Yule Pig

In Scandinavia there's a Christmas tradition that involves hiding an almond in a bowl of rice mush. All of the children get a bowl of the warm breakfast meal, and the one who finds the almond in his/her bowl wins! The prize is a marzipan pig. Marzipan is almonds ground up to make a paste, then sweetened to make a treat.

So last year and again this year we bought some marzipan at IKEA and I made a pig. This is the 2012 edition. I'm not sure anyone will be brave enough to eat it, but he does look kind of cute.

Nate's Big San Francisco Adventures

Several years ago, before Rob Fisher and Pam got serious about each other, Rob came to visit us in California. Because he had never been there before, we took him to SF for a fun day, and showed him all the strange and wonderful things there. We called it Rob's Big San Francisco Adventure.

So when Nate came to visit us this weekend, we did the same for him. It was pretty dicey as we left YC. The forecast was 100% chance of rain with winds up to 17 mph. 

But it turned out to be one of the this year's "Four Christmas Miracles." A seen above, the weather was clear and warm all morning. We took a bunch of great photos (which was good, because it turned cloudy and we got a little rain later when we were at Pier 39).

Below is one of the best photos of the day. Cute couple. and the breakers in the background, framed by the Golden Gate Bridge with the Marin headlands in the distance. It was a great morning!

While David, Kim, and Nate were taking a long long on a short pier, getting visited by a huge pelican, Mom and I checked out the old fort built in the 1850's to protect the entrance to SF Bay. Below you can see three shots of one of the canon ports (there were dozens of them, on three different levels - and more canons on top). You can see the ocean though the last one.

 

And below is the prettiest girl on the trip, standing in front of the light house on top of the fort. It was fun to see, but it was so windy and cold out there on the point (and we were getting hungry) that we left and drove to Pier 39 to get something to eat.

It was a really fun day. We got clam chowder bowls at the Pier, and walked out to see the ships. What a blast!

A Legend Passes

Dave Brubeck, one of the great jazz musicians of our time, died last Wednesday at the age of 92. Most musicians and non-musicians alike knew him for his wildly popular "Take Five" which was an unassuming, but complex mainstream jazz tune. He was an innovator and a classicist at the same time. 

He was a native of Northern California (Concord), and grew up playing music in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada where his Dad owned a ranch. He almost followed that line of work himself, but the pull of music kept him from it.

I love his music, and also loved hearing about his life and philosophy about people and music. He was one of the rare people who supported black musicians completely, even during the turmoil of the civil rights movement in the 60's. He refused to have his band stay in hotels that refused to accept "colored" people.

I've had a few opportunities to see and briefly meet a few major jazz musicians, like Woody Herman. I didn't meet Brubeck, but I spent the better part of a day with his drummer, Joe Morello once when I was in college. It was a great opportunity, and he spoke some of Brubeck, and the great man that he was.

Well, we all pass on sometime, and I think Dave had a good life. You might want to listen to some of his music at: http://www.davebrubeck.com/live/. Click on Listen.

Dat You, Santy Claus?

Mom and I sat down this evening after a hard day's work (well, she worked hard, I took the day off and did stuff that didn't need doing) and watched some Christmas movies. We started with Elf, and ended up with The Magoo Christmas Carol. Loads of fun!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

So as I was looking through some old photos I came across these two.

Maybe I've already posted them, they're good enough for a rerun. (I love the hat over the eyes.)

The man under the hat, of course, is HG, as you see below. 

Catch the Christmas Spirit.

First Cutting

Today was the last sunny day before several days of rain, so I thought I better mow the new lawn - for the first time. This photo actually makes it look better than it really does, but still, it's a big improvement over the past.

And one more set of photos from Trevor and Michelle's visit. When I was a kid, the best toy in the world was a big ol' empty refrigerator box. After using it for a fort until it was falling apart, we could then cut it up and use the pieces to slide down the levee (which always had long grass growing on the sides). Like sledding down a hill in the parts of the country where it snows, only you could do this nearly year round

So I took our empty fireplace and microwave boxes and built a little tunnel/fort for the kids to play in. They probably would have played in it more if there wasn't the draw of the trampoline. But they had fun enough.

The Train Museum

The Butchart Family (as presently constituted) in front of the giant Christmas Tree in Old Sacramento. We drove down there this morning to see the Train Museum, and the weather was beautiful.

The light was in the wrong place (okay, I was in the wrong place) so the sun created havoc with this shot. But it has some important people in it, so I included it anyway.

