Heading to Utah

I spent several weeks in February in Utah helping out with my Dad. Since I was driving down, I decided to take a detour (shock) and check out a spot I had read about recently in a book titled "The Big Burn" (I highly tout this book). It tells the story of one of the greatest forest fires in U.S. history, if not the greatest, and, as a sub-plot, the story of Ed Pulaski. Ed saved the lives of many firefighters by hiding them in an old mine shaft (see picture). The Forest Service has recently completed a new memorial trail to Pulaski near Wallace, Idaho (which was burned to the ground in the fire). The trail ends at the actual mine shaft. The memorial and trail are very well done - check it out after reading the book! This is a great break idea for that drive to Utah if you are going the Montana route.

More Recent Reads

As I read several books at the same time, and go back and forth, the sign of a book I like, of course, is one that doesn't get pushed to the bottom of the pile. A trio of good books here that I pretty much stayed with until I was finished. If you are a Grisham fan, this one is "right on" his genre and a page turner. I also like to read about ordinary people faced with extraordinary circumstances and The Big Burn fits the bill. It also took place right in our Northwest backyard in territory I have driven over many times. I had read the roadside historical sign about the "big burn" of 1910 going over Lookout Pass into Montana on I-90, but there was so much more to it - I loved this book. If you are fascinated by the landscapes of Arizona, as I am, the final book is a nice addition to any library. It helped that I had already visited most of the spots, although I have one new one to check out when we head to that part of the country again. 

Eli and His Great-Uncle Eric

St. George Snow Bird Trial

We decided to give St. George a try for a modified "snow bird trial run" during January and actually found it to be a very nice experience. There were some issues with leaving one's home, friends, and church for such a long period of time, but there are many things that we found to be enjoyable as well. St. George is a beautiful peaceful place, although the traffic and growth might change that in the long run. It was a little colder and wetter than we expected, but the clear sunny mornings were a delight. We made some quick new friends and seeing old friends and family that have relocated there was a nice bonus. The house we rented was better than expected, with a great view of the valley below and close to everything that we needed in the way of shopping. We enjoyed going to movies, working on family history, not having the phone ring, eating out, Amy's visit, some nice side trips, local museums, quilting, the local Costco, going to the temple, and the red rock. Definitely a keeper. Our housemates (the Merrill's) were also better than expected (joke). Some side notes: I am now addicted to HD cable and am going to have to upgrade. KR has now been to the John Wayne heartland (Monument Valley and Gould's Trading Post. And Navajo National Monument, near Kayenta, Arizona, is one of the most beautiful places on this planet (see the picture of the Betatakin Valley below). The main cliff dwelling there is simply awe-inspiring. 

Henry Jason Anderton

It was a big day for Mark & Laurel. Here are the first pictures. The ones of Eva & Isaac are on the way to the hospital.

Haiku For Jon

Found this in the Washington State Bar Journal of all places:

         in restroom visit
         take care - iPhone, Blackberry
         not good in water

                   ---- Michael Heatherly

Raindrops on Strudel and Whiskers on Ponies, Or Something Like That...

You know how you get those once-a-year type things on Christmas, like in your stocking, that are some of your favorite things? And they usually are feel-good items from somewhere in your past or possibly your pre-mortal life? For some reason, these are a few of my favorite things...give one a try if you run across them! What are some of your favorite things?

St. George Reads

Finishing some half-read books while watching KR quilt. I would very much recommend The Great Bridge - a classic David McCullough filled with the story of building the New York-Brooklyn Bridge from 1869-1883. But, all you family members, please find and read To the Limit of Endurance by Peter Owen. My maternal grandfather, Robert Earl Boyer, was a U.S. Marine in WWI. He served in the 78th Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment (or the 2\6), which battalion was in the middle of the heaviest fighting by the American Expeditionary Force from June 1918 until the Armistice in November 1918. This book is about his Company (about 250 men) and the larger 2nd Battalion (around 1000 men in all) from their training at Quantico, until they came home in 1919. The unit suffered 180% casualties during that period (the dead and wounded were replaced during the period). All but a handful of the original 250 in the 78th were killed, wounded, or incapacitated by mustard gas. One of the handful was Robert Earl.

Miniarms Financial Tip of the Week

The easiest way to double your money is to fold it and put it in your pocket.

                          ...Matt Dillon, Gunsmoke

        

Ham, Hawk & Beans

For a delicious change of pace on Sunday afternoon after Church, I suggest an old family recipe - Ham, Hawk & Beans. Comfort food at its best. Many people will tell you to soak your beans first. I never do. I just wash them and cook them as below. For a really hearty winter meal, serve with a loaf of hot fresh bread or a pan of warm corn bread.


Ingredients:


1 Bag Dry Beans (my favorite is a 15-bean mix)
1 Lb. of Ham, Cut in Irregular Chunks
1 Large Hawk
1 Large Onion, Chopped
6 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
1 Large Bay Leaf
1 Tablespoon of Oregano
1 Tablespoon of Pepper
   Salt to Taste

1. Wash beans and remove all gravel and such. 2. Place beans, ham, onions, and garlic in a large pot filled with 15 cups of water. 3. Add spices. 4. Bring to a boil. 5. Throw in hawk. 6. Simmer on med-low heat fo 4-5 hours, adding more water as needed. 7. Remove hawk when it is tender and falling apart. Allow it to cool so it can be handled. Pick as many of the feathers off as possible (we would not want feather balls in the throat). Pick off the meat and add back to the soup. Cut off the head and claws for soup garnishment when serving. 8. Cook on low for another 20 minutes and serve. Watch the kids fight over the head!

(There is a story behind this post and it was done for a reason - just for those who don't know the story and might otherwise think I am even more weird than I really am.)

Couldn't Resist

Like his mother, I couldn't resist putting up this recent picture of Eli. A real charmer.

Anderton New Year's Party

On our way to Utah for our snow bird "trial run", we made a stop in Morgan for an Anderton New Year's Day Bash and had a great time seeing family and letting two generations of cousins romp around for a few hours. Aren't families great? Mom and Dad are now 84 and 85!

2009 In Review

It has been quite a year for the Wenatchee Anderton Clan. Lots of good things to be thankful for and we hope that all of you daily thank your Heavenly Father for the blessings He showers upon us. And we thank all of you for the good decisions, prayers, and hard work you contribute to the progress of all members of our family. Just think of what has happened in the last 12 months. Mom has a nice new car she REALLY likes. I have been able to travel to Utah (11 TIMES!!) to help care for my Mom and Dad and visit family. Jon graduated from his Merrill Lynch program and is now an official big shot. Both Jon and Cher continue to chip away at their class list for further college degrees (Mom and I will ALWAYS heartily support the desire of ANYONE to further their knowledge and education). Will was baptized a member of the Church. Mark & Laurel bought and moved into a new home AND got the surprise of their lives with the addition of a triplet. Mike graduated with a degree in a field he enjoys AND found a great job he likes during a time of tough job hunting. Mike and Amy bought and moved into a new home. M&M settled into their new home and city, and have been introduced to life's greatest joy and challenge (at the same time) as new parents. Katie was rewarded with the Fast Track and can see the end of her college degree on the horizon, has a nice new car, and a nicer new Love. Whew - it takes your breath away! We pray that 2010 will be as good to us.