Melon Tours

Old Valentine

2012-02-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

See these cute girls and their valentine night gowns?

Valentine's day is just around the corner. Ground Hog day is over and has been celebrated. It is raining and has been a big weekend for visiting with the younger generation. Logan and Kayla Bean came to stay along with Holly and her fiancee Jacob. These along with the more familiar Cole, Max, Bo, and Vince came over with their parents as well. The weather has been rather Springlike so we'll see if the patched hole in the foundation holds. The Bean-clan was pleasant enough to have around. Jacob wanted to see some of Logan's creations so we watched some of these -- he's quite clever with the video. His friend Chris, who stars in most of them, adds quite a bit of charm.

Shauna and Grandma Dalton got along swimmingly. I think I see the connection now as Shauna relates to the youngest generation. A taste for popular culture shared among generations can prevent stodgy walls of dogma from being erected. Shauna laughs at things that kids laugh at, simply, instinctively. Her iTunes is filled with stuff Hayley turned her on to. She reads popular books, watches popular movies, TV. Having so much youth around keeps the air filled with spontaneity and a lust for life well-lived. It is simple but very elusive for many. Happy Valentine's Day!

Huntington Tours

2012-02-05T19:04:00.000-08:00

Took a weekend in So. Calif. Went to beach, careful to read the rules of the beach before surfing.

Found the Huntington Beach logo and an authentic HB surfer.

Two skateboarders were were warned by this guy about where you can and can't skateboard.

The Anaheim Supercross, later in the evening, did not disappoint!

The Newport Beach Temple (along with this Grand Dame) is beautiful.

Shots in time

2012-01-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

Late1989 at the Snow Canyon Dunes. A couple of the couples did not stay coupled, another has been coupled for over 50 years, and yet others less than that.

Shauna-thrown birthday parties were always creative affairs. Who are all these kids? -- is that really Sidney Leo? Can you find Burke Frei? Is Pete's bicep really hiding Randy's face?

Scanning the Past

2012-01-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

One Halloween at the Atkin home -- 1989

One Christmas at Linc's with Papa, the ornament, 1989

Mario and Luigi

Hannah's 5th, 1990 -- Ben 17, Jared 15

Cool and Classic

Hermana Dalton, Espanola?

Dalton and DeCoster meet off the track.

Tumblina

Hannah's 5th, Gramyrle's __th?

Touring the holiday break

2012-01-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

So this was Christmas...

... in 1989

This was more like 2011

2011 or 1989?

We let Grandpa narrate some of the old St. George historical sites and Jared recorded a few hours of it.

Hanyon showed for the Atkin party + 24 hours

Bo found his balance at Chuckwalla

Touring 19th Century Christmas

2011-12-18T18:37:00.000-08:00

Last week, on my way back from Vidalia Georgia, I stopped at a Bookstore in Macon partly to find a book to read on the flight back and partly to rest my aching back. After browsing for an hour I decided on, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. It hit me that while I have seen many versions of this -- Disney, Scrooged, and others; I don't think I had ever read the original -- good 19th century prose -- centered on the principle of giving to the poor.

Shauna and I attended the Christmas Concert at the conference center at Temple Square. It was a beautiful production with a medieval theme featuring The Choir, orchestra, dancers, baritone Nathan Gunn, and story teller Jane Seymour. The Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas" was performed and was moving -- the first time I'd paid attention to that poem. Again written in the 19th century by John Mason Neale. It is about the good king in the 10th century as he reaches out to a poor soul -- worth pondering.

While these are prose and poem that warms the heart, what could be written of our lives and times?

Touring -- Musing

2011-12-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

Boys came over

2012. I am far from where I could have imagined I would be -- if I would have imagined it. Clarification -- imagining now how I would have imagined being at this date had I imagined it at all. But, the imaginations of youth are so… what? without the faithless wizened cynicism that only age can bring?

I saw myself standing on the small front lawn of a rambler-sized red brick house as happy and fulfilled as any man could be. It goes deeper than that but... you get the point. It was simple, it was fulfilled, it was the picture of a contentedly lived life.

I thank you for your support

2011-12-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

Because of your overwhelming response to my pathetic plea for attention (6 comments, a record), I will include 1 photo of Vincent and myself (thank you Shauna) at our "holiday kickoff party," and 1 musing:

As I sat just a few days ago and dated a page in my journal I realized that not long from now we will be living in the year 2012. I don’t know how anyone else has viewed this but I have not put a lot of thought into living beyond 2012. About a month ago I was on a plane returning home from Chicago when I got into a fairly philosophical conversation with a gentleman who thought that he would like to live until 70 years of age (useful physical age), then just disappear. I shared my similar thoughts about living until 55 then heading off into the desert never to be heard from again – like an old dog.

Is that what dogs do? When I was about 8 years old my dad said that our dog Abby had just left home one day, because she was old, and wandered off into the desert. Before I do this I better check to see if this is what dogs really do – we later found out that Abby had been hit by a car, and that dad knew it but thought that the wandering in the desert story was preferable. Now I'm not sure what to do.

MELON MUSINGS

2011-11-27T18:19:00.000-08:00

Since the iPhone I have not been taking many pictures. Also, I am not sure that "Melon Tours" really works any more (if it ever did). Also, I don't know who the audience is here -- aside from my wife and a portion of our children. So, this blog could get renamed to Melon Musings, which might just end up being some short cryptic blurb that emanates from me or my journal, like:

... Shauna and I are sitting on the deck writing in our journals with the sun beating down on us – it is very pleasant on this Sunday afternoon. It has been a pretty good Thanksgiving holiday. We went to Church in our old 10^th Ward. Sherri Wagner and Chris Durham spoke on gratitude, along with trials I guess – why do trials get talked about even when the topic is “be of good cheer?” In High Priest quorum meeting I saw a lot of the old guard there. Woody Wagner is now in the Stake Presidency with Presidents Frei and Ence. Bishop North is driving trucks in North Dakota along with John Boyle and Ken Earl on contract for some oil hydraulic fracturing that’s going on there. People are still struggling along – at least those that are still with us in quorum meeting...

