SpringTime 2011

New Home in the Mountains

2011-04-18T06:48:00.001-07:00

November 2010 was move in month. We built a new home in the picturesque mountains of Utah. After six months of construction we began the process of settling into life outside of a hotel and it was grand.

This was then and it is now April 2011 with spring popping out everywhere. The best part is we are near family including some of our grand kids. Of the ten, seven have come to visit already. We've had sleep overs, dinners and movie nights with lots of Old Maid games and Talking Carl or Fruit Ninja.

Soon we expect to be serving in the Temple in Lima Peru where we visited in 2007 with this group tour. On Sunday April 17th we completed the final interview with our leaders in preparation for an official calling. Within a few weeks it will be known if we are really going there or if we are needed in another location anywhere in the world.

We are learning Spanish just to get a jump on the language but if we're assigned to Russia or Italy we'll learn that one. Preparation for change helps with the adjustments that always come. Good friends and family are so supportive so we are doing our best to be ready. Once we know for certain we will post it here and then we'll chronicle our experiences here.

Trips and Celebrations in February

2010-03-17T12:59:00.001-07:00

Traveling can be great fun. Some like the take-offs and some like the landings.

Traveling to see family and friends is the best but seeing history and nature is also rewarding.

Before you leave, check for ice on your petals.

Or, just be sure you have enough light to see.

Ground travel helps us see the really historical places, like this Temple in St. George built in 1870

Not to mention the new bridge over the Colorado nearing completion within the next two years.

Monument Valley retains its grandeur year round along with the San Juan river snaking its way back and forth in the intense wind of the Southeast Deserts of Utah. It reminds us of all those people who came here before and helped us so we could live easier more productive lives.

Commonly known as the Left Glove, these giants remind us we're not the first to be here.

Travels can remind us of others who paved the way, no matter what part of life we experience. Hot Rod Huntley received his thanks as the Jazz continue to show their stuff.

Most importantly of all was to travel to be with Lizzy and her family for her baptism. We love you so very much Lizzy. Being sealed Eternally is what we all seek. I think being part of your life is just as important as anything Lizzy. You are an important part of everything you do.

Aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, friends all came to see you and share your commitment to Heavenly Father and be called by His name.

Teresa and Nate Carstens Wedding

2010-03-08T12:34:00.002-07:00

On Friday March 5th, we flew north over the Grand Canyon to Spokane WA and drove to Richland WA to be with Teresa and Nate for their Wedding. Teresa and Nate met in Richland after Nate took a job there with a nuclear engineering firm. Nate had completed his doctorate from MIT. Their first meeting was two years ago. Teresa is the oldest of three Akers and Nate is the oldest and youngest in his family. Friends joined with family for a dinner on Friday before the wedding the next day.

Saturday morning we all awoke in the beautiful spot on the Columbia River to enjoy breakfast and a long walk before donning our Sunday best for the 2:30 wedding that afternoon. It was held in the Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland. A lovely sight for a wedding. Family and friends gathered from near and far to enjoy the ceremony and reception following.

At an appropriate point in the ceremony Teresa's flower girl niece became a tad bored at the lack of direct personal attention and decided to relax, then lay full out then to whimper as the vows seemed to ignore her and proceed as though planned for others. The scene is more aptly described in pictorial form above.

Proud family smiled for the camera following the ceremony. There were smiles ranging from large to budding on the faces of Claudia, Kila Benge (Nate's cousin), Beverly and Bruce (aunt and uncle).

The setting of the reception was adjacent to the hotel facing east to the River. Large paned glass cast afternoon sunbeams on the party. We enjoyed an extremely well selected course of Hors d'œuvres accompanied with both spirited and non-spirited beverages. Hors d' oeuvres (pronounced /ɔrˈdɜrv/; French: [ɔʁˈdœvʁ] literally "apart from the main work") or appetizers are food items served before the main courses of a meal. The French (singular and plural) is hors d'œuvre; in English, the œ ligature is usually replaced by the 2-letter sequence "oe" with the plural often written as "hors d'oeuvres" and pronounced /ɔrˈdɜrv/. There are several related terms, such as a one-bite appetizer, as an amuse-bouche....or others. And they were lovely.