This is probably my favorite photo of the day - the three kids all holding hands and walking down the boardwalk along the river in Old Sac. It was actually a staged shot, but the girls were holding hands of their own accord, and Michelle asked Atticus to join them (which he did). How can anybody say they have cuter grand kids than we have? The rain coats were absolutely unnecessary. By the time the museum opened at 10:00, the sun was so warm everyone had stripped down to their T-shirts.

Inside the museum, Elizabeth got fussy and camera shy, but I managed to get a couple of poor quality photos of her and Jane (in the blue) as they sat in the engineer's seat on one of the MASSIVE trains.

And of course, the day became spectacular when we stopped at McDonalds for lunch. Atticus downed copious quantities of McNuggets, and the girls did their share too. After the main course, we had warm chocolate chip cookies - which Lizzie mostly got in her mouth.

Mom bought a Family pass that's good for a year, so everyone needs to plan on getting down there with us sometime during the next year (you too, Kim and David).

More Good Stuff On Christmas

Here's a link to one of the new Church websites on celebration of Christmas. It has downloadable Tabernacle Choir music, video clips, and a link to the Church's Bible Video site. It' a good place to send people who want to celebrate Christ's life with us. Click the link below.

Christmas Joy

Race Day

Last Saturday was the 4th annual Hand of Hope "Turkey Trot" 5K race. It's held this same weekend every year, and the first two years the weather was relatively clear and cold. Last year was rainy, but only enough to get a little wet by the time the race was over. This year was quiet a different matter. It was the nastiest weather day of the year I think. Wind howling in from the south, heavy rain drenching everyone who ventured out after only seconds. The picture below, and the video below that, don't do it justice.

But I had paid my $15 (going to a good cause) and I didn't want to cheat myself out of any of the action. I was completely soaked through by the time I'd run 10 yards. Well, okay, I had on a good, light weight rubber rain coat with a hood and a hat, but everything from the waist down was drenched. Into the wind I trudged (along with the other 200 crazies) and around the streets we ran till we ended up back at River Valley High School. It was not fun, but the free pancakes and sausage afterwards made it worthwhile.

Me. After the race. Still wet, but glad to be home.

The Butcharts Visit

When I got home from the race at 10:00 Trevor and Michelle and their cute kids had just arrived. They drove though the night (a smart thing to do with young kids), and it was great to see them. Later in the afternoon, just as it was getting dark, I was up in the twins' room playing with them on the bed. Jane is bouncing on the bed with the cow pillow, and Lizzie is at the window looking at the sights.

Below is Lizzie playing with the dress-up glasses from the diaper bag. Where did she get that look?

A This an' a That

A few photos and comments on the passing scene (a la Thomas Sowell). 

First, a short, very poor quality, video from the gathering in honor of Peter O's birthday. I just used my phone, it was shot in low light, and there's not really much going on at this point in the proceedings. But you get a quick view of all the major players, including: Leigh-Ann, her mother Katrina, sister Abby, brother Thomas, James holding Chelsea, Peter, Grandma, Melody and Sabrina.

I think the really funny part of this was when someone was describing Peter asking Leigh-Ann if he could have a few family members over for cake and ice cream for his birthday, to which she replied: yes Peter, you can have a birthday party. I don't know how they managed to do it, but all of the Rich and Peter Hall kids have married wonderful spouses, and into great families.

Now for the really important stuff. FOOD! (Like from the musical Oliver! Food, glorious food!) Anyway, Mom and I spent most of the day down in Sacramento, Citrus Heights, and Roseville shopping (well, she did the shopping, I did the waiting), for Christmas and what-not at stores that are only available there. My favorite stops were IKEA (see the hard bread and cheese below, yum!) and World Market (see the two ginger items at the bottom). We also hit Deseret Book and the Distribution Center, and the Hobby Lobby in Roseville. It's a good thing we don't live closer to that place. I think Mom and I  both would spend too much money there. Her on crafts and gifts, and me on solid fuel rockets, rubber band driven airplanes, DNA and other molecule models, mini-observatories, solar cars and robots, and etc., etc., etc.

The label says to pour it over pancakes, waffles,
or ice cream or in hot water to make a tea. Wow!

Absolutely the best ginger drink I can find, bar none!

So to reward me for being a good peanut and waiting patiently for her, Mom took me to "The Habit Hamburgers" in Roseville. It's a kind of an up-scale burger place, with food at least as good as In-N-Out, but a bigger menu. Even though we got home later than I had hoped, it was a good trip.

Halloween 2012

To start the festivities, I present my favorite cartoon on my favorite day. 

