Me and Manzanita - First blog entry of the year!!!

 Happy first blog entry of the year!!!!

Well, welcome to the 2024 Manzanita blog!  Another year of adventure begins!

With all the severe weather warning we have been getting for Utah, this is about as far as the snow has made it this year.  Northern Utah has been hit pretty hard, but our little piece of heaven at Bryce has only got a spattering.  Last year at this time it was horrendous... but, this year, I shouldn't complain, but, Mother Nature is doing us a solid.

Well, I guess I spoke too soon... We got 6 - 8 inches last night... I think from now on, I'm not going to jinx the situation and just keep my mouth shut.

Jim and I were talking about going down to the cabin and working in our CONEX - trying to get it emptied out... We figured if there wasn't too much snow, it would be a decent project.... but, then...

This nightmare happened...  I can appreciate that some people love the snow... I personally hate it.

Well, here's the hockey jersey I sent to Ben.  He wore it to practice a week ago, and told his mother that he has a Toronto Maple Leaf's jersey, so he might as well play for the Leaf's hockey team when he grows up...  Made me laugh..  He's a solid little player and loves it.

We aren't doing any work on the cabin at this time of the year, but every once in a while we find something that we are going to need.  I don't know what these are called, but they are the rollers that fit on the top of doors or wood pieces... We have a couple of pieces of raw wood that are going to be suspended on these rollers in the loft.  Jim and I can't quite remember what kind of wood the pieces are, but I somehow think it is burl..  It's really pretty.  We bought four of these rollers.

I am one step closer to getting the issue with my passport looked after.  I went to Immigration and Naturalization last week, and even though it's going to take another year to get everything looked after, I feel a little better about the timeline.  I won't have the actual card forever, BUT, I did get a stamp put in my passport that allows me to travel... I've only waited over a year now...

Jim and I were at our attorney's office on Friday, and as we were leaving, I noticed a rock shop.. just had to stop in.  They had some beautiful rocks and I just had to purchase a couple of them for the grotto... This is Selenite. .Kind of interesting looking and I think it will shine beautifully in the sunlight.

And, this is Sodalite.  It's used mainly for jewelry, I am told, but the blue colour really caught my eye.  Again, more pieces for my grotto.

Ben played in the Polar Bear Classic this past weekend and we watched him score a goal! We are so proud.  You can tell he is working hard - showing off the rosy cheeks and the sweaty hair!  I talked with Brea and Ben on the phone, this past Sunday for just about an hour.  I told Brad afterwards, that we talked about everything from hockey to school to Santa Claus...  It was lovely.

We found these end balusters this past weekend.  They are going to go on the stairs going up to the loft.  We had some pieces that didn't quite fit the bill - they would need a whole lot of modifications.   These will work a whole lot better so I am excited.  One step closer.

With all the snow, I am counting down the days until the cold and the snow and the sleet go away.  I'm looking forward to spring and especially summer... 

And, this is a first for our Brea.  She had a couple of hockey games over the weekend, and she got her first ever 2 minute penalty... for tripping.... but, she said it was an accident...  I like her thought process and attitude!  Brad said it was a really physical game, and the whole team pushed it to the limits...Made me laugh, and made me proud.  Giggle. You go, GIRL!!!

Jim had to have some bloodwork for an upcoming doctors appointment on Saturday, and as we went into the phlebotomy department at Utah Valley Hospital, a little boy, about 3 or 4 started a conversation with me.  It went as follows:

Little Boy: Hi, what are you doing here?

Cheri: I came to get some lunch

Little Boy:  I like lunch

Cheri:  What are we having for lunch?

Little Boy: Sandwiches

Cheri: Oh good, I like peanut butter

Little Boy:  I like peanut butter too!

Cheri:  I like grape jelly also.

Little Boy:  Me too!

Cheri pointing to Jim:  He likes strawberry jam with his peanut butter sandwiches

Little Boy: I like strawberry jam...

