SALMON RUN

BLESSING PHOENIX

2011-08-22T21:40:00.004-06:00

On Sunday August 21st Phoenix Elise Alvarez was blessed by her father Paul.

FATHER AND CHILDREN CAMPOUT

2011-08-22T21:29:00.003-06:00

David has to speak out at the stake Father and children's camp out Friday night (formerly father and sons). He took Benjamin out for Friday night only. It was a dusty trip. Ben liked to wander around. We don't know exactly how many marshmallows he ate.

JURASSIC FOREST

2011-05-23T14:26:00.005-06:00

On the May long weekend we went with Heather and Paul's family Saturday to an attraction about 45 minutes north of Edmonton. It is a dinosaur park with various displays, animatronic dinosaurs, fossils etc. Is is called Jurassic Forest.

At the entrance gate

Riding a dinosaur

Uncovering a fossil

The scariest creatures of all

Lauryn's baptism

2011-01-09T21:26:00.004-07:00

We were excited to go to Edmonton January 8th 2011 for Lauryn's baptism. Paul baptised Lauryn on what was a cold and windy day.

HARVARD DAD AND MOM

2010-06-16T15:02:00.005-06:00

We can now say that we are a Harvard Dad and a Harvard Mom. They sell hats, t-shirts, coats, sweatshirts, etc. with those phrases on. We both have some Harvard clothing

Joanne graduated with a Masters in Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. The commencement exercises were held on Thursday the 28th of May.

It is a big event in Cambridge. It is also very traditional. The main event for all graduates of Harvard takes place in Harvard Yard where there are thousands of chairs set up on the grass and under the trees. Here is a photo taken the night before the event of some of the chairs, and banners with the stage way off in the distance.

The chairs go into surrounding open areas that connect but do not even have a view of the stage or graduates. The following was another photo taken the night before. This section was where we ended up sitting - at least when we first arrived.

The graduates marched in and took places for them reserved at the front. There were about 7600 candidates receiving degrees -1800 undergraduates (bachelors) and 5800 graduates (Masters and Doctors). Here is a photo of some of the graduates - impossible to get them all in one photo.

The exercises were open and closed by the town sheriff in traditional garb banging a staff on the stage and bellowing (he certainly didn't need a mic). There were several speeches - one entirely in Latin (there was a translation in the program) and they awarded 15 honourary degrees - one to Meryl Streep. Here is Meryl's picture taken about 500 yards away.

Fortunately they did not read each individual's name. Each faculty was introduced en masse and degrees conferred on the group together as they stood. Each faculty tried to outdo the other with something unique for the class. Education had blow up globes which they threw around, dentists had signs with big toothy smiles, medical doctors had yellow stethoscopes around their necks and the faculty of design had miniature Lego structures clipped onto their mortar board hats. Joanne's faculty had sport bands.

After the morning ceremonies we took buses over to the School of Public Health for the actual ceremony for Joanne's class. They of course were each individually introduced and had the opportunity to walk across the stage in an outdoor tent and receive their degree.

Here is Joanne before the ceremony.

Joanne waiting as the rest of her class files in.

After the ceremonies there was a reception with food and refreshments inside the school. We took the opportunity to take another picture of Joanne inside the school.

Joanne's class was a very international class with students from all over the world. They had flags of every nation represented by graduates and we were proud to take a photo in front of the Canadian flag.

PEDAL HARP

2010-06-15T10:37:00.005-06:00

Alita has been playing the harp for a number of years now. Initially we rented a harp from her harp teacher when she started taking lessons. It was a lever harp (Celtic). We then had a lever harp made for Alita by a man who lives out by Bragg Creek. Alita had some input in the design of the harp and it has been a wonderful instrument. Alita has used that harp for several years.

Alita changed harp teachers to a lady who is the harpist for the Calgary Philharmonic. Alita has improved her skill and ability substantially. Alita's harp teacher has recommended that Alita obtain a pedal harp so she can further advance her skills. We have for the past year or so been actively looking at different harps and deciding what is best to get. There are only a limited number of harp manufacturers in the world. Based on Alita's teacher's advice and our own research we decided to obtain a Lyon and Healy harp in Chicago. We decided on the Style 85 Concert Grand which is used quite often in orchestras.

We were in Chicago for Scott's graduation and Alita's birthday in the middle of May. We had scheduled a time to meet with a lady from Indiana who flew to Chicago to help in the selection of the harp. We had made arrangements through Vanderbilt Music in Indiana to obtain a harp. On May 17th we went to Lyon and Healy's factory and showrooms in Chicago and Alita was able to select her harp. Afterwards we took a tour of the harp factory and were able to see how they manufacture the harps. It was very interesting and informative tour. They did not allow us to take photos in the factory.

It was with great anticipation that Alita waited for the arrival of her harp at our home in Calgary. It arrived on the same day as her graduation and she wanted to stay home to be with the harp rather that go to the graduation. She has got it tuned and loves it although we had two strings break the first couple of days (probably a humidity issue).

Following are a series of photos relating to the harp:

Lyon and Healy have been manufacturing harps for over 120 years. They presently occupy this building that they have been in for 75 years. There is a recital/concert hall on the top floor of the building which overlooks downtown Chicago. It has a great view of the skyline. The showroom is also on the top floor with the factory taking up all of the second, third and fourth floors.

Alita in the reception area.

In the showroom playing the various harps and choosing the one that sounds the best.

The choice has been narrowed down to two harps. They moved them into another room so Alita could play them side by side and choose the best one.

Alita's choice arrived at Edenwold Place June 9th. She was very excited.

ALITA'S GRADUATION

2010-06-14T07:14:00.004-06:00

Alita had her grade 9 graduation at Senator Patrick Burns Junior High School this past week. They had the students walk across the stage as they introduced them and then walk to their places. They had a short program with a class video and a couple of short speeches. They then adjourned for a reception. After the reception the parents were asked to leave and the students stayed for a dance.

SPRING LEAGUE BASKETBALL

2010-06-13T21:34:00.004-06:00

Alita finished her spring league basketball yesterday. Her team won the gold medal against a team from the Tsuu Tina Indian Reserve. Alita enjoyed playing on the team as it was coached by David Turner who is the YM President in our ward. Also 7 of the 11 girls on the team were members of the church. On Friday night we had the team over for a party at our place. 10 of the girls were here and they had a great time eating, dancing and playing games. Here are a few photos taken yesterday during and after the game.

TO THE ZOO

2010-04-25T15:42:00.005-06:00

On Saturday while Linda and Heather went to the stake Women's conference at the West Stake Centre and while Angie and Paul went to the Comic show at the BMO center, Alita and David took Eva, Lauryn, Enoch and Reina to the Calgary Zoo. It now costs to park. That added to the entrance fee makes it a costly venture so they stayed for a long time - until it clouded over and started to snow.

On the mini elephants

On the lion

With the mother kangaroo

In the pouch

As it was Earth Day this past week the children
were encouraged to write a message to Mother Earth

Here are some of the animals seen:

ALITA'S BASKETBALL

2010-03-07T09:37:00.005-07:00

Alita's school basketball ended a week ago and her senior girl's school team from Senator Patrick Burns won the division championship.

Alita has also been playing on a community team, the Edgemont Midget Girls A team, since last September. The team finished the playoffs yesterday by winning the bronze medal. Unfortunately only the gold and silver medal winners go to the provincials in Edmonton.

DAVID'S NEW OFFICE

2009-12-09T21:13:00.004-07:00

David's office lease came due at the end of July 2009 and so he moved his office into Iveagh House. This is the eastern tower of the Elveden house complex. His office is on the 11th floor of this building.
David's office is a corner office.

Looking west - you can even see the river.

Looking north to Nose Hill.

MOVE TO SHOULDICE

2009-12-08T21:05:00.002-07:00

Mom and Dad moved into the James Shouldice Lodge in October. They are settling in and really enjoy it there.

They bought new recliners for each of them as well as a little fridge for their room.

Mom enjoys doing puzzles. They enjoy the people they have met there - there are some very interesting ones. They help out in the Tuck Shop. They enjoy the food. Generally they are happy and doing well.

DAPPER GROOMSMAN

2009-12-07T21:11:00.004-07:00

Jeff was asked to be one of the groomsman for Pat Gilchrist's wedding.

VISIT FROM GRANDCHILDREN

2009-12-06T08:16:00.006-07:00

Heather, Paul and children were planning to stay in Calgary overnight on the 27th and then head to Raymond for a family baptism. The roads were so bad however and as Heather was sick they stayed at our place in Calgary and they went home on Sunday.