Following this usual brief interlude for pictures, we had a lovely dinner catered by Nate's aunt and her two daughters Heather and Melanie. They did their work with magnificence. Menus adorned the finely decorated round tables

Nate's family and Linda's care giver were all able to attend. We were so happy to see them all.

Teresa had prepared every detail and Nate did the gentleman's dance practice so very well and then performed it with precision. You may even see him counting the steps with his lips.

The new Father-in-Law David did likewise as he was ever gracious with Teresa

Finally the happy new family finally getting a chance for some nourishment with the setting sun lighting the beautiful park and river bank.

Cake cutting time. Nothing too messy but certainly delicious. We had at least three choices of cake along plus cookies and candy. Sweet !

In addition to all the good food, it was a night for dancing and shoes. This pair was the hit of the night.

David and his life long friend Chow.

Let me present the Carstens Siblings Beverly Benge, David, Claudia Simmons

The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The river rises in the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, Canada, flows northwest and then south into the U.S. state of Washington, then turns west to form most of the border between Washington and the state of Oregon before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The river is 1,243 miles (2,000 km) long, and its largest tributary is the Snake River. Its drainage basin is roughly the size of France and extends into seven U.S. states and a Canadian province.

Our lovely home away from home looking east. Very nice place to stay

As we drove to Spokane on Sunday, we enjoyed the sights of a crop duster. I even encouraged Claudia to get closer as he did each pass on this field but she declined. At one pass I could count the rivets on his underside.

Later on Sunday we passed over Sedona shining through the thunder clouds as we approached the airport and home. The colors were exquisite.

Fini

Merry Christmas to You !!

2009-12-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

Bougainvillea leaves bear the Christmas colors cradling the flower inside.

Some feel they are too plentiful, but can such color ever be too much?

The Japanese nurture them as Bonsai

If the snow gets too deep let us know. We can escape to our flat in Jamaica. Lots of Bougainvillea there too.

Christmas is a holiday for friends,

However they may be, or not, related.

Remember that the Three Wise Kings were strangers

In search of one remote, uncanny dream

So may we all be far more than we seem,

Together bound for dark and haunting changes,

Lovelier for the loves we have created

Along the lonely paths from means to ends,

Stumbling towards that Star of Bethlehem!

2009

Thanksgiving - 2009

2009-11-21T19:50:00.002-07:00

Today is November 21st and its been an entire year since I got a jump re-start and my dear cardiologist installed the latest service pack thus allowing me to stay around to enjoy my family. Words don't express my love for all of you. I hope these pictures of our loved ones tell you how much they mean to me and to Claudia. To each of you I owe my deep thanks for your love and thoughtfulness. We've been a lot of places this year so we could spend time with immediate and extended family. Now is the time.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving and remember I love you all very much.
Dad, Grandpa, Max

So, what did we do this year?
For six weeks this summer was spent fun times in the cool country north of Arizona. Montana and Utah were delightful. We got to spend time with each member of our family. From Nancy & John in Billings to Peggy & Tim we mooched much food and fun. They were all fun to see and talk with. We played as much as possible. The Boys - Jeff and Mike - and their families were in Utah where we played on the golf course or the swimming pool and enjoyed great food thanks mostly to Jill with the help of Beth and Claudia. We are proud of each of our children and each of their kids.

