Steak&Potatoes with sour cream on New Years Eve

It has been years since I have had a Steak & Baked potato. I promised myself I would eat them on New Years Eve. I have gone overboard with my fat free, cholesterol free diet since my last heart attack. Needless to say I am a skinny little ass battling a viral infection. My goal is to eat a more healthy diet, meaning more healthy fats and get my weight up to 170lbs.  I guess that is my New Years resolution. Happy New Year!!!!!

The Childhood CLAW

 On Christmas Eve, after Dad was defeated at 99 (a card game), he quietly retreated to the living room where all of Will’s Birthday and Christmas toys were strewn about.  He located a lighted, electronic drawing pad.  Blaine had been doodling on it earlier and I assumed my dad was adding his two cents to the “high” art.  Upon discovering my father lost in creative wonder and thought I inquired, “What are you drawing?”  He said, “Oh, I don’t know? What should I draw?”

Chad’s ears perked up from the kitchen and he exclaimed, “Oh dad, you have to draw the craggy claw coming up out of the swampy mire!” (Maybe not those exact words, but something to that nature.) I whole heartedly agreed that our father positively had to draw the strange and sinister claw from our childhood!

I do not know how many times dad has freehanded this creepy sketch.  I am positive he has drawn it on the backs of countless Sacrament Meeting programs, in coloring books, and on the arms of (I’m sure) each and every one of his own children. I know the drawing graced my right shoulder more than once.  We love you Dad!

A life reduced to Bird Watching. It's not that bad.

Up to this point the weather has been very cooperative. Julia and I have missed very few days of walking the Snake River Green Belt this winter. We have taken special interest in the water fowl as the weather changes. The Canadian geese have become a nuisance it seems because you are always stepping in their shit or tripping over them.  And the Mallard ducks have reduced themselves to the welfare way of life. We call them dole ducks. Varieties of interesting ducks come and go through out the winter. Here are pictures of some preeminent ducks we have spotted, ENJOY!!