We had American Thanksgiving dinner with them.

We enjoyed having them around for the weekend.

WEATHER II

2009-12-05T18:22:00.003-07:00

We had a snow storm on Friday November 27 that cause massive traffic problems. Then we had a second storm on Monday the 30th of November and a 3rd storm that came on Friday December 4th. It continued into Saturday the 5th. There are cars stuck on residential streets all over the city. The winds were very strong and so the snow drifted. Here is the snow around the Toyota Corolla.

Here are several other photos all taken in our yard.

Between the houses it drifted up to about 2 feet.

The back yard

Weird shaped snow drifts along the fence.

A rabbit had dug a hole in the snow in the back yard and was snuggled inside on Friday night. Here is the hole on Saturday during the day - sorry the rabbit is gone.

WEATHER

2009-12-04T16:51:00.004-07:00

It has turned into a wintry cold day. It started snowing this morning with a strong cold wind from the north. Due to the weather and also that David doesn't sound good he came home early today. David picked up Alita and they got home about 1:30. Here are some photos taken out of our windows and door this afternoon.

It continues to snow and get colder. It will be down to a high temperature Monday of 20 below Celsius.

STURGIS

2009-09-07T20:35:00.003-06:00

In trying to book accommodation in South Dakota on our trip to Nauvoo and Chicago we became aware of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally which takes place the first full week of August every year. Up to 500,000 motorcyclists come from all over North America for a week of races, shows and "to do whatever they want to do or what they can get away with." On the way to Rapid City we drove into Sturgis, the centre of the action. We did not get out of the van but here are two photos taken in town through the van windows.

There were motorcyclists with their Harleys throughout all of western South Dakota. We took a trip along the Needles highway and stopped several times to take photos. Here is what most of the parking areas looked like when we stopped - our van and lots of bikes.

Most of the motorcyclists are older - in there 40's 50's and 60's. It is quite the event and those that we talked to were friendly and outgoing. Many haul their bikes in big trailers behind a truck and just drive them in the area. However we did see lots of motorcyclists on the highways throughout Montana and South Dakota as we drove.

NEW YORK

2009-09-04T14:24:00.006-06:00

Jay was called to the High Council in the Manhattan Stake and asked David to ordain him a High Priest. This gave us an excuse to go to New York in July to visit Emmilene.

We went to the French restaurant "Tout Va Bien" where Jay and Kjerstina used to live. We had a great meal with the Stephens who were in New York.

Linda was still on crutches but managed to limp around New York.

David and Linda went to the broadway musical "Mamma Mia"

We walked to and from church.

Jay and Kjerstina are in the Harlem 1st Ward. This is their church building.

We went to a philharmonic concert in Central Park. The sky clouded over and the concert had to be shortened because of the rain. The fireworks were also cancelled. Here is Emmilene playing with bubbles as we wait for the concert.

GRANDMA'S 84 BIRTHDAY

2009-09-02T22:29:00.004-06:00

Konrad and Diane came to Calgary for Grandma Salmon's birthday. It was Grandma's 84th - eight red and four green candles on the cake.

We met Aubrey Lee for the first time.

Diane cut David's and Konrad's hair.

Konrad cleaning up.

LUND REUNION

2009-07-05T21:15:00.007-06:00

On July 3 which was parade day we went to the Palmer Salmon Stampede breakfast. After we left for Lethbridge for the Lund reunion which was held at the Bullock cabin on Chin lake Friday the 3rd and Saturday the 4th. Here are a few photos from the weekend.

Uncle DeLoss

Eva face painting Enoch

Paul and Alita face painting

Lauryn with her feet in the lake

Eva on the dock

Alita kayaking

In the Bullock's boat

Various relatives on the dock

Heather chasing Reina

The beachfront

Hazel Lund's descendants at the reunion

Joanne conversing with Jim Wood

AT THE ZOO

2009-07-05T20:53:00.003-06:00

Heather, Paul and their four children came to Calgary on July 2nd and we went to the zoo together.

CANADA DAY

2009-07-05T20:32:00.003-06:00

Happy 142nd birthday Canada!

Flag on Davis' front lawn.

It was a sunny beautiful day in Calgary. Joanne, Alita and David went on a short hike up Grotto Canyon to the water fall.

Waterfall with cave in background

Looking from the cave back to Alita on the rocks

They missed the Indian pictographs on the way in but found them on the way back.

In the evening we went to Clyde and Kerri Davis' place for dinner primarily to meet their eldest daughter Laura so she could meet Joanne and see that education and schooling is important and that not all LDS women are married with children by age 22.

JUNE IN REVIEW

2009-06-30T14:52:00.006-06:00

Linda has been in a cast all month. She went to the doctor to get her staples out and was hoping to be given permission to walk with a walking cast. No such luck. The doctor advised that another four weeks with no weight bearing was required. As we are going to New York before that time is up the doctor upon being pressed said he will have her walking in three weeks. Linda is in an air cast that she can take off to shower or bathe but otherwise she wears the cast day and night and is still on crutches. We have two wheel chairs at our house - one a loaner and the other given to us. Linda also scoots around on the main floor hardwood on an old orange steno chair.

We have gone to Costco twice and got one of their electric sitting carts that Linda can ride around on. She ran into a staff member Monday night who was not too pleased with the accident. Notwithstanding the disability we have still been trying to get out and do a few things. We went to the 3rd Ward Family Dance and Pie Night social - Linda wanted to dance and we even thought about trying to have her dance in a wheel chair. We went out to eat with the stake presidency, their wives and Randal Wright. Brother Wright was here to speak at three meetings we held in the stake - an adult fireside, a youth meeting and a YSA meeting. We also have been to two separate wedding receptions in June. Alita had both a grade 6 RCM harp exam in June as well as a harp recital. Joanne is officially a doctor having finished her residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in infectious diseases. Joanne moved back home the last weekend in June for the summer. She moves to Boston in August to attend Harvard to obtain a Master's degree in public health. Jay got called to the Manhattan High Council and so we are going there in July so David can ordain him a high priest. We are going to also see Emmilene who celebrated her first birthday in June and has now started to walk.

ONE BAD SPRAIN - ONE BROKEN LEG

2009-05-31T23:43:00.003-06:00

Linda went for a CAT scan Saturday evening before her operation and they looked at both lower legs. They decided that she didn't break any bones in her left foot. She has an extra bone in her foot like many others which can be mistaken for a break. It is just a bad sprain (don't you like the colour) and hopefully she can put some weight on it in a few days.

The other leg was operated on. They put a plate in and screwed it into place. She then had a cast on it. She will have the stitches out in about ten days.

We thought Linda would come home today (Sunday) but they want to teach her how to use crutches, how to use a walker and also start physiotherapy. She should be home sometime on Monday. Here are three photos taken today (Sunday).

TWO BROKEN LEGS?

2009-05-30T15:13:00.004-06:00

Linda was going down the stairs late Friday afternoon to the basement reading a label on something that she was going to put in the deep freeze. She thought that she had reached the bottom - not true. She stepped out and there wasn't any floor so she took a tumble and heard a tearing and cracking noise in her leg as she fell. We went to the Airdrie Urgent Care Centre Friday evening not wanting to wait at Foothills for hours. They took x-rays and found a bone in her left foot cracked and both tibia and fibula in her right leg broken (she has had previous injuries in the right leg). They sent her to the Peter Lougheed hospital where she was admitted late Friday night (actually early Saturday morning). She is still awaiting the orthopedic specialist's assessment and operation(s) as this is written. She may have to have a separate operation on both legs. She will not get out of the hospital until Sunday. Then we have to figure out how things can get done by a mother and wife who has both legs broken. We will keep you posted.

A tired Linda in the Peter Lougheed Hospital late
Saturday morning waiting for the call to surgery

The way the two legs were bandaged in Airdrie

IL DIVO

2009-05-30T15:12:00.004-06:00

On May 26 we enjoyed an Il Divo concert at the Saddledome. Il Divo is a multinational operatic pop vocal group comprised of 4 male classically trained singers. We had great seats only a few feet from the circular walkway part of the stage. We tried to take photos but the lighting was poor. We have included a few photos here.

Linda in our seats before the concert showing the stage in the background.

About 80% of those present were female. Here is the best looking one.

You can get an idea how close we were especially when
you see the audience up in the first deck. The Saddledome was pretty full.

Carlos shaking the hand of the lady in front of us.