A Melon Smorgasborg

2011-11-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

The little brothers

Falling for each other

A bunch of Daltons circa 1979

Linc being Ernest

Hands full

Hermana Dalton pre-Barcelona

A better shot of Mr. Penton

Pete & Clint w/same hairstyle

Linc hugging sisters

Luke now builds snowmen w/Cole

Super Chunk

Yikes! here we go again

Orphans

One more Pumkin

2011-10-31T20:40:00.000-07:00

So, I can't seem to edit/rotate my pics from my iPhone. I send the pic from my iPhone to my gmail account, and, eventhough the pic on the iPhone is portrait, it shows up as a jpg in the email as landscape (like you see). So, I get into it and edit the photo back to portrait. Then I insert the photo to blogspot and its back to landscape!

Cute pumpkin anyway.

Halloween Tours

2011-10-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Max climbing

Sideways Cole

sleepy Vince

Tour Valencia via Barcelona con mi hija-hermana

2011-10-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

After about 8 weeks Hayley arrived in Barcelona from Madrid...

She received a cute companera espanola, Hermana Martin from Cadiz, and they are pointing to where they are headed -- Valencia!

The train station in Barcelona where her parents bought tickets to France 3 weeks ago...

Montjuic in Barcelona with President and Sister Hinckley

Finishing off the Tour de France

2011-10-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Taking the fast train to Paris from Lyon, looking all... nondescript.

Look where the Monaco F1 GP is held.

Shauna in the Marseilles Train Station

Shauna on the path to Monte Carlo.

Grace Kelly (on left)

More Monaco

And more...

Ice cream in Antibes

Club Med Antibes

Black Yacht Antibes (lots o' these)

Last night in Paris

Melon Documenting Shauna's Meanderings

2011-10-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

Shauna in Paris CDG...

Shauna catching a bus...

Shauna figuring the Metro...

Shauna riding a train at 300 km/hr...

Shauna with Goudi's Sagrada Familia...

Shauna checking on what Rick Steve has to say...

Shauna posing with Goudi's Parc Guell...

Where's Shauna? Parc Guell...

Shauna with her companion on gondola to Montjuic...

Shauna observing Club Med from Montjuic..

Shauna is not done yet!

Melon meandering

2011-09-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

Work has been just about as intense as I can ever remember it being. Our new CEO asked in one meeting, "what am I paying you guys for? I guess it was rhetorical because no one said a thing. Remember The Del on Coronado Island? That's where our "C-Suite" is having a strategic planning meeting.

Anyway, lately it has been work all the time and Church work a little of the time. So, late at night, I have been looking for the perfect motorcycle. The criteria is always changing since I don't know what I would do with the motorcycle. But, The KTM LC8 990 or Adventure Bike has come to mind.

This morning in Stake PEC our stake president, a banker by trade, counseled that we should live "below our means," among other things -- wise council. It made me glad that I didn't buy that $13,000 motorcycle! What I did do to satisfy that annoying itch was to buy a kit for my KLX450R that will make it barely street legal. Then I will be able to hop on it and head up American Fork Canyon on the spur of the moment.

After getting completely frustrated with the front brake sensor and the DC power connectors (the instructions were very skimpy and written by someone who knew how to install the kit for some one who knew even more about the installation), I put it to bed thinking I would head to a real mechanic Saturday morning.

I found a mechanic who helped me figure out both problems quickly and didn't even charge! This was a major motorcycle mood changer. I'll finish it when I get back from the MRO, the NBAA, and the MARPA.

Hayley's in Ogden waiting for her VISA to Spain. We talked to her Thursday evening for 5 minutes. She sounded very good and happy. We'll check out Barcelona next week to make sure it is safe for her. I'll try to keep this blog up on some Spain and South of France goings on (in between work).

Melon remembers last weekend

2011-09-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

Papa, Dad -- July 14,1927 to September 10, 2001

9 11 - September 11, 2001

"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers..."

"...whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Melon's Hayley Touring Mission

2011-09-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Mother and daughter the day of the drop off.

Sisters and an admiring Bo.

Proud, sad parents and misionera.

1-year old Melon babies

2011-08-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Bo's birthday up South Fork of Provo River

Vincent begging for more of Bo's cake's frosting.

Bo at Vince's party batting his balloon

Vinney posing with his royal stepstool potty

Vincent drunk on cake and icing

Melon Seeds

2011-08-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

"... Except ye be converted, and beome as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven."

"... Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

"... he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them."

"... they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending ... and encircled those little ones..."

Other Melon Daltons

2011-08-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

Wait for it...

And you wait for it...

OK, let it go!

First Mate Ben (with Navy (farmer) (bicyclist) tan)

Captain Fun!

Friends from word one, Aven and Cole

Max chased Stella around into the night (because she is so dang cute he said)

Susan expounding to the girls

Self Group Portrait

Melon Hikes Parker Bradford Memorial

2011-07-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

Original plan was to hike to Timp Summit. Because of snow an alternate trail wound to Arrowhead Peak, to Stewart Falls, and back to Sundance. Melon, Allison, and Melissa.

Randall, Dalton, Claire, Luc, and Melissa standing on Arrowhead Summit, with Cascade mountain as a backdrop.

Commemorators singing High on a Mountain Top

Rick Smallsey and Melon

Washington Melon

2011-07-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

At the Airline Supplier Association (ASA) meeting and the WWII Memorial.

The reflecting pool -- or dirt pool

Foreigners worshiping Lincoln...

First time at the Viet Nam Memorial

A special pic and long appellido for Hayley...

Melon Moto & Mortuary

2011-07-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

We finally found the best first bike for Canyon! A Honda Nighthawk! He took to it like fish to water. So, for all of you out there -- start seeing bikes! Canyon may be on one.

Had a mini reunion with Uncle's Steve and David Dalton at the funeral of Larry Johnson -- their cousin, son of LaRell Johnson, Grandma Dalton's younger brother. Larry was Steve's age 66.

Melon Bucket (list)

2011-07-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

So, Hayley turned 22 today. She's going on a mission -- because no boy will have her? Who wouldn't want this sultry dame? Of course, she was only 17 here. Happy birthday Hay. You're inspiring many people this summer to have a bucket list. Mine to follow.