On Halloween we arrived in France to spend two weeks seeing and doing as much as possible. We had been in Italy for more than a week already so our travels were gearing up to full time. We saw Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Milan and Como in Italy. Driving north from Rome we stopped along the way whenever we were inspired by hunger, pit stops, fruit stands or were tired. The beauty we experienced was better than pictures can ever show. So much good food and history to see with our own eyes was very fulfilling. Fall is the time to travel. No traffic (ha) generally and no lines. The colors were vibrant and so beautiful. Italy was more 'early fall' while France was about two weeks more 'later fall'. I put a full blog together on just the travels. If you haven't seen it the name is Europe 2009. (Look to the right for a link)

History is so abundant in these two countries. The Romans immortality seemed out of reach before but now it is right there to witness and read about. All of Italy welcomed travelers so openly. Lake Como is something else to see and feel. Located just north of Milan it surrounds a series of finger lakes. Houses run from the hills down to the water on each of the lakes. Roads are narrow but very adequate. Our little Peugeot wagon was a gem. Ferries await to carry you from one side to the other in many places. In general, Italy is agricultural and rural but towns dot the map and vineyards cover every foot, even on the hillsides.

France was full of beauty and history. Comprehending it was difficult to take in, in a short time. Paris was elegant and wonderful. Normandy has always been emotionally embedded and I've read so much about it that to actually be there was a little unreal. But finally I got to be there and as a bonus it was with some of my favorite people. We greatly missed those that were missing. The French people were friendly and wonderful without question. This is such a beautifully green and lush country. Cheese and bread is everywhere good. My buddy Austin and I went to the bakery daily for our baguette. They were baked fresh every hour. I miss those treks with him.

Prices for hotels were down and the hospitality was genuine and helpful everywhere. English speakers abounded. When you go, be sure to take your camera so you can relive the beauty. Visit the blog on our travels if you like. http://travelswithsimmons.blogspot.com

On The Run

2009-10-25T13:25:00.001-07:00

Saturday was filled with seeing most of the sites in Rome including
these Spanish Steps. Piazzas everywhere. The Italian food is good
all the time.

Visit to the Vatican - Friday Oct 23rd

2009-10-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

And we're off

2009-10-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Claudia loves to go but not the flying part

Future drivers

2009-10-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

Is Austin giving Rachel driving tips. You go BOY.

Tuesday in Tucson

2009-10-13T21:08:00.001-07:00

Our meetings got an early start with Claudia and me playing the day at
Ventana Resort. Not the best round we'd played but we did enjoy the
walking....cart path only. Tucson is in the distance.

Self imposed time out

2009-10-13T08:16:00.001-07:00

There comes a time when you need reflection and recovery , eh Austin?

Frogman Jake

2009-10-13T08:13:00.001-07:00

This little man loves the water

2009-09-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

Our chapel is much like yours but in the desert it is nestled into an adjacent hill. Three wards meet there using the overlapping block system of 9am,11am,1pm. Since our ward meets at 1:00pm no wards follow and we hold Priesthood meeting last and in the chapel. Music in PH meeting has always been delegated to the Aaronic Priesthood members to lead. Seldom did we ever have accompaniment.

Then we exchanged our old organ for a new more adaptable one. The deacons soon found a way to use the organ on automatic mode. To every one's surprise one young man perched himself at the organ prior to the opening hymn of priesthood meeting. Much like using an iPod, he played a introduction followed by the full hymn. What we heard was a melodious and 'normal' sound as notes were magically produced. I looked to see who on earth was playing. It appeared as though no one sat there, then a brim of this deacon's head appeared. We were all stunned,,,,and delighted at their ingenuity. I reached for my iPhone and took this picture just to recall this cheerful event for later.

2009-09-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

During the weeks since returning to the desert we found a mother Bobcat and her twin cubs had taken up residence in our backyard. The kittens are darling and the mother is not small. She has been seen several times and the kits drink from our front fountains. We don't pet them folks...there are still wild animals so we don't approach or let them know we see them.

The mother was seen walking the wall near our house looking for goodies for the kids. Rabbits and snakes are great protein.