FERNIE

2009-05-24T21:15:00.004-06:00

Bob and Mary Bissett invited us to Fernie BC for the weekend. We went there late Friday afternoon the 22nd of May and came back on the Saturday evening.

Stringam Denecky owns the house and the partners share the time. Bob is one of the partners.

Going down to the stream at the back of the property

We went bike riding and took the rest of these photos during the course of our ride.

GRANDCHILDREN - THE REAL REASON FOR GOING TO UTAH

2009-05-24T21:08:00.004-06:00

ALITA'S Birthday PART 3 - SATURDAY

2009-05-24T20:57:00.002-06:00

On Saturday after an early golf game we attended Alison's soccer game. Alison scored the only goal for her team but it wasn't enough as her team lost.

Alita had her birthday cake - compliments of Diane.

The Lees gave Alita a present - make-up and a carrying case (with a package of Starburst too).

ALITA'S BIRTHDAY PART 2 - SOCCER GAME AND DINNER

2009-05-21T22:26:00.007-06:00

After leaving the Nelsons we drove to Logan to Diane and Konrad's place. Scott, Sue Ann, David and Lydia had arrived from Moroni about twenty minutes before us. It was great to see the grandchildren. We found out that Ross, Karen and some of the family were coming to Logan to watch Lincoln's playoff game - Provo High versus Mountain Crest High. We went to the game and saw Provo lose in overtime.

Provo High team after the loss. Lincoln is number 33.

All the family went to Cafe Sabor in Logan after the game for a birthday dinner for Alita. Here are some of us waiting outside for the others to arrive.

Haley, Alita, Alison and Audrey

Alita on her 14th birthday. The hat was placed on her head for the staff singing.

David also tried the sombrero on.

The free dessert - shared by all.

Back at the Lees to open presents

ALITA'S BIRTHDAY PART 1 - VISITING THE NELSONS

2009-05-21T22:10:00.003-06:00

We left for Utah for the Victoria Day weekend on May 14. Alita turned 14 on the May 15th. We spent Thursday night with the Nelsons (Kjerstina's parents). On Friday morning we took some pictures before we left. KJ may appreciate these more than anyone else.

MOVING JOANNE

2009-04-25T11:50:00.003-06:00

On the Easter weekend we helped Joanne and Dana Stovel move from the house they were renting. We took two loads to Dana's new place, a load to Heather's place, a load to the recycling centre and a load to goodwill. We also brought a load back to Calgary and put it in the bedroom that Joanne will occupy this summer. It is great to still have a big van.

The front of the house with the grandchildren playing in front.

Joanne will stay here until the end of April. She is in Toronto for the month of May and then back to Edmonton for June (staying at Heather's place) . She will then be in Calgary for the summer until she goes to school in Boston in late August.

BASEMENT RENOVATIONS

2009-04-22T15:25:00.002-06:00

We have just about got everything finished in our current ongoing repairs and renovations. Sue Ann's father Lawrence Cook and a friend were up to install cabinets in the basement where we previously had the bar. There are a couple of cupboard doors that need to be redone and the carpet had not been fixed when these photos were taken.

We also had a valance put over the pull down screen in the dance floor area.

We also had a mantle put above the basement fireplace.

JEFF AND MEGAN MOVE

2009-04-22T15:24:00.002-06:00

On Easter Monday we helped Megan and Jeff move from their basement suite to a three bedroom townhouse. This is their new abode.

Jeff and Megan arranged a U-haul as so we were able to get everything in and haul it in one trip.

KISSING STINGRAYS

2009-04-22T15:15:00.002-06:00

While we were at Grand Cayman we visited the sting rays. We only received the photos this week and we each had a photo kissing a sting ray amongst other photos.

LEGO TEMPLE

2009-04-20T22:29:00.001-06:00

I went to the Royal Oak ward for ward conference on Sunday. In the bishop's office there was a replica of the Salt Lake Temple made of Lego. I found out later that one of the counsellors in the bishopric and his family had made it. I thought it was neat and took a photo.

EASTER

2009-04-19T21:16:00.005-06:00

We were in Edmonton for the Easter weekend. We spent time colouring Easter eggs on Good Friday.

One of the first things that happened was Reina knocked over her glass of blue dye and so ended up with a blue foot.

Enoch also made certain he was just like his cousin David. Neither of them bothered to use a spoon or an egg holder. Why do so when you can use your hands. They both had green hands. Here are Enoch`s.

On Saturday we went to a local park to roll Easter eggs.

On Sunday we had the traditonal hunt for the hidden eggs etc.

CAYO LEVANTANDO

2009-04-05T18:27:00.006-06:00

Cayo Levantando is an island off the coast of the Dominican Republic where various cruise ships stop to allow passemgers to spend the day. It is Spanish speaking and part of the Domincan Republic. Here is the island from the ship.

Here is the ship from the island.

Random photos taken on the island.

GRAND CAYMAN

2009-04-05T17:12:00.003-06:00

From a Spanish speaking country where they drive on the right side of the road to the Cayman Islands an English speaking country where they drive on the left was quite a change in one day.

No taxes , perfect weather, English speaking - all advantages to possibly move here to live. Here is one of the houses that we motored by.

We arranged to go on a boat trip to swim with the sting rays and to go snorkelling. It was a lovely day as we motored out.

You get out of the boat and stand on a sand bar in the midst of the sting rays who swim about. You can feed them and touch them. We had our photos taken but not with our camera. When we receive the photos we will post another blog. Alita and Linda took snorkelling gear and snorkelled amongst the rays.

We also motored over to an area where we could go snorkelling. Here are Alita and Linda in the water.
Linda was the last one out of the water.

The roosters and chickens wander about freely in the Caribbean. This one had just walked by a sign with an arrow pointing to KFC.

COZUMEL

2009-04-05T13:41:00.006-06:00

We docked right beside a tall masted sailing vessel in Cozumel.

We then walked into town (San Miguel) and rented a red jeep (standard) to drive around the island. The top folded down and we left it that way. Alita and Joanne sat in the back getting their hair blown in the wind. First we went to the largest Mayan archeological site on Cozumel - San Gervasio. We walked around the site for a couple of hours - several kilometers on various paths and enjoyed the heat. There were lots of iguanas about.

We then drove to the east coast of Cozumel and drove south along the beaches. There were very few people there. It was beautiful to drive along the coast in the sun with the top down and enjoying the waves, wind and sand. We finally stopped for a couple of hours to play in the water and enjoy the beach. We got too much sun.

KEY WEST

2009-04-05T13:28:00.004-06:00

Key West is the most southerly continental US city.

We were taken from the cruise ship by conch train into the centre of town where we caught a taxi and went to church.

Key West branch meetinghouse

Frozen key lime pie dipped in chocolate on a stick.

A downtown street in Key West

SPRING BREAK CRUISE

2009-04-04T16:53:00.007-06:00

Although John, Lindy and their two girls were not able to go with us due to the death of Lindy's grandfather, Alita and Joanne still wanted to go and so the four of us flew to Fort Lauderdale on Friday March 20th. We stayed over night in Fort Lauderdale and then boarded the MSC Orchestra on Saturday. We sailed to Key West, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Cayo Levantado before returning to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday the 28th. We rented a car and drove to Miami where we stayed for one night before flying home on March 29th.

MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line that has just recently started sailing in the Western hemisphere. Announcements were given in five languages and so it was good that we had Joanne with us for the French and Alita for the Spanish.

The MSC Orchestra

The central lobby area of the ship

Lifeboat Drill

Sailing past Cuba

Walking on deck

We ate an early seating. One of the dining room staff, Sergio was interested in Joanne.

Linda ordered nothing for dessert once and received this. (in chocolate)

Another dessert plate received although not ordered:

We visited the midnight buffet.

WEST STAKE ROUND-UP

2009-03-15T21:56:00.004-06:00

Our stake had a dance on Saturday night the 14th of March. It was a western theme and the decorations went right outside the church.

See if you can recognise some of the people that were there.

LYDIA`S BLESSING

2009-01-12T21:33:00.004-07:00

CHICAGO IN OCTOBER

2009-01-12T21:11:00.007-07:00

Scott`s law school
Scott and Sue Ann`s house - they live on the second floor

The bean

33RD WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

2009-01-12T20:59:00.005-07:00

We went to Canmore and stayed in the Blackstone Mountain Lodge for two nights.

HEATHER AND PAUL'S NEW HOME

2009-01-12T20:51:00.005-07:00

A large fenced backyard with three apple trees.