This is Shauna, unpredictable, planner of family get togethers (like the 4th weekend), good mother, better grandmother, maternal anarchist, librarianist, no bucket list?

OK, I've seen a lot of "bucket lists" on blogs so maybe I'll get mine out there, in numerical order:

1. buy KTM 990 Adventure

Yahoo!

Father Melon

2011-06-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of me mindlessly enjoying Father's Day -- special greeting card (wife), downing yummy chicken enchiladas and rice crispy treats (Hanyon), with the added encouragement and humoring from Luke/Hayley, and in my new grey sporty shirt (Clint/Cassie).

Antelope Island Cuties. Hayley is busy checking off her bucket list. Can you believe that on that list was camping on Antelope Island with Bison, mosquitoes, and biting gnats? Also swimming in the Great Salt Lake with Brine Shrimp?

Max, Mavericks & Melon

2011-06-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

Eight days of Cole and Max! What do you hear about being a grandparent? It's great, spoil them and send them home! But, what if you can't send them home? Luke and Ashlie spent a week boating in the Caribbean. Shauna must be completely worn out (she doesn't know it yet). But, it provided plenty of moments for me to play with Cole.

Mavericks Win!

Miscellaneous Memorial Melon...

2011-05-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

berfday girl

Melon at Disneyland1

2011-05-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

Family vacation at Disneyland by Shauna. While Luke talked some into going to the Conan Show I took Cole to Walt's theme park on day 1.

Pooh Pots

On our way to Adventureland we got side tracked when Cole saw this! And we had to go there.

Cole with Grandma in tea cup

Max n Cole managing a toon town fire engine

Max taking 5 in shade

Happy people on bus to themed park!

More happy people on bus.

Excited babies headed for adventure (in Mater shirts)!

Melon Tours the U

2011-05-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Atkin took this Picasso-like family portrait at Hayley's graduation. It is one of my favorites, no one can say that they don't look good! I guess I forgot that Grandpa Atkin's vision is a little blurry.

Hayley with her wonderful nephews

Luke and the benefactors

Grandma and Cole pulling funny faces

Hi Vince...

and Max...

and Bo.

Melon, Bowzer, and Easter

2011-04-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

How do you spell your full name Bo? Wow, I like it

But, can you stack it?

Bowzer came up with Hanyon to look for work and a place to live. Luckily they stayed for Easter week (and we set out to figure that out too).

We actually split time celebrating the Holy Week (last week of lent) -- the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ (Special Services at our ward) and celebrating Easter (or Eostre ancient pagan Anglo-Saxon goddess of around April?) -- anyway... Hanyon colored eggs, I bought malted robin's eggs, Reese's peanut butter eggs, Cadberry eggs, and little marshmallow chicks. Canyon and Shauna also made some yummy dinner (doing most of the work as usual).

Melon at the Eden Roc

2011-04-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

Spent a few days in Miami Beach at the Eden Roc Resort Hotel. I think Shauna would have liked the weather, reading on the balcony overlooking the Atlantic. Much was wasted on me, but I did get a nice run in on the board walk which runs 3 miles along the beach.

Melon's socioeconopolitics

2011-04-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

After internally debating the variety of positions covering the state of affairs in US politics and economics, I was tempted to sit down and outline a rational, thoughtful, apolitical, prudent, sensible, spartan, reasonable position on government, freedom, economics, and such. But, I went for a run instead. I did however later read this about when Alma became the first judge after King Mosiah.

...in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athrist, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.

OK maybe I will get socioeconopolitico -- what? no pics?

Melons

2011-04-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

At the A-Frame chapel soaking in counsel after eating "Mo Betta" food. Good Boys

Mo Melon Mini Indy 2011

2011-03-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

2011: An Aerospace Odyssey. A take from a similar themed movie that most could probably not relate to. Like many of my ideas -- too esoteric. I re-watched the movie from 1968 (I saw it when it came out), and like other 60's movies, being on LSD, might have made it fantastic.

The flight suits worn by the crew were almost identical to ours, but who would have known that? Trying to help the uninitiated, I included pictures of the earth-to-space station shuttle (the Orion III) as well as the space station and the space ship they took to Jupiter.

But, this over-the-top Viking ship paint job (and matching Vikings) was understandable and understandably the winner.

But, in the end, the Viking ship was no match for the Orion on the track.

Melon's oldvo

2011-03-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

Only ten years old and terminally ill. Hayley was piloting the oldvo when a car made a left turn into its front quarter. I don't believe it is worth salvaging. It is pretty tweaked.

Seat belts were on and the airbags deployed and Hayley and Anna were spared with nary a scratch (at least on the surface).

Melon stays home

2011-03-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

For the first time in a few weeks I was home on the week end. Ambiguity took a break last Friday when I came home (Lehi) and found Hayley, Cole, Max, and, of course, Shauna. While Shauna did all the heavy lifting with the boys, I did spend quite a bit of time playing -- including helping with the floor to ceiling duplo complex -- to Sunday evening.

This Renaissance year is having trouble getting kicked off. It has the beginnings and makings but I'll need to be a little more conscious about keeping it on track. That sounds a lot like taking control, and that may be part of it, but the other part has to be a little letting go as well.

I watched 2001: A Space Odyssey last night. It was as cryptic as it was in 1968. Most movies done in the 60's were like rock songs -- a little too long, too psychedelic, and maybe better with LSD. I did find a great little video explanation of the movie and decided that you could watch it instead of the movie and be just as well off. Cole snuggled up and was all ready to watch it with me and promptly fell asleep -- a better use of time.

Melon goes along...

2011-02-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

...on the ferry

...down Embarcadero

...to Zero Zero

...on to Livermore

...with Boey [bo-ee]

Yucca Melon

2011-02-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

For a year and a half now we have been living in Lehi and I have been working on the yard in Santa Clara when I can get down. It was weighing on my mind more than on my back lately so I decided to have someone take care of it. I asked him to trim the dead spines on the Yucca out front -- voila! What a nice looking plant!

When I was out running one evening last week I noticed how big the moon was rising right up American Fork Canyon. But, I didn't take a picture. Someone must have stolen my camera and took this shot, Shauna? Hayley?

