unexpected event is Ellery will be a big sister. Yes, unexpected. Sure we were planning on trying for another little stink butt this year but not till after the summer festivities. Although we're both excited we're crossing our fingers for A) a boy and B) that he's born as close to his due date as possible (January 7th); the further from Christmas the better. No offense to those of you with Christmas birthdays, but, I have to think that's gotta be the worst time of year for a birthday. Unless having the baby in December would give us a better tax break for the 2009 filing... then I guess that would be okay.
Although Millie and I are hoping for a boy (first grandson on the Roper side) we have no real great names picked out so as before (with the birth of Ellery), we'll take suggestions. Keep in mind "Speed" "Thrace" and "Gumpert" are already spoken for by other friends/family.
The unexpected things in life are difficult to plan for and can be good or bad. One recent unexpected event has been all that's gone on with my teeth. Apparently I have some freakish root system going on in my number 12 tooth which has caused problems now in its two neighbors number 11 and 13. The good news is things are getting better and I am eating normal food (even cereal) again.
Another unexpected event is Ellery will be a big sister. Yes, unexpected. Sure we were planning on trying for another little stink butt this year but not till after the summer festivities. Although we're both excited we're crossing our fingers for A) a boy and B) that he's born as close to his due date as possible (January 7th); the further from Christmas the better. No offense to those of you with Christmas birthdays, but, I have to think that's gotta be the worst time of year for a birthday. Unless having the baby in December would give us a better tax break for the 2009 filing... then I guess that would be okay.
Although Millie and I are hoping for a boy (first grandson on the Roper side) we have no real great names picked out so as before (with the birth of Ellery), we'll take suggestions. Keep in mind "Speed" "Thrace" and "Gumpert" are already spoken for by other friends/family.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Fortune: The Good, The Bad, and The Familial
So much has happened since I was last able to post anything. Let me explain, no wait, that will take too long, let me sum up:
Summer = sun/heat (unless you live in Utah), fishing, tennis, racquetball and school, school school... eventually we'll be able to add Seven Peaks water park to the list too - unless it get's shoved aside by more school for me.
I'm taking Physiology this first block of summer classes and Human Anatomy the second block. Yep, all the fun and excitement of learning about everything you never wanted to know about the human body in a fraction (7 weeks instead of 16) of the time. We'll see if I survive. Hope so, if I'm to keep on schedule for PT school by next summer!
The last few weeks we've gotten to spend a lot of time with the Walls (Jacob and Cari). Jacob and I have done some tennis (I'm not very good) and racquetball (I'm very good), and we've done quite a few fishing "trips;" mostly to the Provo river and mostly resulting in only one fish, Wall's catch, not mine. I was getting pretty sick of not even getting nibbles from those finicky fishes, so when we all decided to go camping and fishing in a "hot spot" I was pretty excited.
This last weekend we went camping at Box Creek in Fish Lake National Park. It was a lot of fun! I'll keep the details at a minimum and save them for another post... maybe. We stayed Thursday night, Friday, Saturday and came back Sunday morning. The fishing was great! We pulled out a number of eight inch trout (perfect for roasting on the fire with a stick) from the creek running through the camp and several more fillet size from the lake (Box Creek Reservoir). The only unfortunate event of the trip (in my book) was my tooth started to REALLY hurt Friday. It felt like an infection and I was doubtful it was a cavity since it was such a sudden, consistent and intense pain. By Friday night Millie was urging me to have Wall drive me back into town (three hours away) to go to the ER. No way I was going to do that, especially at three in the morning as she was suggesting. I survived, barely. Sunday night the pain was so bad I kept vomiting. Millie and the Walls said I was a lovely shade of green... good for broccoli, bad for a Jacob.
I didn't get much sleep last night (as I hadn't the past few nights), up with pain. Even the percocet and IBuprophen wasn't helping. I called the dentist at 7:30 this morning in hopes of getting an emergency opening - no dice. The only opening they had was at 9:30 and I was in Physiology lab till ten and then lecture till noon. Halfway through the lecture the pain was getting so bad again (it was coming in waves) I couldn't even sit up in my chair. The girl next to me thought I was crazy for even coming to class, and suggested I call my dentist back and see if they had any cancellations for the day. I took the advice and called. *Insert Hallelujah Chorus Here* There was a cancellation which gave me the 3:50pm slot! By three o'clock I wanted to pull the thing out myself and have it done with. I went in at 3:30 and they actually got me in and had started the assessment/x-rays by 3:35!!! How often do you see that in a dentist's office?! The problem was as I suspected. Infection. The infection occurred around some nerve endings that survived a previous root canal - a root canal performed by the same dentist's office four years earlier. Because it was their mistake that caused it they offered to redo it at no charge.