The school is just across the street.

JEFFREY AND MEGAN

2009-01-12T20:22:00.002-07:00

The Proposal
The Engagement
The Wedding
First family photo - married one day

It's blue this time

2008-09-25T17:50:00.004-06:00

Hey I thought I should blog to tell everybody guess what? I broke my wrist again! I don't have any pictures yet but the cast is blue and it supposedly isn't the same injury from when I fell mountain biking. This happened in Basketball Practice (the story isn't as good so I wont tell it), but I broke the same bone, my scaphoid, which the Doctor ''said" was a coincidence but I doubt it; I don't think it ever healed. When I fell in basketball I must have jarred it; so I had it rex-rayed and it is broken for sure this time.

Crazy Things Parents Do

2008-09-04T20:27:00.003-06:00

I'm not blogging about New York there is to much stuff we did for me to blog about; Dad can do it sometime. This happened today:

What the heck is this you may ask? This is the exact thought that came to my head when I saw my mom and Cathy (a really good friend) trying desperately to laugh with out dropping the spoons that were in there mouths. Absolutely amazing isn't it? Not as amazing as as you get older how you can understand people better and relate to them much better than I could at age 13, but the most amazing thing of all is that as you get older you can even understand people with spoons in their mouths (i just can't wait to be able to do that but I'm starting early and practice makes Perfect)
Well is seems to be canning season at our house today (ugh). Jeff's Girl friend Magen from Penticton (PEN-TICK-TONNE) brought us some peaches so we canned those then a few days ago Joanne (my sister) gave us tomatoes so we (I should say they I didn't help) started on the salsa this is Mom and Cathy chopping onions. Now I still haven't answered the question so: SUPPOSEDLY stainless steal stops you from crying I personally can't find the connection but if you do know if this old wives tale has a speck of truth please don't hesitate to leave a comment so I can learn and applied this useful piece of knowledge to my life.

Posted by Alita

Amanda and Reggie Family Dinner

2008-08-10T16:06:00.003-06:00

On Saturday afternoon August 9th, the Royal Oak chapel was the location of a family dinner to celebrate the marriage of Amanda and Reggie. We enjoyed a nice chicken dinner and then had Carly play the violin, Christine Lyons sing, a toast to the bride by Nicolas and a response by Reggie. It concluded with a slide show that was very entertaining and fun.

In the evening a calling reception was held at the Royal Oak Chapel.

Amanda and Reggie's Wedding

2008-08-08T15:19:00.004-06:00

Amanda Ruiz and Reggie Young were married by Bishop Jones at the Tuscany Chapel in Calgary Friday afternoon August 8, 2008.

Week in Montana

2008-08-04T10:40:00.003-06:00

President Stephen and his wife have bought a lot in Montana and built a large cabin on it. They invited us down to visit and we took them up on the opportunity in the middle of July. They have access to Echo Lake as part of the cabin purchase.

They also have a motor boat as well as two new jet skis. Note Jeff in the back of the boat and Alita riding on top of the other two girls on one of the tubes.

We went to church in Bigfork Montana on Sunday. There were 642 at sacrament meeting - mostly visitors. They have over 1000 in attendance on long weekends and don't have anything but sacrament meeting as there is not enough room for classes.

Alita bought a new dress in Kalispell and wore it to church in Bigfork.

Scaphoid injury (A Joanne title)

2008-07-06T14:57:00.005-06:00

For the past week I've been at the Stake YW camp. The theme was SOS (Source of Strength). It was a lot of fun. We went biking, hiking, rappelling (Dad helped out with that) and canoeing and of course the usual injuries (mine happened to be the most major one) this is what the doctors and I think I did.

What happened was on the last day Thursday the 3rd of July it was my groups turn to go biking (I'm having some issues typing with one hand so if there are spelling mistakes sorry I can't help it) I was doing well tell half way where we stopped to take a break at a info lodge in K-country, the leaders asked us if any of us wanted to do some little off roading and go on this extra part . I'd been doing good so far so i thought i could do it (not smart) so far we had been on a paved path through the woods it was really pretty this part you had to go down hill on the highway for a kilometer then onto the trail. So we got on the path it wasn't that hard so I thought i was pro then probably when we were 3 quarters of the way done I was biking beside 3 other girls on a little narrow path and we were going down quite fast and up came a muddy puddle I tried top stop but totally biffed it, but only came out with a bloody knee so it wasn't so bad . By the time I had gotten up all the other girls had continued except Aubrey Zemp who had stopped to see if I was OK. President Steven (aka Tony) and Sister Bachinski brought up the rear of the group stopped to bandage my knee then we continued I was OK but a little shaken from the fall , we came to the top of a very steep, gravely hill I slowly biked down but my bike began to slip and I took my second fall so Tony bandaged my up again (I had gained another gash in my knee ) I then began to complain about my wrist but we continued (I was crying because it hurt my to bike)tell we came to the highway and we had to go 1 kilometer uphill until we found the info lodge. I don't know how I did it probably because Aubrey and Sis.Bachinski encouraging me and Tony's bike kept me laughing because it was constantly squeaking and he kept making jokes about it. Also I'm sure the lord answered my pleading; he made my exhausted legs keep rotating. When we got to the lodge (yes I made it) still14 km from the campsite I just couldn't continue so everyone went back except Sister Palmer who's bike was malfunctioning. Tony promised he would come straight back with his car for us. Sis.Palmer and I watched a Bear awareness video while waiting for his return it was kind of boring. Tony came and when I came back to camp they sent me to the nurse who put some ice on my wrist and wrapped it in a tensor bandage and said I needed to have it X-rayed. I waited for an hour and a half for Mom and Dad to come back from repelling to take me to the Canmore Hospital. Before we left Dad and Tony gave me a priesthood blessing that I would be Ok. Jenelle Takahashi, Mom and I went to the hospital where they probably paid more attention to my knee than my wrist. I finally got it X-rayed and they could see nothing wrong but for the scaphoid even if it is sensitive they cast it so I wont know if it really is broken tell Thursday the 10 when they reX-ray it, if it is then it has to be on for another 6 weeks and I am already fed up with just using one hand. When I got back to camp it was the last night so we had a testimony meeting and I bore my testimony about how Heavenly Father helped me through this, my SOS moment . (I don't know why this is under lined and the rest isn't)If you can't see Jenelle took up half of my cast with her name. The whole front side.

In Response to Diane's Comment

2008-06-19T12:36:00.002-06:00

I had to laugh at you comment about a trip to Radium many moons ago. I don't think Radium has changed much in 30 years. People still do crazy things and try to pass it off like they are wearing a swimming suit. Because of you comment I thought I should put this picture up as well. I hope nobody takes offense to its repugnant nature. They people at Radium thought it was funny and were laughing out loud. I am glad Luke could make their day.

FATHER'S DAY - ZACHARY'S ORDINATION

2008-06-18T23:00:00.003-06:00

The Salmon family in Calgary attended the Queensland Ward on Father's Day. Zachary was ordained an elder by Chris.

Linda and Chris fed us well and the day was spent enjoying each other's company and for some having a nap.

KETCHIKAN

2008-06-17T22:45:00.004-06:00

Ketchikan is Alaska's four largest city and the first one you arrive up coming from the south by ship.

Ketchikan is known for its salmon and its totem poles. It is built on a hill and we saw some interesting buildings as we walked though town.

SITKA

2008-06-16T22:56:00.005-06:00

Sitka was the capital of Russian America. It was here that the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place. There still are a number of buildings and reminders of the Russian influence.

We visited the Russian Bishop's house with its own chapel, the Russian Orthodox church in town and enjoyed some Russian dancers.

Even though it was wet most of the day, it was beautifully green. There were many houses built on islands just off of shore and here are a couple of examples of this idyllic lifestyle.

We had a fun time wandering around town.

After the dancing they pulled the curtains back and we could look out on the sea and to our cruise ship.

Wet n' Wild Adventure

2008-06-16T12:36:00.009-06:00

On Saturday at 2:00 am Jeff decided to go rafting down the Kicking Horse River. So he got up at 6:00 am to drive out to Golden, British Columbia with some people and had some fun. I would not suggest sleeping for four hours and then rafting all day for anyone who is interested in doing a similar trip.

The trip was a blast. There were 13 of us that went out together. Here we are on the bus taking us down the river. There were about 100 people in total that went on this tour. Even though there was a few drunk folk I think we were by far the loudest.