Shauna and I watched what was an indie film but has since gotten bigger, "Catfish." It is named so because of a story that one of the minor characters in the documentary told in the final scene. Once upon a time when Alaskan fishermen would transport cod to the lower 48 they would arrive (alive) in tanks but the meat would be mushy because they had not been active. So, someone thought to put catfish in with them for the trip. This solved the problem. The character was grateful for the "catfish" in his life -- people who "nip at your heals" and keep everyone else alert and on their toes (otherwise we all would get mushy). This is a good show, appropriate for our times, and well worth seeing.

Melon sticks

2011-02-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

The masked man (Rich) went straight down the mountain and turned 50 years old.

Deer Valley, let's have a birthday, love Rich.

Not Melon-Cole-y

2011-02-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

Cole's 4th birthday for those who couldn't be there. When I walked in Cole yelled for me and took me to see the cake! Ashlie made it and Cole was very impressed (especially with Saturn, can you see the rings?)

Unlike Cole of yesteryear, he blew those candles out within a light-second of ending the birthday song.

Recipe for a great birthday -- lots o' presents and friends.

Grandma and Cole put this puzzle together

Melon's Ground Hog

2011-02-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

Ground Hog Wild!

Beautiful Empty St. George Airport

BMW Aircraft Engine

Water Cooled Lycoming Aircraft Engine

Melon clues

2011-01-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

From whence came this spectacle?

I'm looking forward to Ground Hog Day!

DC Melon

2011-01-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

Last week I found myself in DC at an industry trade association for which I am a board member. It was very cold but the trip was easy and without stress. Work has become very ambiguous and I find myself looking inward at the company more than outward to the customers. This is a bad thing, but a thing that happens all too often. Anyway, while in DC I stopped by the Air and Space Museum on the Mall. While I was pondering this old 20 something cylinder radial behemoth I saw myself in it. Can you find me?

Another of the interesting moments was when I was looking at the Air - Sea exhibit I saw the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier. This is the ship that Ben is on right now heading to the Persian Gulf. I wonder what that is like?

This strange little airplane was in the Great War Exhibit (a new one worth seeing). The Germans apparently figured out how to shoot large caliber bullets out the front of the airplane without destroying the propeller (by a shaft that synchronises the shots with the prop revolution), but we (US, Brits, French, etc.) first just put the engine in the back so you could shoot out the front.

Some of the exhibits are getting very old there. But, some are new and very interesting. Some new exhibits about beyond earth, telescopes, and the digital age made the traditional notion of just flying around in our atmosphere and blasting to the moon as "air and space" quite antiquated.

No Melon January

2011-01-15T20:31:00.000-08:00

Utah deep freeze, I-15 construction, corporate consolidation, back ache... What to do??? -- have Vince come over!

Vince (with some minor help from Grandma) paid tribute to his cousins -- Cole with a "Q", Max D, BoP, and himself with one N -- Go Vinny!

Touring the Holidays

2011-01-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

my holiday hayley...

before heading south Bo and I watched some football which made him happy

Christmas Eve at Linc & Cindy's -- friends, family, fun & games

Christmas breakfast a la canyon before the gifts arrived

Atkin party -- all the principles -- Kelly's head swivels automatically to any camera

Vince showed for the Atkin party -- always up for a good time

at motel in Livermore -- sadly we left Bo, Hannah, & Canyon there

Touring Temple Square

2010-12-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

The square, lights, and ambiance were transcendent. The Beauty seems to be of a bygone era -- other worldly. For a moment one can feel an honest, forthright notion of human interaction without the more contemporary cynical manner of pretentiousness.

Shauna!

Melon Tends...

2010-12-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

Cole finally got the Jupiter hat, it was a very serious occasion...

...OK, maybe that was set up seriousness.

Feeding babies is so much fun...

...and very tiring

Cole's world

Melon At Jupiter

2010-12-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

About a week ago I went on a trip to Jupiter. I had never been there before so I decided to walk around a and see the sights.

Clearly it is shrouded in an atmosphere of gasses. It also sits by a body of water. Thinking that Cole would be interested in Jupiter, I went into town looking for some kind of "Jupiter" memorabilia.

I found this hat and brought it home to Cole -- doesn't he look cute in it?

Wait! that's not Cole, that's Bo!

Melon's Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

Grandma Atkin sponsored a comfort food Thanksgiving celebration like only she can. We almost lost her to the fire-breathing oven that belched fire at Hannah last year. Here she is, still a little dazed from the incident. Her hair took on reddish tint and as it smoldered she set off the fire alarm. When it happened I rushed into the kitchen while Grandpa and Trevor stayed glued to the football game.

Now in his 30th year of "toodle dums" Grandpa is still playing with grand babies

On a brisk southern Utah day I waxed nostalgic and wandered into the desert only to find this huge structure in the distance apparently transplanted from some metropolitan area.

Vince is so serious at times. Grandma dressed him to match her -- festive Thanksgiving brown.

What! Luke 30?

2010-11-14T19:19:00.000-08:00

Stages of live crises and other ramblings

Where's Melon? (taking the picture), where's Vince?, Max? Hayley? (working). Luke's got Bo. Really, a son who is 30 and 4 grandchildren? Look in the mirror.

Finally, the private equity investment group who owns the majority of X company hired a new CEO, CFO, CIO, C.... et. al. Let the restructuring begin. Melon's responsibilities were effectively severed into 3 separate positions. Any position that has changed at least 25% will be opened up and must be applied for... hmmm. Maybe its time to start that brick/block baking business?

Anyway, it is sure good to hear graciousness coming from kids in their blogs and lives. To hear of their faith, commitment, good works, studies, and grace gives me quite a spiritual boost. Gratitude: generosity of spirit with the capacity to accommodate and forgive people.

Did I mention Shauna? Lately she has been keeping me occupied with Hale Center Theatre (Excellent Scarlett Pimpernel), BYU football (couple of nice blow outs), grand babies over on the weekend, and throwing big bash birthday parties.

Fine Fellows

2010-11-07T21:04:00.000-08:00

Bo and Vince, "good to meet you man"

Vixen and Vincent

2010-10-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

I was in Vegas all week so brought this showgirl home.