Right into it the dentist said, "no wonder you were in so much pain," then had to take a 20 min break to let all the puss and blood/fluids drain from the infection site. Yeah, it was pretty disgusting. However, they did use a little latex collecting umbrella (for lack of a better word) that went around my tooth and over/into my mouth so nothing ever drained into my mouth. It was nice. By the end of the procedure (three hours later) the anesthetics were wearing off and I could feel EVERYTHING again. He gave me another shot but it never did kick in... just made half of my face numb and left the tooth/jaw pain fully intact. It's now been three more hours and the pain has finally subsided, but my cheek is still numb.
Tomorrow is my birthday, 29 years, they've gone by fast! It's been a good birthday month so far as it has summed up a lot of how life goes: I've had some good fortune and some bad fortune, and I've been blessed with some great family (and friends) to share all that fortune with along the way.
Summer = sun/heat (unless you live in Utah), fishing, tennis, racquetball and school, school school... eventually we'll be able to add Seven Peaks water park to the list too - unless it get's shoved aside by more school for me.
I'm taking Physiology this first block of summer classes and Human Anatomy the second block. Yep, all the fun and excitement of learning about everything you never wanted to know about the human body in a fraction (7 weeks instead of 16) of the time. We'll see if I survive. Hope so, if I'm to keep on schedule for PT school by next summer!
The last few weeks we've gotten to spend a lot of time with the Walls (Jacob and Cari). Jacob and I have done some tennis (I'm not very good) and racquetball (I'm very good), and we've done quite a few fishing "trips;" mostly to the Provo river and mostly resulting in only one fish, Wall's catch, not mine. I was getting pretty sick of not even getting nibbles from those finicky fishes, so when we all decided to go camping and fishing in a "hot spot" I was pretty excited.
This last weekend we went camping at Box Creek in Fish Lake National Park. It was a lot of fun! I'll keep the details at a minimum and save them for another post... maybe. We stayed Thursday night, Friday, Saturday and came back Sunday morning. The fishing was great! We pulled out a number of eight inch trout (perfect for roasting on the fire with a stick) from the creek running through the camp and several more fillet size from the lake (Box Creek Reservoir). The only unfortunate event of the trip (in my book) was my tooth started to REALLY hurt Friday. It felt like an infection and I was doubtful it was a cavity since it was such a sudden, consistent and intense pain. By Friday night Millie was urging me to have Wall drive me back into town (three hours away) to go to the ER. No way I was going to do that, especially at three in the morning as she was suggesting. I survived, barely. Sunday night the pain was so bad I kept vomiting. Millie and the Walls said I was a lovely shade of green... good for broccoli, bad for a Jacob.
I didn't get much sleep last night (as I hadn't the past few nights), up with pain. Even the percocet and IBuprophen wasn't helping. I called the dentist at 7:30 this morning in hopes of getting an emergency opening - no dice. The only opening they had was at 9:30 and I was in Physiology lab till ten and then lecture till noon. Halfway through the lecture the pain was getting so bad again (it was coming in waves) I couldn't even sit up in my chair. The girl next to me thought I was crazy for even coming to class, and suggested I call my dentist back and see if they had any cancellations for the day. I took the advice and called. *Insert Hallelujah Chorus Here* There was a cancellation which gave me the 3:50pm slot! By three o'clock I wanted to pull the thing out myself and have it done with. I went in at 3:30 and they actually got me in and had started the assessment/x-rays by 3:35!!! How often do you see that in a dentist's office?! The problem was as I suspected. Infection. The infection occurred around some nerve endings that survived a previous root canal - a root canal performed by the same dentist's office four years earlier. Because it was their mistake that caused it they offered to redo it at no charge.
Right into it the dentist said, "no wonder you were in so much pain," then had to take a 20 min break to let all the puss and blood/fluids drain from the infection site. Yeah, it was pretty disgusting. However, they did use a little latex collecting umbrella (for lack of a better word) that went around my tooth and over/into my mouth so nothing ever drained into my mouth. It was nice. By the end of the procedure (three hours later) the anesthetics were wearing off and I could feel EVERYTHING again. He gave me another shot but it never did kick in... just made half of my face numb and left the tooth/jaw pain fully intact. It's now been three more hours and the pain has finally subsided, but my cheek is still numb.
Tomorrow is my birthday, 29 years, they've gone by fast! It's been a good birthday month so far as it has summed up a lot of how life goes: I've had some good fortune and some bad fortune, and I've been blessed with some great family (and friends) to share all that fortune with along the way.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Desert Trip - My Take On It.