On the front door I hung my cool skull lantern that glows with different colored lights in sequence. 

I got a new specter  with eyes that glow red. The idea for the Jack-O-Lantern eating the legs came from Kim. I don't know why I didn't think of it myself. I got the two lighted skulls last year as part of a set o 5 that can be staked in a line in the lawn.

This idea came to me at the last minute as I was setting up some of the other tricks. Doesn't he look good there? But that's only half the story. I reprized a gag from several years ago. See below.

Yes! The old man slammed under the car hood, and Mr. Bones looks like the culprit.

And as it got dark, the light under the dashboard added a great effect. 

Unfortunately, it started to rain hard before any Trick-Or-Treaters could arrive. Only four brave little kids showed up. So I almost went to all this work for nothing. On the other hand, the biggest reason I do all this is because I enjoy it so much. I wish you could have seen it in the dark. Very nice. Purple lights around the door, orange rope lights lining the walkway, the lighted skeleton, the glowing specter. I real Halloween treat.

Family History Just Keeps on Giving

For an interesting story and photos about Grandpa (one legged) Hall. click on the Our Family Stories link located on the right side of this blog page. Then enjoy.

Conference Weekend

We really enjoyed General Conference this weekend. Though I didn't get "conference pastry" (Mom only makes it for you guys), I planned ahead this time and had some donuts for a backup.

But seriously, I was thrilled to hear about the change in the minimum ages for missionaries, and I felt the speakers were moved by the Spirit in very powerful ways. Elders Cook, Christofferson, Holland, Oakes, and President Packer all had stunning remarks.

For those who weren't at Priesthood meeting, I recommend downloading those talks and listening to them. You won't be sorry.

Of course, President Monson did wonderfully also, and I got to thinking that my children may not know, and have never seen the little bit of personal connection we have to that great man and his kindness. See the letter below. (Grandma, my Mom, has the original)

The back-story on this is that my Dad was on the stake High Council with responsibilities over Family History work (formerly the Geneology program). The stake had just built a Geneological Library (which is still there on the Gridley stake center grounds), and Thomas S. Monson, as the General Authority over that program, had come out to inspect it. I was 6 years old at the time, and he stayed in our home over on Second Street. My Mom always says how embarrassed she was that all they could offer him to sleep on was a "roll-a-way" bed (the kind that folds up in the middle and has wheels so that you can store it in a closet). Of course, Pres. Monson is well over 6' tall, and the bed was well under 6' long. But as you might imagine, and can see in the letter - he never complained.

Odds & Ends From the Fairly Odd Parents

I'm pretty sure none of you have ever watched the cartoon show "The Fairly Odd Parents" (I haven't either), but I really like the title. Something about it speaks to  me.

So a couple of weeks ago I rode my bike north along the levee (I usually ride south), and saw this interesting  sight below. A pretty nicely set up homeless camp on the banks of the Feather River. Shaded and with waterfront access. Oh, and the sign says: "Absolutely NO Camping." 

Last week we had a guy deliver 10 yards of top grade top soil for our backyard garden. The pile below may not look like it, but that's the whole 10 yards.  ;- ) Anyway, with some help from Peter O. I managed to get it all moved with a wheelbarrow by Saturday so that someone could come in and start laying the sprinkler system. We're making progress.

The bad news is that Friday after school I drove over to take a little treat to Mom after work. I just missed her, because I passed her on the road going the other way. So I make a quick U turn and see that she is parked in the middle of the street, in the midst of making a left turn, and appears to be talking to some guy in a red Toyota Camry. I think: what the heck is she doing? Then I realize that she was broadsided by the Camry while turning. The good news? Not her fault. Not much damage. No injuries. Other guy is very apologetic. Still a pain to have to deal with. See her poor little blueberry below.

And finally, our stake held a Youth Conference at Zion's Camp last Saturday. A huge success! The theme was "A light in the Wilderness." Part of the deal was this 15' tall tower that was assembled just for that day. In some ways, vastly different from the ones we used to lash together when I was a kid. for scouting adventures. But in other ways, not so different at all. 

 I'm at the top, from which I delivered the opening lines of my address, mostly about the importance and advantages of towers in a spiritual sense. The rest of my remarks were given from below, on the stage. If you want to know the gist of my comments, read the chapter in "It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It" by Robert Fulghum where he talks about Alexander Papaderous and the meaning of life.

Exciting times in deed.

The Uncles

One of our favorite movies is "Second Hand Lions" which is about a boy that is dropped off at his bachelor uncles house and ends up being raised by them.  It is a great movie.  It makes me think about my Dad's brothers, 2 of which passed away this year.  The story of my Dad's family has always fascinated me, partly because of the history that they lived and also because of the interesting and amazing individuals they were.