Hi Vince!

Melon's 10 New England Answers

2010-10-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

1 USS Constitution, cannon balls bounced off her oak (Southern Live) planking so it was nicknamed Old Ironsides, undefeated in 40 battles, built in 1797 and is still a US Navy ship out to sea once a year (4th of July of course).

2 The Boston Massacre -- yes, the one that Samuel Adams helped provoke and that John Adams defended the regular army boys implicated. You can see that the news (although old) distressed Shauna).

3 Stockbridge, MA -- There is a winter painting by Rockwell which made it famous (and he lived near too).

4 Yale

5 Mark Twain

6 Minutemen

7 Hayley!

8 Buckman's Tavern along Battle Road. Revere and Dawes galloped by here warning that the "regulars" were coming. And they came and were ambushed by minutemen colonists.

9 Boston Temple

10 Paul Revere lived here. It is the most original place in Boston with materials still dating back to 1690.

Melon's 10 New England Questions?

2010-10-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

1 What ship was this taken on?

2 What famous fight was held here?

3 This town made famous by Norman Rockwell?

4 This building located on what IV league campus?

5 Who is this lego man from Harford?

6 Monument for what Men in Concord?

7 What woman outstanding in her field?

8 Behind what Tavern?

9 Picture taken by what renoun Mormon edifice?

10 Original house of what famous revolutionary?

Touring Max's First

2010-10-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

Touring solo w/companions

2010-10-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

After some vertical exertion

Ya need mountain goat skills up here...

and steady nerves never looking down!

Hey how'd this get in here -- at the A-frame chapel

Hello trail 151 or 149?

Touring September

2010-09-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

Bo hijacked Vince's sling and is enjoying

a little fall behind the wasatch

a creature hiding from the arizona heat

Snake eats melon (almost)

2010-09-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

On our recent trip to AZ I stepped within 2 to 3 feet of one of these coiled and ready to strike --

it was quite startling! Either a Diamonback or a Mohave I think.

Bo Knows Vince

2010-09-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

Tour of Utah

2010-09-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

My buddy Roy cycled 75 miles on the road without me. I tried my new jetting and gearing up AF Canyon. Left work, babies, and sense behind.

Tour of Hayley

2010-08-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Came home from Church and no Hayley to dine with :( Yes, Hay Hay moved out in favor of a place near the U. We already miss her.

BOHANYON

2010-08-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

Lil' Boss Bohemian, Bobo, Bojo, Bo

Ye Old Brit

2010-07-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Stratford Upon AvonWarwick Castlemy cottage Upon AvonCanal lock Stratford Upon Avon Warwick Alley

The Fourth

2010-07-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

Tourning The Reef

2010-06-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

The cool shade of ponderosa pines on boulder mountain.

Hannah taking Canyon to the heart of Utah's National Parks.

A hearty hannah and a casual canyon trek toward Hickman's Arch

under the arch

the vista toward fruta

see? Capitol Dome

see? Singletree Falls

an angle of repose

secret canyon of rock carving

a funny moment in the dark by a fire

seeing forward looking back

Canyon relegated to the back seat

Canyon relegated to the top

gnome

reclined

where's Walda?

Colorful Hayley

breaking the goblin

Grumpy Melon tours San Diego

2010-06-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

Vacations are all about happy kids, not grumpy Grandpas.But, sometimes kids can be grumpy too. The new Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center was quite impressive -- Grumpy Grandpa William Huntington was in the movie, at Mount Pisgah.

Kids after the Padres dismantled the Mets on Memorial Day.

Grandma and Cole read the USA Today.

Not so grumpy tour guide in her red car.

An Arizona Strip Cowboy on the La Jolla Beach.

The newly married Gordon and Sarah greet the Grumpy Gramdpa.

Dancin' without the kid's makes this couple happy.

Hmmm. Hard to read, grumpy or not so grumpy?

This couple had been married the longest -- 53 years, and look at those smiles!

Attending a wedding in a temple wrapped in scaffolding an hour late could make some people grumpy.

But this seems to cure even the worst case of grumps.

Melon tours a storybook wedding

2010-05-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

I went to a wedding just the other day. It was in the historic Pine Valley Chapel. It was a beautiful setting.One of Cory's adoring adorable daughter's was getting married... not one of these... but

this adorable one -- Camille

Yes, he gave her away to Danny.

Of course Danny's parents were there.

Right along with Camille's.

And Jenna...

And Kaylee, And Jordan.

And, Isa!

Along with a bunch of wedding crashers.

Spring Project Done

2010-05-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

After a few weekends we have the "after" picture of Luke, Ashlie, Cole, and Max's little back yard. I liked these pavers in the backyard of the Santa Clara House so we laid them in North Salt Lake too. I hope they provide a few good "BBQ"s!

Touring Short Crick

2010-05-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

Uncle Linc set up a daddy daughter outing and we took a tour of Short Crick (Colorado City). After touring the town, the shut down meeting houses and public schools, we hiked up the short Short Crick. At the top of the short Short Crick was this pond. We ate our peanut butter sandwiches here. Very nice day, very nice walk, very nice company. "It's nice to be nice to the nice," Frank Burns

MRO (Foenix For Fun)

2010-04-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

Last Monday I headed to Phoenix for an industry exhibition (The MRO Americas) at the new convention center downtown. I first golfed in a tournament at the Biltmore. It was a best ball scramble and our 4-some hit 14 under par! I contributed about... nothing to the score. Here is our landing craft/booth thing. All these dudes are Wencor guys buying, selling, doing deals, acting important in their "monkey suits" (after hours we heard a tour guide tell a group of school kids that if they stayed in school they could wear monkey suits like these people).

Unlike the golf, not all was hard work. Here, all these yahoos are having fun at Wencor's expense -- we sponsored a suite and watched the Kansas City Cardinals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. It was a game in the 8th inning though!

Runnin'

2010-04-17T21:23:00.001-07:00

Runnin' (& walkin' & now sittin') a 5 K with Han and Can

Runnin' (& watchin') with Clint n Cass n Sabrina

Runnin' & walkin' a half marathon with Hay (yes, a half marathon with Hay!)

