Ringo Bingo - Ya Gotta Love AAA

Our family will have many memories of going to Bees baseball games. Ya gotta love AAA games. You up close and right in the action. We sat by the Bees bullpen and teased the closing pitcher as he warmed up. I went with Cody, Kim, Parker, Aiden, Bret, Lori Michelle and Faye. We also had a bunch of Young Men from Bret's ward.

Anyway, in addition to the game, which is a lot of fun, especially when you win, but there are a lot of distractions. For instance, tonight was not only Green Awareness night, the team wore green uniforms with the recycle logo around their numbers, it was Beatles night. All night long they played snippets of Beatles music. I wonder how much that cost -- someone had to pay Sony. For a kid who grew up with the Beatles, it was great.

During the game we played Ringo Bingo. We were given "bingo cards" as we entered the stadium and between innings the scoreboard posted squares. Winners were given tickets to future games and itunes cards. (I didn't win, but was one square away on several cards.)

During another inning break, three fans dove into strawberry pies, while the Beatles "Strawberry Fields" blared through the speakers.

Then there was the "Watts Smart" relay sponsored by Rocky Mountain Power. Kids ran around some cones, put on a green recycle jersey, and then had to throw something through a large cutout that looked like the new fangled florescent light bulbs.

Who thinks up all these things? In two weeks they are going to have Beach Boys night. Gotta give the USA equal billing.

Like I said, there is nothing like AAA Baseball. I better get a Hawaiian shirt for the Beach Boys night.

Parental Bragging Rights!

Pictured are my four children, Holland, Cody, Artimesia and Bret. They are wonderfully bright and charming and all that a parent could ask for.
The reason I want to brag, is I think all parents get to brag on their children. I recently attended a Salt Lake Bee's game, and sat with the family of Clayton Mortenson. "Morty" as they cheered, was the starting pitcher for the visiting team the Sacramento Rivercats. He is a product of Rexburg, Idaho. There were cousins, brothers and sisters, dad, and mom -- I knew she was mom she had the biggest camera with the largest lens. There was even, what I can only presume, was the girlfriend. She had flown into SLC from Phoenix. She got the only text messages after he was replaced in the fifth inning. As a family they cheered, clapped and gave him support. When the infield committed errors, they let em know it.
There is nothing like family being there for you. I remember when I was a sophomore in high school and played on the Skyline Eagles football team. I wasn't really very good. I was good enough for the specialty teams. I remember one cold snowy day, we were playing West High School. I looked over on the sideline and there was my dad. Long army winter coat, hat and gloves. He had come to support me in my game.
I promised I would do the same, as much as possible. I have admired my brother and sister-in-law Bob and Sharon Dalley as they tramped around the country to soccer camp, soccer game and tournaments. They still travel as Erin plays for the University of Utah soccer team. And Alan and Nancy Snow have invested a fortune in costumes and travel expenses supporting their daughter Jessica.
Now I read on Facebook the travels and travails of my sister Jayne and her hubby Robert split their time between girls softball and gymnastics.
It all seems like work, but I know the memories live forever. I was able to watch as my children played football softball and participated in speech debates. I was lucky to be a witness to many of their successes and defeats. Now they are all moving along. Cody has a Masters Degree, and the other three are working on theirs -- Arti is currently living life large in Sante Fe New Mexico working on a degree in Literature. Bret splits his time between family, scouts and 4,000 words a week for his MBA with the University of Phoenix.
Holland wants to be a high school counselor in a small school, where he can get to know the kids and make a difference. He too, is attending U of P.
I guess they don't get to old enough to brag about.I wish I could fit in their suitcases and show up on a snowing afternoon to let them know that I am watching and that I am proud of them.
Like the Mortenson family, I am cheering!

That Saved A Wretch Like Me

Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound
That Saved a Wretch Like Me.
I Once Once Lost, But Now Am Found
Was Blind But Now I See.

I went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Pioneer Concert last night and celebrated 100 Years Of Recording History. The Tab has been on the cutting edge of recording technology, and it was fun to see how the Choir has been on the forefront of the changes.

More enjoyable, however, was the music itself. They same some old standards, but I enjoyed the "Signature" songs of the Hallelujah Chorus and The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Standing ovation!!.

However, I have come to love their verson of Amazing Grace. Actually, I have come to love many version of that song. I could never sing it cause I could never get past the first few words without breaking into tears. And I don't mean those little tears I am famous for. This is down-right bawling. Happened last night. Good thing the room is dark.

"The Lord has promised good to me ... His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be ... As long as life endures.

I have had a couple of rough years, however, I have been touched by His Amazing Grace, and His Atonement will succor me.

Love affair with water

I don't normally listen to Country-Western music -- usually in the middle of Utah. That's when I heard a fun song about water. Don't know who sang it, but it started out that when he was six, his Dad had a blow-up pool That began his love affair with water. Most of the rest of the song deals with college break, bikinis, girls, and how all this is part of his love affair with water.
I enjoy water myself. Not for the bikinis and girls, but the relaxation it brings. The last two weekends I spent on the water.
July 3 I spent the morning at a small reservoir in Ogden Canyon. Causey Reservoir. It is a pretty little lake, three inlets, COLD water and steep sides. the area kids love to cliff jump. And it is a hoot to watch. The wind is predictable at Causey as well. After I blow up my rubber raft, I have to paddle against the wind blowing up-canyon. I found a little alcove, took in some sodas and breakfast. About noon I paddled across the lake to watch the kids talk themselves into jumping off the cliffs. I enjoyed lunch in a shady little spot. Then it is time to paddle back to shore and go home. AND, like clockwork, the wind is now blowing down-canyon. I am again paddling against the wind. Good thing I wasn't in a hurry.
Last weekend I was at Gunnison Bend Reservoir just outside of Delta Utah. It is the last lake on the Sevier River. Dirty, shallow, muddy, it is a great place to water ski and ride wave runners. I had no real desire to get into the water. But, in my rubber raft, I get to rock back and forth as the power boats create waves to enjoy. No need to paddle, the waves keep me going back to shore. I just need to stay away from the boat ramp.
Different scenario, but same result. I am relaxed and ready for a new week. I love the water.

Not for internet

I have pulled the previous blog that sat in this site,  as any apparent celebration of the demise of a sacred union ought not be posted for the whole world to see. If you saw, I apologize. If you haven't, Ive dodged a bullet.