Dad actually had 3 brothers.  When he was 2, his brother Floydie was born and had brain damage resulting from the use of forceps.  Sadly, at age 11 they had to put him in a state run institution.  I can't imagine how hard that must have been for the whole family.  Harry was young at the time and they worried about his safety when Floydie got aggressive. Dad pretty much grew up with him, though and I'm sure was one of his caregivers as well as big brother.  Floydie must have had good care.  He actually lived into his 50's or 60's.  I look forward to meeting him someday.

1939 from  left Harry, Floyd, Frances holding Paul, Grace and Emmett

Harry was the next in line and was also the Uncle I knew the best. He and Dad both served in WWII.  Being several years younger, he joined later in the war and didn't have to go to the front lines like Dad. He lived in Kuna a good portion of his life.  He and Dad loved to go hunting and fishing.  Harry was a confirmed bachelor, and even more confirmed cowboy.  He lived his golden years out in a trailer near my brothers house in Kuna.  He had a family of cadallics and always seemed to have a terrier-type dog around, too.  He and my Dad had some things in common.  They were both  men of few-words.  I remember when Harry came to visit, they would talk for a few minutes and then just sit in comfortable silence for the longest time.They were good friends, even though their lives were quite different.

 

Paul, Frances, Floyd, Emmett and Harry at Floyd and Frances 50th Wedding celebration 1968

Uncle Paul was born in 1938 - Dad was 19,( I think he helped pay the hospital bill.) It was nearing the end of the depression, just before WWII started.  Dad had been working on his own, but I bet he enjoyed the time he could spend with his new baby brother.  I know he was always proud of Paul and his accomplishments.  He had the opportunity for more education that any of the others and was very successful professionally.  He ended up living in southern California most the his life, so we didn't get to see him very much. My older sisters spent alot of time with him when they were growing up, I remember them talking about his talent for electronics.  He was always kind to me as a child.  I will miss getting his Christmas cards. He has a wonderful family that carry on the Mumford tradition.

So these are my Uncles, I am very thankful for them. (But I am even more thankful that my parents didn't drop me off so they could raise me!)

Labor Day Hike

Mom and I decided to take the afternoon off and do a little hiking. We even took grandma, and while we ran up the hill and back, she sat down at the lake and put her feet in the water.  The scene below looks Southwest and contains Lake Spaulding on the left and I-80 in the center background.

These photos were taken from the top of Zion Hill (6000') which is on the Southwest corner of Blue Lake. I messed up the angle, but Mom is almost holding Old Man Mountain in her palm (it's to the left), and hidden behind the hill you see in back of me is Grouse Ridge.

It's really nothing to brag about, hiking up Zion Hill. We started at 5700' at least, so no big rise in elevation, and a real easy walk with no real climbing. But it's really worth the drive, I think. Beautiful view, always a nice breeze, lots of good memories - not the least of which was a YW 4th Level hike that Mom and I went on together  probably 20+ years ago. We camped down at Blue Lake. Come to think of it, it was probably not the best camping experience for Mom. But no need to go into details. . .

On the way down I took this photo of a cool looking balanced rock. Perhaps the best part of the trip was when we stopped for chocolate dipped ice cream cones in Grass Valley on our way home. Did you know McDonalds has chocolate dipped cones? Well, they do, and they're nearly as good as Dairy Queen's. We had fun.

Yard Update

So I finally have a few minutes today to give you a brief update. In spite of being the laziest man on earth, I managed to do a little work last Saturday to finish up one portion of the back yard improvement. The first photos you see below are actually something I did  month or so ago. It's the beginning of a short retaining wall that will eventually make it's way around to the back fence, enclosing a raised garden bed for Melody to use. She got the idea from her sister Colleen when we her in Idaho visited there last month.

What I was able to complete last Saturday was the patio portion from the stairs to the garage. You might not guess it, but there are 127 16" square paving blocks laid out there. Each one weighing just over 30 lbs. I have them set in the dirt for easy removal should one need to be replaced.

This ares is completely shaded by 3pm, so it should be a great place to hang out in the evenings fro BBQ's or whatever. Maybe I'll put my hammock up there.

We had John Stentzel come by and give us a quote for hyro-seeding and installing a sprinkler system. He'll get started in a couple of weeks, which means it probably won't be ready for grand kids to run and play on until after Pam & Rob are here in mid-October. But there's always the school across the street.