Runnin' & walkin' 13 miles (OK walkin' & finishin') with Shauna

Runnin' & walkin' & stoppin' & smilin' with sisters

All the Balls runnin' in transition

Melon's Easter

2010-04-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

I had an epiphany of sorts as I listened with Luke and Clint to Elder Uchtdorf’s words on "Patience" during the Priesthood session. It was not only the content of his talk that impressed, but also his perspective on The Church and The Gospel having grown up in a war torn Europe. Truly his life’s experience reflects a different view than my traditional Americana picture. This gave me a new appreciation for diversity of experience while finding universal comfort in the applicable consistency of The Gospel of Jesus Christ across the Earth and to all of God’s children.

Touring St. George

2010-03-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

Shauna headed south and left me to prepare and eat my "last meal" before I headed south to meet her as well as have an '"oscopy procedure." As you can see I am proficient in cooking. I grilled the last 2 pieces of bread (heals) with cheese and turkey inside. Then I carefully cut both burnt sides off for taste purposes. It was a lot of work but worth it!

Check out these beautiful women in front of some beautiful flowers at the St. George Temple.

Here we have the actual tree where the serpent tempted Shauna and turns out she was not much of a challenge.

Walked around and peaked into the old Atkin home. It looks very elegant inside. Excellent house but I'm a little concerned about its surroundings -- not a very "historical" setting (Ice Berg Drive In, Colf's Plumbing). Maybe if the historical district pushes 2 more blocks East in the next 5-10 years...

Trains, Planes, and Go Carts

2010-03-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

Inspired by this "New Haven" engine from the golden age of trains and steel, I set out to create a go cart in the similitude of Hank Reardon's industrial, art deco America. With the train and the train engineer's uniforms, our team was only beat out in the "best theme" category (combo of car and uniforms)by...

the Flintstones motif, you should have seen the stoneagers!

While practicing we kept the train under wraps for maximum introduction value.

Mini Indy golf at Entrada. I asked Cole who he thought this was. He said Hannah.

Zen, Pirsig, Monson, and Melon

2010-03-08T18:21:00.000-08:00

Robert Pirsig in his book of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance defined "quality" as that instant of being (in the moment), not looking forward nor looking back. Yesterday in Priesthood meeting Thomas Monson was quoted, and like Robert Pirsig, he defines the quality of life in the journey...

Whether you're feeling Melon(choly)... "If you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future."

Or whether you're feeling parsi(melon)ious..."If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly."

Mr (& Mrs) Melon go to Washington

2010-03-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

I think because Hayley is out of country Shauna is tagging along with me. We did get to huddle with Ben, Candice, Drake, Zoa, and Aven in Fredericksburg and Williamsburg trying out hot tubs, swimming pools, and restaurants. Washington looked a little like SLC with the dirty snowbanks, broken limbs, and such from their snow storm. Shauna and I walked the George Washington Parkway Trail and thought it was "just fine!"

"Pizza head" Drake, his family, and we went to Church in Fredericksburg. The Bishop wanted to have us stand up and read our records into that ward. Apparently he had records for a family just our size.

25 Years!

2010-02-28T17:35:00.000-08:00

Happy 25th birthday to Hannah! Wow she has moved from a Yamaha PW50 to snow boards to surf boards, to road bikes to Canyon to expecting. At dinner today Zoa reminded us that we were breaking some Sabbath rules (in Williamsburg). It reminded us of a family vacation not far from her in Wintergreen Resort, Virginia when Hannah tried to keep us on the straight and narrow path (remember?). I look back on that with great fondness. I love you Hannah!

Be My Valentine

2010-02-14T10:18:00.000-08:00

Here's to some girls who I would like to be my valentines. I'm not sure I can get these out before I eat them -- especially to Hayley in Madrid. I know Ashlie's name is spelled wrong too. I hope you all had a nice Valentine's day! Cole wore his Clint coat while Clint wore his RSL coat. I really like these two guys.

Cole got his first bike and found he did like spinning the wheel. He may have to wait for Max to ride before he gets interested.

Melon's Odyssey

2010-01-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

Last week in Peach Tree City in a forested industrial park inside a conference room $millions$ were transacted and the company sold majority shares to a NY/LA based private equity firm who hopes to sell the biz down the road for the $millions$ paid times 5. And so the Odyssey begins...

2010 Economic Outlook

2010-01-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

Contemplating the 5-year projection for aerospace spare parts market, a stab in the dark?This from the Wall Street Journal:

The U.S. economy is this decade likely to perform as poorly as the one that just ended due to higher savings by more cautious Americans and a less qualified labor force, several top economists said Sunday.

The world’s largest economy is expected to see between 2009 and 2019 growth in gross domestic product - a broad measure of economic activity - close to the annual average of 1.9% seen between 1999 and 2009, economists said. That marked the worst performance since the 1930s, the decade of the U.S. Great Depression.

The economic recovery seen from the second half of 2009 has been driven by a government stimulus that will be fading in 2010, warned Martin Feldstein, a Harvard University economist and former Reagan administration economist.

“It’s easy to be dismal about the U.S. economy,” said Dale Jorgenson, an expert on productivity who sees a deterioration in the quality of the labor force causing productivity growth to fall to 1.5% a year this decade from 2% a year in the last 10 years.

Following a financial crisis that was partly a result of Americans spending beyond their means, Nobel-laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz said the U.S. savings rate could go markedly higher in the coming years. “We’re not likely to have robust growth any time soon,” Stiglitz told a panel at the annual meeting of the American Economic Association entitled “Growth or Stagnation After The Recession.” Both Stiglitz and Kenneth Rogoff, a Harvard University economist, warned the large debt accumulated to counter the crisis will be a major headache for the U.S. economy. They also cautioned there could be a new crisis down the road unless the U.S. regulatory system is improved.

On a more optimistic note, economists said China and India should continue to propel the world economy forward, which in turn would help the U.S. Feldstein said there could be a substantial improvement in net exports out of the U.S. “That’s where we could see a shift in aggregate demand, which could bring us back to full employment.”

It is hard to fake out reality.

Christmas Images

2010-01-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

Didn't get too many shots as the camera battery died. All this moving around makes for mixed emotions.