Once we got there we had to suit up. Seeing as it was about 16 degrees and overcast it was not the nicest day to be raging down the 4 degree water. We dawned some wetsuits and very styling wool sweaters. Non of them seemed to fit. as is evident with this photo.

Once we were all suited up we made the plunge down the river. We had the best guide, the best groop, the best war cry. Yes, each raft had to come up with a cheer. I guess it was not that hard to have the best cheer when you were going up against things like "BINGO BANGO" or lifting your paddle in silence. That certainly would strick fear into the hearts of you advesaries on the battle field, charging at them with you weapon in the air and trying not to breathe to heavily to make excessive noise.

Apparantly the Kicking Horse is a dangerous river. With its class 2 to class 5 rapids it makes it illegal commicially to go on the river in parts. I hear down at the confluence of the Columbia River there are six foot standing waves. As a result there is plenty of safety proceedures that need to be taken care of. This is what everyone was paying attention to.

Lucky for me nothing went wrong because I was totally else where.

We were a hardy bunch so I could take the danger. Not even the river would dare to mess with this crew. Rob looked like he was ready to decapitate someone.

The trip was awesome we had a lot of fun. There was even product placement on the adventure. They truely have thought of everything.

We finished the tour in Yoho with a visit to Radium Hot Springs.

The highlight of the trip was seeing this teddy bear chilling on the side of the road. Well not really but it was cool nontheless.

That is what I did on the weekend I hope everybody elses Saturday was as fun as mine.

HUBBARD GLACIER

2008-06-15T20:28:00.005-06:00

It was a cool wet day as we sailed north from Juneau to about the 60th degree of Latitude North where BC, Yukon and Alaska all meet, to see the Hubbard Glacier. This glacier has a six mile wide face into the sea. It also is advancing - one of the few glaciers that is.

The glacier has a face that is more than 1000 feet high and chunks of ice taller than the Empire State Building will break off and fall into the sea. We did not get very close becaue of the multitude of sea ice floating and the head of the bay.

JUNEAU

2008-06-14T08:08:00.006-06:00

Our first port of call was Juneau, the capital of Alaska. It can only be accessed via air or sea. Although there are cars and roads around they are just local and the ferries are the only way to arrive and leave with vehicles. Because of the mountains Juneau is jammed against the sea and stretches for a quite a distance along the coast. There is a bridge that crosses to an island to the west where many Juneau residents live.

One of the most popular attractions in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier which is north and east of town. We took a bus out to see it with its spectacular water fall that tumbles down just to the south of the glacier. There were many ice chunks, bergy bits, icebergs, etc. broken off of the glacier.

Juneau is quite a tourist town and we wandered down the main shopping area which is very close to where the cruise ships dock. Mom tried on a fur coat (beaver and fox) and took Dad's photo in front of a bear.

Mom finally saw her whale but it was from quite a distance and we did not get to see it totally out of the water.

On the whale watching trip we also saw some seals lounging on a bifurcation buoy.

PHOTOS OF CRUISING TO ALASKA

2008-06-12T17:57:00.005-06:00

First Meal on Board

Lifeboat Drill

Leaving the Dock

Seattle

The Space Needle

Manta Ray Towel Creation

ALASKA CRUISE

2008-06-11T21:20:00.005-06:00

David and Linda went with David's parents on an Alaskan cruise the first week of June. They all flew to Seattle on the 31st of May where Lori Salmon picked them up and took them down to the cruise dock in Seattle.

They departed late Saturday afternoon on the Holland America ship the Oosterdam.

The ship headed north through Puget sound, out the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the west side of Vancouver island for a day in Juneau on Monday. Grandpa and Grandma took a city tour on a bus with Santa Claus as their guide.

On Tuesday they cruised up to the Hubbard glacier with a stop Wednesday in Sitka.

On Thursday it was on to Ketchikan.

Friday they docked in Victoria BC for the evening before returning to Seattle on Saturday morning to spend the day with Bruce, Lori and family. Although the weather was generally cool and wet a good time was had by all.

A 'Moment' of Our Own.

2008-05-27T13:01:00.005-06:00

Sticking with our approved format, which is to only post about various trips and adventures, I thought I would make mention of the extra days that I spent in Atlanta a few months back. Also because I didn't have any pictures loaded at the current time and it seems it is an perpetual task to stay on the 'Have' side of John's list. Everyone knows my feelings about his list, which by the way needs to be updated. Joanne has now posted. No editorial will be done here that is what comments are for.

In the case of Atlanta, I had the amazing opportunity to ride the MARTA on the way to the airport. I was looking forward to the 'Moment' I would have. By MARTA standards I had a fairly uneventful trip. More recently Mark and Loraine had one of these iconic moments that we all enjoyed and laughed at.

I don't want only a few in the family to experience all the MARTA has to offer. To the best of my knowledge up to this point for most their MARTA experience has been in word alone. Seeing as I got to see it in the flesh, I wanted others to also enjoy something of the ecstasy that I had while I rode the red line from Dunwoody through Five Points and on to the Airport. In answer to this I have posted a video that displays some of the idiosyncratic nature of this rapid transit system. Most of the other videos seemed to contain expletives. Profane language is an indication of poor vocabulary or unintelligence. I believe that that is why obscenities are so often partnered with stupid behavior. I tried to give a demonstration without such speech.

Now we can all see and hear what John occasionally delves into for are humourous benefit. Although this is not the same level of craziness that has been documented by John this is an example of certainly preposterous behavior that happens on the train.

Father's Sea Expedition

2008-05-06T19:52:00.003-06:00

David recently went on a journey that was undertaken with a specific objective. That objective was to have some quality bonding time with the stake presidency. It was a "kinda retreat" for six. Regardless fun was had by all around.

The voyage started out in Cochrane with a half a dozen men cramming into a Suburban with enough provisions for three dozen men.

After all this was a time for bonding, collaboration, and discussion voluminous places is not required for such actions. Only mouths and minds. Much was discussed: economics, humanities, sociology, philanthropy, even Pokemon was hotly contested.

The gaggle of West Stakers descended upon the west coast in manner somewhat reminiscent of Hannibal's invasion of Gaul, short of the Elephants. They too were malnourished and a bit sickly from the weathering trip.

Before the sails were filled with the breath of Aeolus there had to be a picture taken to consummate this trek. And a dandy it turned out to be.

Anti-clockwise from the bottom right: Scott, Ian, Steve, David, Steve, Tony. No company of Jack-Tar's has ever been assembled quite like this bunch and the odds are they never will be gathered again.

It was time to bless the ship and crew by smash a bottle of champagne. In the absence of alcohol a simple cognitive creation was conjured in each of the individual sailors cortex. The Fury IV was off. I can't help but wonder what end came to the Fury I through III?

This would be the abode of these six mariners for the next few days. Now, come with me if you will, as we delve into the tales of this here fine seafarers.

David had to earn his keep while on the Fury IV so he reverted to log salvaging in order to earn passage. David wanted to look the part so he dawned fleece and a rolled toque. It may be difficult to see but the beginnings of a 'stache can be seen upon closer inspection of his upper lip. Thank you Bruno Gerussi for your many years devoted the CBC programing.

David learned other skills that helped him stay alive on the boat. The Captain would often say 'I'll most likely kill you in the morning.' For three days he said that. 'Good night David, good work, sleep well, I'll most likely kill you in the morning.' It was a fine time for David he learning to fence, fight, anything anyone would teach him. The Captain and David eventually became friends. And then it happened. The Captain took David into his cabin and told him his secret. 'I am not the Captain,' he said. 'My name is Steve. I inherited this ship from the previous Captain, just as you will inherit it from me. The man I inherited it from was not the real Captain either - his name was Cumberbun. The real Captain had been retired 15 years and was living like a king in Patagonia. Then he explained the name was the important thing for inspiring the necessary fear.

David had made it, he was now navigating . . .

and rigging . . .

and even lounging.

Check out that smile that is a man in his element. If only David truly did inherit such a vessel. Don't tell Linda but you may be coming to to this site in the future and seeing a report of David's very own boat.

What a beautiful boat. I might feel the same way after spending time tacking and jibing on a fun pleasure cruise.

Alita's First post

2008-05-04T17:33:00.003-06:00

Three down one to go, what I mean is that only one person living here hasn't blogged yet that would be mom and the blog is under her name! Her excuse for not blogging is that she doesn't know how so Jeff and I tell her to just write about whats new without any pictures so it actually can be her blog but she hasn't yet. I thought I should blog since it was only me who went to Chicago 2 months ago wow we're behind since that trip Dad has gone sailing, Amanda got engaged and FYI the reception is at our house, mom, dad and Jeff went to a fifties party last night it was based on the one from Back to the Future The Enchantment Under The Sea Dance, but that's for Jeff to post 'cause I wasn't there.