The kittens played in the water falls at our front door while we watched. Claudia spotted them as Bobcats while I didn't immediately realize what we were looking at. One lay down near the front door acting like a sprawling house cat preening itself while the other sauntered off soon to be followed by the other.

2009-09-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Our hard play paid off as we cashed in our chits for 'stuff '.

Next the park on the north east side of town called our names and we came running. More play especially on this climbing gym, slide and plenty of rocks. We love rocks say Parker and Austin.

Double sliding is the best. Think of all that slide power when we go down it together say Parker and Austin.

Summer Fun

2009-09-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

In late August we got to spend a whole day with Austin, Lizzy and Parker playing and talking. This was a special treat for Claudia and me because we would not see these little souls for a while, moving to France was looming within a week. Boondocks in south Draper afforded us the start. I liked it but I think Claudia would have a hard time living there. Miniature golf then lunch then the arcade tested our skills but these three are ready for fun. We need more of them in our life.

Will lunch ever be delivered say Lizzy and Parker?

I wonder too says Austin !

Perhaps we can pass the time playing with the iPhone apps...lots of things for us to do here.

Summertime Fun and Travels

2009-09-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

On July 8th, we packed up our Tahoe with all the things we would need for a couple of months away from home and headed north. Surprisingly, we didn't leave too much behind other than more long pants for me while out of the desert. It seems the nights are cooler up north. Our day was a grand one as we drove to Flaggstaff and on north through Page and into Utah. By nightfall we reached our destination in SLC. July 8th was great. On the 9th, we got somewhat organized, called family members in town and did some looking for housing in Utah. Our son Mike was working in Europe but was set to be home in a week. Jill and the kids were in ND to see the Reese grandparents so we held down their place. We celebrated Austin's 3rd Birthday along with the reception for Emily and Joe from Beth's family who came in for the week.

Of course we had to hit the links and swim with all the kids.

Beth, Jeff - Caroline and Rachel. What's with the Tat?

Austin loves birthdays more than most. He sang happy birthday to everyone for the following week.

After we had spent two weeks in Utah, it was off to Montana where we enjoyed the high mountain spendor, family and many friends. Montana is never complete without a stop in Peggy's birthplace, Butte. Too much history to ignore.

Jake loves to ride the mower with Max only after he has swathed about 100 acres with his Dad - Tim.

One blistful morning we spent moving cattle to a different grazing pasture. Tim and Peg do great work together.

Montana - High Wide Handsome

The last week back in Utah joining with Max's siblings and their families was worth it for sure. This is the "Guess the Crome Dome Contest"

Some of the Fab 50 who attended. Some young and some younger.

Mike & Jill - Peg and Tim

enjoying the great mountain calm of Utah

President Comes to Town

2009-05-17T10:03:00.001-07:00

Pres Obama came to town this week to speak at the ASU commencement. Standing in the east economy garage I tracked Air Force One as it approached then touched down. He gave a good speech and encouraged the graduates to learn and grow above themselves. We watched the speech live from Sun Devil Stadium as those in attendance there endured the 100 degree heat for hours prior to the actual speech. At precisely 5:52 the plane touched down. Everything was punctual, timely and efficient other than the stadium ran out of bottled water half way through the wait period and had to scramble. Note the last photo is a short video.

Capital Tour

2009-05-17T09:47:00.001-07:00

While in Alexandria, we had a guided tour of the Capital Building thanks to Emily and her fiance Joe Lambert. It was an historic time to take these kids there for their first visit. So many things to learn that it will take many visits to digest it all with them. We walked the Mall the next day in the rain, visiting the Korean War Memorial where the US lost 36,940 young men and women; the Lincoln Memorial where we stood by the larger than life replicas of men engaged in war. The children can hardly be aware of the shoulders they stand upon but one this is certain, they have to know it sometime to acquire the knowledge needed to avoid repeating the mistakes other paid so dearly to teach.