Here I sit on the precipice of celebration and anticipation moving toward the unknown, grasping at the past.

Touring Christmas

2009-12-20T16:57:00.000-08:00

This must be the start of Shauna's Christmas. The townhouse, as you can see, is subtly decorated in order to ease into the season, without straining a muscle, or peaking too soon, say on December 23rd. Shauna is the master (mistress?).
She and Hayley left for Santa Clara today with a carload of Christmas fixins. I'll follow tomorrow -- working all the way!

Touring Christmas Season

2009-12-13T20:03:00.001-08:00

This fine couple invited Shauna and me to watch The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, The Orchestra at Temple Square, and The Bells on Temple Square present The Wondrous Gift of Christmas with special guests Natalie Cole and Michael McCullough (whew!). After eating the best pizza I have ever eaten -- Setobello pizza (my first time), we enjoyed the show immensely!

But, before we embarked on the previous, we headed to Brighton High School to watch some girls dance to Hayley's choreography. Don't these girls look like Christmas is happening?

Hard to see but this is Hayley directing her youngest quartet.

OK, not current, but Shauna and I headed to Sacrament meeting today at C&C's new ward where they were the featured speakers. They both spoke well, on prayer. Cassie said, "we have been married 3 months, and I've been pregnant half of that." She also said that Clint now wants to be called, "Atomic Mass Unit." Amu for short? Or some such thing, he'll have to explain.

Clint not only had great presence and delivery at the podium (aka Bob Dalton), but the content of his discourse was very insightful to boot.

Sibling Dinner

2009-12-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

As the sun set inside Clint's TV, Hayley gazed into Max's eyes, and I enjoyed getting invited to a sibling dinner. Max made the trek with his brother and parents to C&C's place. Here he tries very hard to focus on his grandpa's camera.

Cole had been looking forward, all day, to going to Clint's house to play. And play they did. Cole was single minded in his play with uncle clint.

Hanyon here relaxing in the twin lounge chairs.

C&C's place has been transformed from a man cave into a newlyweds retreat. Thanks for inviting me, thanks for the food, and thanks for being around.

Just Glad To Be Here

2009-11-29T16:08:00.000-08:00

We had a few Daltons and a few Prussos for Thanksgiving. The food was possibly the best ever. The company was very easy and relaxing -- the day passed quickly (dang!).

I miss the feeling of the desert and I'm not fond of the chilly breeze that comes off of Traverse Mountain, and I have no yard to putter in. But, the opportunity of hearing Hayley's profound thoughts and feelings as she spoke in her ward on gratitude, and the chance to be involved (even on the periphery) in her life, makes it worthwhile to be here.

I'm not fond of the daily hour drive in I15 traffic, nor do I like going to work before the sun comes up and leaving the office when the sun has gone down. But, seeing Clint and Cassie sporadically and witnessing the transformation of Clint's bachelor pad into a home (albeit green), as well as discussing The Fantastic Mr. Fox's idiosyncratic dialog with C&C, makes it worthwhile to be here.

I miss my KLX450R and S2000 which are holed up in my spacious garage in Santa Clara. I don't like the way the contractors fire tape the garages in Northern Utah and don't finish them and I don't like the permanent ice on the north side of our drive that probably won't disappear until May 21st. But, driving down today to hear Hannah and Canyon give talks in Church about Mathew 11:28-30, hearing the clarity in which Hannah related the spiritual to the physical, and hearing how Canyon expounded on these words makes it worthwhile to be here.

I'm tired of running and running without the break of riding my bicycle out to Kayenta, and doing it in the dark at 28 degrees, breathing inverted pollutants (not to mention the smell of the mink farm when I run by). But, a quick drive up to Luke's place to spend the evening driving small cars, building "temples," and watching movies -- as well as holding Max -- certainly makes it all worthwhile to be here.

Luke 29 Max 1/12

2009-11-16T17:52:00.001-08:00

Luke is eyeing the red velvet cupcakes that his mom made for his birthday. Luke was very deserving of these cupcakes on his 29th birthday, so responsible, such a good dad and husband.

Here's his mom operating in Ashlie's kitchen. She made to order dinner for Luke.

Cole has a lot of people who like him -- none more than this Grandma, and it seems the feeling is mutual.

And, Max is home getting fed, kissed on the head, sleep, and a whole lot of love.

A portent of things to come

2009-11-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

While it has been very temperate, Saturday a blizzard rolled in. Work has also began to oppress the spirits -- 3 trips to LA in the past 2 weeks. Cole came to spend a couple of nights with us this past week and that was a treat. It's time to settle into little daylight, cold nights, and frozen doors. But, I do have a large TV and a fireplace inside...

The purpose of Melons?

2009-11-08T13:00:00.001-08:00

This is a melon wrapped in an RSL scarf avoiding the direct sunlight. What type of melon? Some RLS fans. A goal in the 88th minute did the trick against the Crew -- a long time to wait for a score! Her are most of the gang (less Max, Cole, Luke) at Scaddy's. This is Wayne Scadlocks new restaurant in Salt Lake City -- my old Sunset Drive In partner.

Max checking out his mother.

Grandpa checking out his Max.

Melon tours NBAA

2009-10-31T18:56:00.000-07:00

Once again I was forced to attend the National Business Aviation Association Trade Show. I will spare you our booth -- you've seen it before. But, for those interested, this was the nicest "head of state" jet at the show. It is based on an Airbus 318 and is quite comfortable inside. What about this green Dornier 328?

While in Pine Valley a little while ago I think Brad, Kelly, and I were outside and heard, what I thought was, a loud sport bike coming up the road. But it turned out to be one of these, based at the St. George airport -- an Avanti.

Some have asked, why doesn't Honda make a jet? Well, here's their entrant into the very light jet (VLJ) market.

Ho Hum.

Mad Max!

2009-10-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Max is here and wired. He cried and whined and moved around. Luke changed his diaper -- a challenge amongst all the attachments.

Satuday we went to Sundance, Can, Han, and their friends Brian, Sara, and William rode the chair lift behind us.

Cole and his grandma enjoyed the "big swing."

Cole seemed to like his trip down the mountain on my back -- I can feel it now.