Now for a recap on me since I actually never talked to anybody on the phone I'll tell you now, since the beginning of the school year (I'm still In the Spanish program but I'm not enjoying it as much as i was because I don't get options and some of my teachers stink) I've been on the Volleyball team, Basketball team, I was center/centre (for you Yankees) forward (not meaning to brag), on the Badminton team and recently I made it on the Track team and the Track meet is this Thursday i am doing hurdles, long jump and shotput- it really pays off being tall. I'm nerves though. This is sounding more and more like an e-mail. This tid bit is for Alison If she ever reads this I cut my hair and got side bangs it looks really good sorry I don't have a picture maybe the next blog.

Well that's really all that's new with life up here in the frozen north AHHHH I really am turning into Joanne that was such a Joanne line.

Chicago Trip

2008-04-25T17:58:00.006-06:00

Seeing as we only every really update our blog when there has been a holiday or vacation that someone took, or even a visit to some place. So before you read on you already know that the contents of this particular blog will be about some adventure that one of us took.

If that is after all what you thought then you are right. This time the person and location are Alita and Chicago. While she was there she took a picture or two of little David. Here is the little guy reaching in to the abyss. I wonder what her is reaching for.

At any rate it was most enjoyable for he seems to be memorized by it. Alita had a blast of a time so took in several sites and helped out with David. Or tried to. Scott and Sue Ann had planned out to go and visit the Nauvoo Temple. Well they ended up being able to but not in the intended fashion they had initially anticipated. Alita was to babysit and she was more then up to the task however little David was not cooperating and pulled a sad little face like this one.

Who can resist a face like that. I guess Scott and Sue Ann can't so Scott missed the temple to be with David. They walked around the outside and took a picture or two.

Everyone was happy after they got some food in there bellies. Actually, David was the only one that was not happy but there are plenty of ways to cheer up that little guy.

It was a fun trip Alita had a blast Nauvoo was exciting and Chicago has lots to offer. (Insert commercial plug for Chicago tourism here.) Chicago really has a lot to offer like seagulls, beans, water, buildings, Magnificent stuff, other buildings, sailboats, volleyball, huge swans, bronze backs, more buildings, sporting events, did I mention buildings, bones, sheet music, burning potassium nitrate, America's pass time and finally buildings. You have got to check it out.

The best part about the trip was Grandma and Grandpa got to see some more pictures of there little grandson. We are all really excited for these new grandkids to come!

The Post Squeeze

2008-03-30T16:23:00.006-06:00

Well I feel a bit like I am really digging to find things to post about. I have no growing bump to show off. I am not surrounded by any ankle bitters. No gallivanting has occurred recently. And there are no entertaining stories to publish. That last one might be a lie, for there is always something exciting to share. But for the sack of the post I will stick with that story.

I would like to maintain at least and average post ratio of two a month so seeing as it is right at the end of the month I thought I would squeeze one in. This almost feels like Home Teaching however this is not necessary for your or my salvation.

I thought I would include a few pictures to make this particular post move up a level from obligation to pitiful attempt. I think it would be raised up to decent try if I added one or two more pictures. But I don't want to become the victim of my own success but being too good. SO this is what you get. At least we will get off of John degrading, vicious, cheap, demoralizing, low, sadistic, cruel, nasty, brutal, mean, despicable, malicious, harsh, callous, stinging, retched, squalid, filthy, repulsive, disreputable, hurtful, nefarious, ruthless, atrocious, unkind, horrid, inconsiderate, critical, abrasive, fussing, wicked, corrupt, heartless, vile, terrible, appalling, repugnant, cold, merciless, vindictive, accusative, bitter, malevolent, heinous, iniquitous, evil, fiendish, odious, dreadful, debauching list of those that have not blog recently. Maybe I go to far with debauching but not in the case of removing Joanne's link on your blog. Such an action fits the characteristics bill that I have described.

To not leave a bad taste in your mouth her is a beautiful picture of some people that we all love. Boy do they look cute in this one. It is a marvel that these two live in the same house as John.

Other beautiful things that we surround ourselves in, is this here flower. Mom has really been nurturing this potted plant as of late and the rewards of such was this stunning bloom.

Unrelated to the previous comments is this picture of Alita's basketball team. They made an excellent run for first place but lost in the quarter finals.

She still had lots of time, in the midst of being one of the top scorers on the team, to have fun in the games, and even pose for the paparazzi.

I hope that this squeeze is what you have all wanted to see and read. Look forward with much anticipate for the next report of the David Salmon clan in Calgary.

Atlanta's Calling (or it did)

2008-03-08T15:15:00.018-07:00

As much fun as shooting is. Especially 'a freckin' 12 gauge, what do you think? ' There has been a lot of other action happening as of late. Such as a trip to Atlanta. And there certainly was a lot of action to report about that trip.

It all started as we drove down to the beautiful Hilton Head we decided to grab a quick bite to eat. We were going to eat at Krispy Chick but no, Lindy wanted to go to Village Pizza. The pizza was great and in Metter, Georgia we got so real good southern service complete with all the sirs and ma'ams that I have grown to love. What was bad was the Village Pizza parking lot. See, I find that you usually park in the lot of the facility you are visiting. So if we were eating chicken we would have been down the street at Krispy's lot and this whole catastrophe could have been avoided.

Let me introduce the players. (cue Announcer Voice)

In this corner wear the taupe shorts with a wheel base of 131.5 in, the Southern Bell, Chevy Suburban

And in the red corner the challenger, wearing the blue of a deep pool of water in the late afternoon in early summer shorts, weighting in at 4239 lbs, the family Favourite, Chrysler Town and Country.

As one can plainly see from this photo the fight was over before it even started. Town and Country didn't even hear the ding at the start of the match and Suburban was not even trying her left hook was just to much for T & C. With the advance simulation technology we have been able to recreate the lethal hook for all of our friends on there computers at home.

With super slow motion we can see the culprit up close moments before she landed on T & C. She really had no chance. (Photos have been digitally enhanced to protect the innocent)

That was the first time that I have ever been to Metter, and it will be my last, I don't want to talk about it any more. I always wanted to try Krispy Chick as well. :(

Mom and Dad got a sweet insurance payout and where able to drive around the rest of the trip in this Lamborghini. The rest of the family was forced to catch a ride the rest of the way down to Hilton Head. Lucky for us the lady in the Suburban was going our way. I think she just wanted to make it up to us.

We had a lot better car experiences but far worse food experiences. Wendy's service is abysmal compared to Village Pizza's.

Jeff - "I want three Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers."
Employee #1 - "I make them, so I can take your order."
Jeff - "I want three Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers."
Employee #2 - "I can't help you I am on break."
Jeff - "I want three Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers."
Employee #3 - "I can't help you I work at the drive-thru window."
Jeff - "All I want is three Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers."
Employee #4 - "Do you want fries with that?"

* * *

Jeff - "I want my three Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers. It has been like five minutes. Nobody is here. You can't possible be busy."
Employee #4 - "Do you want fries with that?"

Finally after all the excitement of traveling we arrived at Hilton Head, a resort island of the cost of Southern Carolina. I hot spot for older folk. I think Anya severely drop the average age of the current patrons. But it certainly was a blast. I think Planet Hilton Head was the best.

It is the small theme park that they have on the island. The wharf walk was the funnest ride, the cool thing is you get to choose your speed.

There were some real beautiful sights to behold.

And wonderful opportunities for a little R & R. This is also a beautiful sight if you were wondering

This trip was entirely for pleasure and I think it shined through, I guess you get them where ever you go, stupid tourists. In Banff it is the Americans that have there children pose with the cute grizzly bear. Well down in the Carolina's the Canadians stop traffic and feed the alligators.

It was a blast of a trip to see family and have a break.

But after all is said and done this was the real reason we took the trip down to Atlanta.

The Desert

2008-02-13T01:17:00.004-07:00

We took a jeep ride into the desert one afternoon. It was great to see all the cacti. The teddy bear cactus is a deadly one and Alita got one on her pants and in her hand.

Skeet Shooting

2008-02-11T21:56:00.003-07:00

We had the chance to shoot clay pigeons at Los Cab. We had 25 shells each and shot 5 from each station. For a first time we did quite well. It was a sunny bright day and a lot of fun. Linda and David each took a second round. The females shot with a 20 gauge and the males with a 12 gauge.