Grandkids

2009-05-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

We're venturing out more, assured by the strength of rehab and good cardio care. The winter was spent close to home but have now been out a couple of times to visit our grandkids and their parents. We don't want to be completely invisible to them even though we're far away. In April we were invited to Grandparents day at Lizzy's school. What a treat. Then in early May we were invited to Caroline's baptism in Alexandria VA. Each was a grand and happy time.

Grandkids on the grow

2009-05-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

Its been six months with little input here so you get it in one dose this time. Spring was spent rehabing from a heart attack. Doing much better with less girth and weight. The great folks at cardio rehab are the best. We stayed home most of the winter since the weather is too good to exchange for snow, then in April we went to SLC for meetings and family visits. We'll do the same in late June and try to escape the heat of AZ most of the summer

2008-12-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

Some of the fun we all enjoyed in 2008. More fun to follow in 2009

2008-11-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

Everyone is back together and Lizzy starts school in Salt Lake City. Don't they look tanned?

2008-11-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

Bill is making progress. Austin is concerned.

Daily life for Austin and Max

2008-11-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

2008-11-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Later that week we found a little cottage for a winter home in Olympus Cove. What a view. We're just needing a few more sponsors before we can close on it.

2008-11-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

That same day we had dinner with my brother Dale and his son Darrell who came to SLC where another of my brothers Bill is hospitalized still. We had a great visit together.

2008-11-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

Nov 7, we spent 10 full days with Austin while the others enjoyed the sunny beaches of the Ucatan. His expression likely reflects the acceptance of us in lieu of his family. He was such a trooper sleeping, eating and being happy.

Our Buddy - Austin

2008-11-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Lizzy, Parker, Austin

2008-11-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

Austin and his ice cream

2008-11-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Labor Day

2008-09-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Max & Claudia with Tom & Kathy in the midst of a grand old estate in Palo Alto area. Flowers and rolling lawns abounded in a property managed by the California Conservation group.
Yosemite is marvelous spectical secluded in the East Central border of California. From this point the views of the entire landscape are visible on the horizon as well as the valley floor a mile below. Take a parachute if you plan to jump and there is nothing to break your fall.
Our last family picture with Claudia's Mom, Ruth in 2005. All the little guys and gals have sprouted up.

Roots of a Giant California Redwood below the trunk. Awesome !!

Tim and Peggy just before their wedding. On Friday September 5th, they will celebrate their 5th anniversary. Congratulations to you both. We hope you survive Jake.

Uncle Ed

2008-08-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

South Rouse House

2008-08-13T16:28:00.001-07:00

Palisade Falls

2008-08-13T16:28:00.000-07:00

A full Day

2008-08-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

Tarheel beauty

2008-08-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

Question that stuff

2008-08-13T16:25:00.001-07:00

Family picnic

2008-08-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

Smores

2008-08-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

Mountain man

2008-08-13T16:23:00.001-07:00

Da boyz

2008-08-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

Montana Magic

2008-08-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

....eeek a blonde

2008-08-13T16:21:00.001-07:00

Headgear

2008-08-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

Power breakfast

2008-08-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

Future mermaid

2008-08-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

It just takes two

2008-08-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

I've really been good

2008-08-13T16:14:00.001-07:00

Olympian

2008-08-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

It's not ready yet

2008-08-13T16:13:00.001-07:00

Sugar

2008-08-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

Man talk

2008-08-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

My turn

2008-08-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

How did I do?

2008-08-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

As of 2008 less a couple of sleeping boys

2008-08-13T16:09:00.001-07:00

It's the Wada

2008-08-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

Time for Church

2008-08-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

YOUUU

2008-08-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

This is GOOD

2008-08-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

Swabbies

2008-08-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

River Runners 2008

2008-08-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

On The Madison

2008-08-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Jake and Austin racing

2008-08-13T15:57:00.001-07:00

Big Sky Fun

2008-08-13T15:57:00.000-07:00