The Hanyon on the mountain.

Cole enjoying his extended vacation.

Hamburger Nachdenken

2009-09-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hallo und auf Wiedersehen von Hamburg

Melone bereist Deutschland

2009-09-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Me in Munich in front of some elegant Munich edifice.

The Bradfords -- Dalton, Luc, Melissa, and Randall -- picked me up from the Munich Airport and took care of me for almost 2 days. They put me up in their classic German home, fed me, took me for a walk, and took me to Oktoberfest (pictured here).

It was a first Oktoberfest for these boys as well. Generally not a family celebration, there were many rides for kids to take advantage of, and they did.

This is the activity most were engaged in. This carosel barely moved, and it was a good thing since most aboard had been drinking ale for hours.

This was the last ride that Luc and Dalton took in. They look happy enough getting on...

But, it proved to be one too many as both eventually lost their cookies.

I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation with the Bradfords, and listening to them converse.

Luc is 9 years old, Dalton is 14, Clair is a Freshman at BYU, and Parker passed away July 2007 as you can see by this memorial bench in the Central Park in Munich.

C&C Wedding

2009-09-14T19:32:00.001-07:00

Clint and Cassie made for a concentrated week of wedding activities. Early in the week we went with Cassie to the Draper Temple for her first time in. It was beautiful. There was a bridal shower and a bachelor party later on Wednesday. I found that I was invited to neither. I guess Cole wasn't either so he came and we watched a movie and messed around together. I came up with few pictures on Friday, the wedding day. And what I came up with was not great. I was busy with family and the all day affair. I hope the professional picture guy comes up with some good stuff. It was a great day brought to us by Clint, Cassie, the Wayt's, Shauna, and many helpers who truely must love C&C.
These were very cute kids. Cole actually had a pair of black pants and suspenders, but he simply could not stand them. I guess they were not comfortable and could not be accomodated. Even Luke had black pants and suspenders though.

Melon tours Red Budd

2009-08-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

Red Budd, Maryland, home of AMA Pro Motocross near Ben's place and some work at Dulles Intl Airport This motocross race fan and motorcycle rider and my brother Ben fiddling with a small electronic device

jpg" border=0>The Wal-mart smiley face umbrellas saved us from becoming drenched during the second 250 moto -- local Rupert Idahoan Jake Weimer won that mudfest in front of Aussie Metcalf and Frenchie Pourcel. Aussie Chad Reed won the 450 championship. This is him in a blurr.

Ben and I stayed in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia and did the walking tour of this civil war town...

While doing time at Dulles I visited the new Udvar-Hazy sponsored Air & Space Museum. There were lots of cool planes -- such notables as the Concord, the USS Enterprise (space shuttle, not Starship), the Enola Gay B-29 flying fortress along with these 2 space craft, can you name them?

If you get these two right, you will get a prize!

Touring Bear lake!

2009-08-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Touring in the back of a pickup is the ultimate in freedom. Cole was not allowed so much freedom...

but, as you can see, he enjoyed his car seat.

He was also confined to this sand car you see him driving courtesy of uncles and aunts (to be too)

The "surreys" provided a little respite from 3 squares a day.

I loved how most of the boats were launched with vintage International, Chalmers, and Deere tractors all over the lake.

Canyon braved the frigid waters and skiied for us

What? Not everyone was happy? We now have Hayley living downstairs, lucky us!

Touring Northern Utah!

2009-08-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

My pretty little wife and I went to "The Spoken Word" today before attending Church in the Joseph Smith Building along with new Elders Sitaki and Gibbons (from Kenya and Texas respectively).We were keeping a keen eye out for my cousin Aaron Dalton but think that he must have taken this Sunday off. In the middle of the MoTabs was "The National Youth Choir of Great Britain." It was very nice.

At the drive in theatre with Cole and mom. Cole's way to watch a movie is to stay very busy rearranging pillows, sleeping bags, cars, treats, and such -- with the ocassional glance at the picture screen if something interesting is happening.

I'm trying to transition from riding in the desert to riding in the Wasatch Mountains. And, it is not easy! The Uintah National Forest was very kind to set aside some trails specifically for motorcycles (no four-wheelers). I am thinking it was just a trick to keep some of these trails from disappearing altogether. They are either straight up or down and are plenty over grown so that big rocks hide in wait to kick you off your bike and throw you on to your head 20 feet down a hill. The views are spectacular, but don't look!

Maybe I shouldn't try to get used to Northern Utah as our town house has still not closed. It seems that the lending agencies don't really want to lend money. They have found less risky sources of revenue -- grants from the federal government.

"Canyon Prusso and his Group" at BYU

2009-07-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

Canyon, Jeremy, and Derek doing their thing at BYU's acoustic explosion.

Here they are in pre-concert rituals

Here's the lead singer with one of his favorite nephews.

Other favorite nephew found some kids to play with

Groupies

A Dalton Party

2009-07-14T18:37:00.001-07:00

Yes, there were girls at the party! (Including Aven)

WOW!
STELLA!

Drake draining his water proof cast after a long swimming session

Atkin 4th Images

2009-07-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Getting out of the St. George heat to nearby Pine Valley for the 4th of July was the right thing to do for the Sid and Mary Ann Atkin get together. The Atkin yard offers a great local for cool relaxing, eating, playing cards, playing volleyball, and chatting.

In Enterprise Cole participated in the competition for candy race.

At Beryl, we toured Mary Ann's burned childhood home. Inside resided some 20 70's and 80's vintage motorcycles. The antithesis of "Zen and art of motorcycle Maintenance" is stated on this sticker mounted on the number plate of this 80 something YZ Yamaha -- "The only mark you'll ever make in life is the skid marks you'll make in your shorts." Inspiring.

A couple of my favorite 24 year-olds.

We just about lost Canyon!

Mary Ann's very attentive disciples.

My spouse and her sibling philosopher/computer guy/churchman

Hello Clint and Cass!

My spouse's brother-in-law/runner/dentist guy.

My favorite red-heads.

Car or dogs? Car

Twin sons and daugters of different mothers?

Grandpa, Grandma, hey.

Cute people in the backyard of Atkin's Trails End.