At this point, the little boy's mother got called to see the tech, and as she was leaving, she said to me that she appreciated me talking to her son.  She said that little kids talk to everybody, and most of the people just ignore him. I told her it was a grandma thing. But, it was nice that we had a little crazy conversation - in a hospital waiting room!  So, just remember, little kids want to be noticed and they are exploring a whole big world.... so, give them a little time.

And, we are patiently... no,  not really patiently waiting for spring... sigh... I really hate the cold and snow.

In saying all this, the adventure continues....

Love, Jim and Cheri

"The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go"

And, 2023 has come to a close....

 Another year has ended, and the hopes and aspirations for the new year have begun.  This year, Jim and I decided to bring in the New Year at the movies and we chose, "The Boys in the Boat"... We loved it.  Very uplifting, very inspirational and if you know a little about history, you already know the ending, but, we enjoyed it nonetheless.  We got out of the show right at midnight, so our traditional kiss, was not at the Kissing Place in Provo, but in front of the movie theater. So, happy New Year to you all.

We really try to stay off the streets of Provo at New Year's...  There were lots and lots of police on the streets, but didn't see any crashes which is good.. Growing up in Toronto gives me a whole different perspective of New Year's - Provo is VERY different - but, I think I still have memories of mum and dad telling me to be VERY careful driving... probably due to a combination of celebrating Torontonians and snow... Giggle.

We haven't been at the cabin in a couple of months.  I have been seeing pictures from the neighbours, but, we have avoided the journey.  We don't have the furnace in, (actually we have the furnace in, we don't have the duct work in...) so the inside of the cabin usually is somewhere in the mid 20's, even though it is warmer outside... and that's just too cold for this cowgirl..

There's still a lot to do, but almost impossible with the cold.

But, I did find something interesting for the cabin - I am not sure what this piece was originally used for, but I am going to put walking sticks in it, and store it by the front door.  It almost looks like it could be used to shovel ash out of a fireplace, but, I seriously don't have a clue.  I thought it was interesting.

And, my son Brad, had his first hockey pick up game this past week.  I bought him a Wayne Gretzsky jersey and a Mike Eruzione jersey for Christmas, and I was pleased he wore the USA jersey for his first game.  So proud of him... He was telling me he was super sore the next day - which is expected.  But, he stuck with it and is an amazing example to everyone.  Proud of you Brad!  I sent Ben a Davey Keon jersey (my all time favourite player of the Toronto Maple Leafs)... He politely said thank you, but said he wanted a Gordie Howe jersey because Gordie Howe had the same number that he wears... Oh my... Where did I go wrong?  After I picked my teeth up off the floor, I told him I would look for a Gordie Howe Red Wings jersey...  Did I actually say that?  I must be getting old or something...  I'll go with the something...

I still like the Keon jersey over the Howe jersey... I guess Ben and I are just going to have to disagree on this one...

Ben... really?

Here's my boy... I still think of Bradley as being only 3 years old... He plays pretty decent hockey for a 3 year old.   Giggle.

Over  Christmas we were in Los Angeles visiting friends... Our friend had these old 7Up cases.  I absolutely love them.  I am not sure what my style of decorating could be called exactly.... I know what I like and a lot of my conversations with Jim go: "Cheri,  where are you going to put that.?" .."Jim, I don't have a clue, but I really like it."  Same with these crates.  I didn't know where to put them, but 2 of the 5 already have a home.  The other three, the gentlemen asked if I could sell them for him.  So, if this is your jam, let me know, and I'll hook you up.  I used two of them stacked on top of each other as an end table with a lamp on top...  It looks great!

Jim and I are making plans for 2024, and it's exciting... He is excited about insulation and I am excited about duct work... I personally think the duct work is more exciting than insulation, but different strokes, I guess.  So much was accomplished this past year.... Jim is an amazing carpenter... I would say I am an amazing project manager, but I think Jim would define me more as just a pushy/demanding project manager... C'est la vie.