Horse Back Riding

2008-02-10T21:10:00.003-07:00

At Los Cab they have about a 100 head of horses as well as some cattle (10 to 15). A calf was born just about the time we arrived.

The cattle are used for penning contests and for experience in herding. Every morning and afternoon they have trail rides if there are people who want to go. David went on two rides, Linda four and Alita five. Monday was a cool cloudy day and we got some rain, snow and hail. We went out and got some gloves after the morning ride for the afternoon ride.

To make it easier on the horses they have a step that you walk up on to mount the horses.

hail or snow while riding

Rancho de los Caballeros

2008-02-09T17:09:00.001-07:00

Rancho de los Caballeros (Los Cab) is a dude ranch resort that has developed with a number of attractions. The big thing is the horse back riding. There also is a golf course. They have a swimming pool, tennis courts, playground, and putting green as well as a ranch style sitting room and dining area. All the meals are included in the cost and they have lots of activities to occupy your time. Although you could just relax one can keep busy doing all that there is to do. Here are some photos to give you an idea of the facility.

The ranch is in the Sonoran desert and so it gets very hot in the summer. The resort opens in the second week of October and closes after Mother's Day. June through September is just too hot although the golf course stays open year round.

We stayed in a nice spacious room with a view of the desert out our windows and from the deck.

Our room

Looking out our window

Our deck

From the outside of our room

The dining room

Eating Breakfast

Here are a few photos taken around the property.

And some photos in the property.

The pool was empty most of the time. It was heated (78) and was warmer than the air temperature the entire time we were there.

The ranch brand tiled on the base of the pool.

Arizona Trip

2008-02-09T15:09:00.001-07:00

After a couple of posts by a guest writer who blogged without any input from the editorial board we want to tell you about our trip to Arizona. David has a client who lives in Wickenburg, Arizona which is about an hour north and west of Phoenix. The client wanted David to come down and meet her and her friends to gather information to help on a legal matter. She volunteered to pay the airfare and the accommodation not only for David but also for Linda and Alita. It was a great opportunity to get away from the cold and enjoy some time in the sun.

We extended the trip by a day that we could visit Sheila Anderson and family in Apache Junction and also attend the Mesa temple. On Friday the 1st of February Jeff drove us to the airport so we could catch a flight to Phoenix. It was about 25 below Celsius when we left and was about 60 above Fahrenheit when we arrived in Phoenix. We had arranged for a rental car - a white Dodge Cobalt - which we had for the whole time we were there.

We stopped for dinner at Chevy's a Tex-Mex place in Mesa. We went to Sheila's (our niece) place which is in the extreme south east area of the Phoenix metro area - Apache Junction. We slept at her place on Friday night.

On Saturday we got up and went to a session at the Mesa Temple. The grounds were beautiful.

We ran into Tammy (David's cousin - Bob and Delores Hague's daughter) and Pepe Meneses who were at the temple.

Pepe is the bishop of a Spanish ward. He and Tammy were there with a family that was being sealed in the temple. We went out for lunch with Sheila Anderson, her friend Trent and Ashleigh to another Mexican restaurant. We then went back to the temple and picked some grapefruit and oranges off of trees on the temple grounds with Alita.

The trip was originally booked without any thought for the Super Bowl. It was Super Bowl weekend in Phoenix. We drove by the stadium on Saturday afternoon when it was crowded with festivals, rides, crowds, etc. and then again on Thursday when we were going back to the airport. (You can tell that this photo was taken Thursday - nothing around)

We were also given a Super Bowl package at the airport and asked several times at the airport about our reason for the trip and if we were there for the Super Bowl. We met lots of people who were in Arizona for the game and festivities. David had to see some other clients in Surprise in the northwest Phoenix metro area. They are divorce clients who live together. They both have ex-spouses who live in Calgary and David is trying to finalize the divorce for one and the property matters for the other. Alita and Linda went shopping while David visited these clients. Saturday evening we went to Wickenburg arriving in the dark at the resort we would stay in for the next five nights - Rancho de los Caballeros.

A Much Over Due Update

2008-01-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Sadly there is no picture of what is hidden under the blanket. I will instead spill the beans without the help of any pixels of colors. It was only more blankets. But many of those blankets have been disposed of as they were full of holes or is it empty of holes seeing as holes are the absence of something.

There was going to be an exciting post that documents that painting and further work on the downstairs and then a showing of the final product. Unfortunately the picture were misplaced. Being taken on a digital camera it is hard to do but can be done by those that are not the faint of heart.

Everyone (immediate family) got to see the finished project. And when I say finished I mean the 96.7% complete project as we are still missing baseboards. Those are fairly easy to imagine so they are not necessary to count the project done. Things such as a furnace are much harder to imagine because if it is only a balmy 16 degrees Celsius you can not imagine having a furnace. Seeing as the finish project has been put to the test, (barfed on) pictures of the house are no longer necessary so instead of a well positioned cute grandchild or glamorous picturesque view, I decide to just include something really cool.

Speaking of things hidden try and find THE HIDDEN TIGER in this picture. No, not that one, the other one. Ready. Set. Go!

Housing Update

2007-12-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

As Jeff has compiled pictures of his mission he was able to locate the pictures of some exciting reno action. For you viewing pleasure. A prize to anyone that guesses what's under the blanket

Draw your attention to the far right side of this picture and you will see a family heirloom. the Plaid Hid-a-Bed. Change is good but old memories must be kept. I think the brown will really pull out the curtain colors.

Long hard hours were put into the demolition efforts. You may think that David broke a sweat in this photo but in reality he was crying as he would never again check the pH or add two more Bromine tablets. It truly was a sad day for one and all.

But we couldn't let that stop us. It was actually more of a case of Joanne wouldn't let us stop and revel in the fond memories of the Hot Tub. You should have seen her wield that sludge hammer. It was somewhat reminiscent of Gimli the Dwarf fighting of Uruk'hai only no beard and no intractable bow.

Soon the cutting commenced. Using all the powers of math such as; fractal geometry, topology, and finger counting David cut the Hot Tub was cut into five equal pieces. Not bad and all in about 23 minutes.

I am sure Joanne would not be pleased with this picture. But really what a trouper. David meanwhile is still amazed at his mathematical application.

The Hot Tub was now the Sand Pit. There are several perks besides they obvious ability to build a Sand castle inside. . . um . . . actually I can't think of any. I guess there are no perks.

Will the Sand Pit be filled? Will the cement be level? Will David still make par out of this bunker? All this and more on the next blog.

I would say same Salmon time same Salmon channel. But then you would expect some ZONK 's and some CRRRACK 's complete with lightning yellow back ground and vibrate red outlines. I'm no Adam West you can't expect that from me.

Jeff's Return

2007-11-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

Elder Salmon arrived home on Thursday November 8 from his mission in the England Birmingham mission. Jeff had to come home about 7 weeks early as his visa expired and the church chose to not extend it. There were quite a few people at the airport waiting to greet him.

The most excited to see Jeff was Alita. When he came through the door she was there to run and hug him. She is a bit big now to run and jump into his arms. Alita had made a poster to greet Jeff. As it was after 10 when we got home we got up the next morning to visit the stake president and have Jeff released. When we got up in the morning in addition to a light snow the house, cars, trees and front yard had been toilet papered.

Jeff spoke in the 3rd ward on Sunday the 11th of November to report his mission. He reported to the high council on Thursday night the 15th of November. He has been looking for a job and adjusting to civilian life. He had his first date on Saturday the 24th and attended the Brentwood ward for the first time on the 25th. Jeff has been helping out David at the office as the receptionist is away for a week. Tomorrow Linda and Jeff leave for Utah to visit missionary companions and extended family.

Halloween

2007-10-31T19:21:00.000-06:00

Alita had to play her first volleyball playoff game today. She plays for the junior girls team at Senator Patrick Burns Junior High School. The school teams are called the Broncos. She only found out about the game at noon. We had thought that the playoffs would start next Monday. Anyway her team lost and it was to a team they had beat on Monday in the last regular game of the season. Alita was not too disappointed in the loss. Most of the girls wanted to get home and get out on Halloween.

Alita was excited about getting home and getting dressed to go out with her friend Emma. They got dressed up before eating supper and then went out to collect treats. Alita was Cleopatra and her friend Emma was a yellow crayon.Alita carved two pumpkins - one on Monday night for FHE - a regular face

and one at YW on Tuesday night - a cat.