The desert trip really was so much fun! It was great to see Bret and the boys (sadness Tevs and Ennie couldn't make it) and Don and Karen Wall (Jacob and Bret's parents). It was also fun to spend time camping with Jacob and Cari (Wall) and Alex and Nicole (Sevey). Despite the wind that Millie wrote about (which I absolutely loath) being with friends and family made it all worth while.
The various excursions we took away from camp were definitely much better than any time spent at camp. Other than being able to control the weather, the only thing I think I would have changed about camp would have been to do more "real" camp cooking... get more use out of the dutch ovens. Jacob Wall and I would have done EVERY meal in dutch ovens if it were entirely up to us, and next year, it may be. :) However, it was good to have a few of the "easier" meals we ended up having, like chili dogs and sandwiches, because of the wind and weather around camp.
This camping trip was my first time to the Moab/Arches area and the hikes were just as fun as I had anticipated. There really is more to do (even if you don't have a four-wheeler, dirt bike, or four wheel drive) in one trip than is really possible, so Millie and I look forward to next year's!
My petrified toilet.
The unorganized group photo.
Bret's idea of staking down the canopy... No, this was not the reason it got destroyed, that stake was quickly replaced after the picture.
I'm pretty sure that 90 degree angle Hazel's head is making out of the back of Jacob can't be good... but you can't argue with results - she was sleeping, and sleep is good!
Ellery enjoying the wind/dust at camp.
The various excursions we took away from camp were definitely much better than any time spent at camp. Other than being able to control the weather, the only thing I think I would have changed about camp would have been to do more "real" camp cooking... get more use out of the dutch ovens. Jacob Wall and I would have done EVERY meal in dutch ovens if it were entirely up to us, and next year, it may be. :) However, it was good to have a few of the "easier" meals we ended up having, like chili dogs and sandwiches, because of the wind and weather around camp.
This camping trip was my first time to the Moab/Arches area and the hikes were just as fun as I had anticipated. There really is more to do (even if you don't have a four-wheeler, dirt bike, or four wheel drive) in one trip than is really possible, so Millie and I look forward to next year's!
My petrified toilet.
The unorganized group photo.
Bret's idea of staking down the canopy... No, this was not the reason it got destroyed, that stake was quickly replaced after the picture.
I'm pretty sure that 90 degree angle Hazel's head is making out of the back of Jacob can't be good... but you can't argue with results - she was sleeping, and sleep is good!
Ellery enjoying the wind/dust at camp.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Desert Trip
We went with the Walls to their annual Desert Trip this year to Moab and Arches. The wind blew the entire time we were down there! Wind + Desert = Dirt Everywhere! I know we were camping, but this was dirtier than the average camping trip. We ended up leaving a day early because the wind had gotten so bad and it was starting to rain. We had borrowed my parents big canopy for the 'kitchen' and the wind destroyed it. Yes, it is now broken to pieces. Despite all that, it ended up being really fun.
The first day we went down to where the only water was. It was this little trickling creek. We had fun walking around in the water. We found sink holes in the mud and started loosening them up and sinking up to our knees, some to the thighs. I thought sinking in the mud would be scary but it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip. Hazel also had the time of her life playing in the mud and water completely naked!! Unfortunately we didn't bring any cameras down that day.
The next 2 days we hiked through the Fiery Furnace and the Eye of the Whale. Both were pretty cool hikes. I would have liked to stay down there more and go on more hikes.
Here's some pictures....
This was Ellery's favorite part of the trip...riding goats!
Family Pose!
Malik and Ellery bonding during the trip.
Climbing on rocks!Sunday, April 19, 2009
Bit. Trip Beat
Last night Millie and I went over to the Wall's (after putting Ellery to bed) to play games. We ended up talking for a couple of hours, mostly about their fish and other random topics, before we actually started any games. The game? A new one. So new to the Wall household in fact that we were there for it's purchase/download. It is a fairly new Wii Ware game called, yep, Bit. Trip Beat. Retro style, 8-bit graphics featuring classic Pong style control with colors and music (catchy music I might add). And for only $6 (600 Wii credits), not a bad deal.
It was fun to play and pretty addicting. The jury is still out as too HOW addicting, maybe not to the level of Tetris, but it sure was fun to play, especially once we figured out how to hold the Wiimote. For those of you who are Wii-Geeks, and even some of you non-gamers, it's worth a play or two.
It was fun to play and pretty addicting. The jury is still out as too HOW addicting, maybe not to the level of Tetris, but it sure was fun to play, especially once we figured out how to hold the Wiimote. For those of you who are Wii-Geeks, and even some of you non-gamers, it's worth a play or two.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Ellery's 2nd year in review (video)
This just starts at her last birthday and ends with the present time. I wanted to do a montage of all the picts we have of her eating but thought that might cause her to have some kind of complex later in life... and I wanted to keep it in chronological order to see her change over the last year.
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