Well, the 2023 Manzanita blog will go to print this next week... One more year of blogs is literally in the history books.  Thanks for everyone's love and support.  It's been a difficult year for us, lots of laughter and lots of tears, but we are managing.

With that, the adventure continues...  I thank Jim for taking me on this incredible journey with him.  I can't think of anyone else I would ever consider travelling this road with.

Love, Jim and Cheri

 Uhuh... sure looks pretty, but we're pretty much snowed out until spring.  But, we've still got "stuff" to buy for next summer to keep working on the project.  

Jim and I were in Habitat for Humanity on Saturday... but, it wasn't the things we purchased that impressed me, as much as it was bumping into a friend of mine...Apparently, he is a regular at Habitat - it's amazing who all goes to Habitat. I haven't seen him in years, but in the few minutes (more like 30 minutes) we were visiting, it was so incredibly uplifting and warmed this little heart of mine.  I worked on a reunion several years ago, and this gentleman was a part of the group the reunion was for... He is a true 'Southern Gentleman"... But, the thing that got me the most was he mentioned our cabin - that he read our blog on a regular basis.  I was shocked.  I can see the number of people that read our blog, but not the "who".  This was so fun.  He mentioned that I sure have a lot of pictures, and where do I find the time to write the blog... made me giggle.  So, a big thanks to you, Fred... for visiting.  Made me smile and made my day!

Hockey in Alaska has started and Ben is having a blast participating.  This is definitely his jam.

Brea loves playing hockey and really is a strong little player.  She loves the social aspect of the game also.... here she is with one of her bestest friends... who plays for the opposing team!  Check out those smiles!

And, here's Mahayla... She's not so much into hockey as she is into reading.  Years and years ago, when I was working at BYU, employees were given tickets to fill up the spaces in the stands, and a couple of times a year, I had to endure through a football game... I would show up, with a book, and read the whole time.  So, it makes me giggle to see Mahayla, going to the rink, and reading a book!

Back to the subject at hand.  Jim found these old door hinges...  Very antique looking.  Jim tells me they are going to go on the doors going into the main level bathroom, closet and bedroom.  I think they'll look great!

I found this red wings pot last weekend.  I am not sure if it is a bean pot, or what it is.... But, it appealed to me in some weird way.  I have an idea what it MIGHT be.. Jim and I have been discussing it, but for now, it's going to stay as a... bean pot.  It's brand new so don't get all out of shape over this one...  Giggle.

And, we found a floating shelf to be used in the main level bathroom.  We have a whole wall with absolutely nothing to go on the wall, so this is the start.  I am always so intrigued by floating shelves.  We have a couple in our house in Provo already.. This one will match the cabinet perfectly.

And, when all else fails, I resort to showing off my family... The year is winding down, and we can't get into the cabin, so, this next section is going to be hockey pictures...  Giggle.  Brea looks so tough in this picture... She actually has the cutest smile, and the sweetest personality...

Here's Brad and Brea and Ben... Brad is coaching/playing this year and is loving having the opportunity to interact with the kids so much more.  He's going to start participating in "pick up" games starting January, and I am sure he is going to love it... And, the kids will be cheering him on, I am sure. Maybe Brea and Ben can give him tips on how to improve his game!  Giggle

Ben is having a blast on the ice... He's he's losing teeth and I keep telling him he's gotta stop taking a stick to the face.. Giggle.  I love talking to him - he's such a little chatterbox..

Earlier today, I was getting ready to load pictures onto this blog, and all my previous pictures from this year had disappeared off the blog page.  To say the least, I was having a small stroke - ok, a rather large stroke.... I called Jim who tried to get me off the top of the building, but all I kept thinking was there was no way I was going to be able to recreate a year's worth of pictures.... I talked to my boss for condolences, and I don't know what happened, but they all appeared back...  Too much of a scare for this old girl.

I was told it's super cold down at the cabin... not a whole lot of snow, but super cold...  In fact, by mid-morning it's colder IN the cabin than outside.  Not my particular cup of tea.  And, we'll probably stay away until May or so when it warms up, and snow goes away permanently.