The face is held together with at least 11 safety pins. I guess you would call that metal piercing if it was on a person. We placed candles in both of them and put them out the front door. We also had a white pumpkin and wrote BOO on it.

Alita has already dropped back once to deposit some her collected treats.

Ross Blaszczyk's Farewell

2007-10-28T21:12:00.001-06:00

It was Ross Blaszczyk's missionary farewell on Sunday the 28th of October. He was the final speaker (or was supposed to be) in the Queensland Ward sacrament meeting. He spoke for about 15 minutes on D & C 11:21 as well as Alma 17:2-3. Ross gave a great talk. He has matured in the last couple of years and is well prepared to serve his mission. As he ended at about 10 to 12 the bishop had one of the full time missionaries come up to bear his testimony and then had the other missionary come up to answer questions about serving a mission. The bishop then shared his testimony.Ross is going to the Argentina Cordoba mission and reports to the MTC on November 14, 2007. He has an Argentinian flag in his pocket in the photo with his parents, Chris and Linda.

We went to the Blaszczyk for a family get together and dinner afterwards. It was also Linda's birthday and so we had candles for her on a carrot cake and sang happy birthday to her. We also had a black forest cake. Here are some photos taken at the Blaszczyk's. You can also see some of the changes in their kitchen.

Grandpa and Grandma Salmon were there and they are proud of their 16th grandson (19th grandchild) to go on a mission.

Family Picture Clothes

2007-10-23T20:55:00.000-06:00

Here are photos of sample clothes in the colours that Mom wants for the family photos.

House Renovations Continue - Part 2

2007-10-23T20:23:00.000-06:00

The new refrigerator has arrived. The stove was damaged in transit and so a replacement had to be ordered. It will be several more weeks before a new stove will come.

The basement is being prepared for the hard wood floor to be placed and the carpet to be laid. We had someone come and dismantle the pool table. It has been pushed into the downstairs bathroom until it can be set up again. The basement floor was not level enough for hardwood and so after we poured the concrete there had to be some filling and patchwork done.

The house had been a mess and here is just one viewpoint - where the pool table used to be.

Fall in Utah

2007-10-20T16:04:00.000-06:00

We went down for General Conference in early October. It was Canadian Thanksgiving and so we had a day off of work and school (Monday October the 8th) which allowed us more time to travel. We stayed at Diane and Konrad's place on Friday night and Sunday night. They took us to see their new house.On Saturday night Alita stayed with her cousins but David and Linda went to the Judds in Pleasantview. David drove to Salt Lake for the Priesthood Session Saturday night and then returned to the Judds to sleep. Both David and Linda went to the Sunday morning session of conference in the conference centre.

On the way back to Logan we drove through the mountains between Brigham City and Logan. We took some photos of nature's beauty. Maybe these will make our American daughters-in-law homesick.

House Renovations Continue - Part 1

2007-10-20T15:35:00.000-06:00

We had the kitchen cupboards installed last week and the hardwood flooring this week.

New kitchen sink and taps in new counter top

Cupboards around where new fridge will go

Countertop with extension for stools - also note new floor

New floor in front hall

Hardwood flooring to back door and garage door

House Renovations Start

2007-10-01T22:58:00.001-06:00

The kitchen contractor and the roofing contractor were both here at the same time. So we had two large garbage bins on the drive way at the same time. Our vehicles had to be parked down the street.

The bin on the left contains all the old shingles and roofing materials. The bin on the right is for the kitchen debris. The roofers are at work here. We replaced the pine shakes with asphalt shingles.

There wasn't enough room for the roof garbage in the large bin and so a trailer was also filled with garbage. Note behind both bins is another trailer with supplies and stuff in it. There were a multitude of vehicles around and it truly looked like a construction site.

We were out of the kitchen and everything had to be cleared out of the cupboards and fridge. Here is our dining room and all the stuff on the dining room table. It became our kitchen cupboards.
We have been eating in the family room. We had the microwave by the TV. No stove and no fridge (although we have the fridge downstairs). We plugged the toaster in by the microwave but it kept blowing a fuse and so we have the toaster in the front hall.

Some photos of the kitchen.
Some photos of the basement.

Moraine Lake

2007-10-01T21:58:00.000-06:00

David and Linda left Calgary on Monday the 24th of September for a two day get-a-way in celebration of their 32nd Anniversary. (Did you know that the anniversary gift for a 32nd anniversary is a conveyance? In other words you buy your spouse a car.)

Moraine Lake

Linda didn't know where they were going until they arrived. Moraine Lake is just south of Lake Louise but is not as famous although perhaps more beautiful. It is in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The scene of the valley was on the back of the Canadian $20 bill from the 60's until the 90's.

They spent two nights at the Moraine Lake Lodge in a cabin with a king size bed overlooking the lake.
They were greeted with a bottle of champagne on ice with a congratulatory note. The room had a wildlife theme - read moose.
There was fireplace in the room but the staff do not know how to set a fire. After lighting their poor excuse for a fire only to have it fizzle out David got out the axe and hatchet and made a real fire. The staff asked if they could help but David enjoys controlling his own fires.

Meals were served in the lodge dining room and were served on fancy dishes with presentation very important.

Desserts from Monday night which were taken to our room

They had unlimited access to the canoes but the weather was not great. Paddling in the snow was interesting. At least they were dressed for the weather.

The view from the canoe

A hike along the lake on Monday evening was followed by a longer hike up to Larch Valley and to the base of Sentinel Pass on Tuesday. It was cool and snowy but the yellow larch trees were beautiful.

The scenery is wonderful and awe inspiring. The best thing was no telephone no TV and no Internet so just a time to connect and talk with each other.

Floating the Bow

2007-09-02T18:27:00.000-06:00

On Saturday August 25th the youth from the Calgary Alberta West Stake boarded rafts at Bowness Park and floated down to the boat launch just before Prince's Island.

The entire stake presidency went down the river with the youth. David was on a raft with three YW leaders, James Salmon, Lydia Nitschke and Alita.
Liana Kearl (1st counsellor in Stake YW), James Salmon,
Joyce Lee (BV ward) and Judy Takahashi (3rd ward)

The three youth were pushed or jumped at one time or another into the water.

Lydia Nitschke and Alita in the water

As there were about 12 rafts you can imagine the water fights that developed.
After docking we drove back to Bowness Park where hotdogs, chips, wagon wheels and water were served.

Sentinel Pass

2007-09-01T20:13:00.000-06:00

On Friday afternoon August 24th Steve Miller phoned David and asked him to climb to Sentinel pass and on up Mount Temple. They would leave on Saturday morning the 25th. They needed four to go as the area was closed because of bears to groups of less than 4. The stake presidency had to be back by noon to go with the youth from the stake on the Float down the Bow.David got out of helping move his parents on Saturday .

David got up at 4 a.m. and went to pick up President Stephen at 4:30. They drove to Humptys on the Trans-Canada and met Scott Wolff and Steve Miller. The four of them left together in President Miller's vehicle and were at the parking lot at Moraine Lake Lodge at 6:45. It was 2 hours and 15 minutes up to Sentinel Pass and then and hour and 15 minutes back to the vehicle and back to Calgary. They did it so fast that President Stephen got sick and they had to stop periodically on the way back to let him out of the car.

They had a great time although they had trouble walking properly for the next couple of days.

Moving from Silver Springs Rise

2007-09-01T19:01:00.000-06:00

Grandpa and Grandma Salmon have left their house at 131 Silver Springs Rise and moved to Laurel and Nicolas place in Tuscany. They listed their property with Iris Talbot. There are a lot of houses in Calgary for sale and so the prices have plateaued. They were able to make a quick sale after they lowered the price.

The family has been helping them go through stuff for a couple of months.

Things moved into high gear on the 23rd of August when Carol arrived from Spokane with the Penske.

Carol flew to Spokane from SLC, picked up the truck and drove to Calgary. Diane and Erin also arrived on the 23rd. Bruce, Hannah and James arrived on the 24th. The family pitched into pack, throw out, and take things on the 24th and the 25th.

Mom and Dad were at the Ruiz's for the night of the 25th. They have their bedroom in the living room. It is very nice but the room is crowded.

The final things were cleaned out the last few days of August. We left the house for the final time on Friday morning as the new purchasers were supposed to take possession at noon on the 31st.

On Saturday the whole crew went to Peter's for supper. Every one left for their homes on Sunday the 26th.