With that, the adventure continues....

Love, Jim and Cheri

"Destiny can throw down a pretty sparse trail of popcorn for you to follow"

I think the small window of time we had has closed...

 Well, our time at the cabin this year is coming to a close.  We had a little bit of a window to do some last minute jobs, and then the winterizing has started full force.  Jim was at the cabin on Saturday and Sunday, and on Sunday morning, this is what greeted him...  He was not particularly impressed...

By Sunday afternoon, it really started to snow, and it was time to high tail it off the mountain and come back to Provo.... where it was pouring rain... sad face...  Fall and winter is not my friend...It's my theory that you won't be burning in hell, people will be frozen in hell...  I don't like the heat, but I like the cold even less... When I was a teenager, I loved going skiing... now, not so much.

Jim was making a little footprint path across the bridge to get back and forth to his truck..

Here's the side view of the property... The jacuzzi got winterized and the top was supported so it didn't sink like it did last year...  and a tarp was put over the backhoe.

And, this is the road everybody is totally ticked off about.. From the highway to the turnoff, it's Garfield County... But, we live in Kane County.  Garfield doesn't get our taxes to plow this road, so they have decided not to plow any longer... We've owned property here for over 10 years, and they've plowed every year... until last year they decided not to both, which leaves the residents that stay on the mountain year round, stranded...  

The furnace was installed, but the duct work was not finished, so this is our only source of heat.  Saturday afternoon, Jim said that it was in the 20's in the cabin.  This little stove did it's best but with cathedral ceiling and no insulation, unless you stand right in front of it, you don't feel a whole lot of heat.  (Side note:  when Jim went to start a fire in this baby on Saturday, he found a bird... and the bird had gone to visit friends on the farm...) The top part of the stove pipe blew off during a wind storm, and it got too windy and cold to hoist Ben up there to get it back on... so, some little bird decided to check out the pipes and couldn't find it's way out... rather, it went to the farm...)

And, I found his ceramic basket last week.  I know it's handmade, but I don't know the story behind it.  I love it.  I wanted to put it in the upstairs loft bathroom because it's all in white/grey and green, but I think Jim had another plan for it.  I want to put the spare bathroom tissue rolls in it... Made sense to me.

And, I found another ceramic chicken.  Jim is at the point now that he says I have too many chickens, but doesn't complain any further.  I guess he's getting used to it.  This was just too interesting to pass up.  

And, remember the Pika from last week.  Well, he brought another friend to visit, or maybe this is the same one we released last week... don't know.. We just know he was caught in the trap.  We haven't found the entry yet, but sooner or later we will.  Jim thinks that he came in when door were open, but I think he's found an entry and we haven't closed it off yet.  It's been too cold to have the doors open.

And, here's one of the granite window sills.. They really go nicely with the ceramics in the bathroom.  

And, here's the finished floors all grouted and dried.

And, Jim started putting everything back in its place...  One piece by one piece.

And, this is where Jim decided to put my ceramic basket.  I don't know if this is going to be it's home, but for now, it's in the main level bath.

Jim told me that he didn't figure for the ceramics behind and under the cabinet, and when he went to put everything back into place, the holes in the back were a little bit off and need to be drilled out... I just think it looks pretty.

It's been a crazy year.  Jim is wanting to get back down to the cabin a couple more times this year, but I am not sure with the crazy weather we have been having.  Salt Lake City had a major snow storm on Saturday and Sunday (about 45 minutes north of us) and Duck Creek, which is about 20 minutes away, got slammed also.  It's supposed to be a super snowy winter, so it's going to be a hit and miss.  Drive carefully, friends.

Jim and I were watching the series (Six Feet Under) on Sunday night, and someone on one of the episodes said a line that resonated with Jim.... He loved it, and came upstairs as I was doing dishes, and so sweetly said to me:

"I must have done something really good, because I've been rewarded 1000 times over." Still love this man something stupid.

With that, the adventure continues and we'll close this chapter.

Love, Jim and Cheri