Company Christmas Celebrations

Thanks for the Christmas party.  It was fun to dine.

The prime rib, drink, carrots & cake were so fine.

Shopping for Tots was a mini gold mine,

Glad to give what I could, it felt so divine.

It's time for the annual company Christmas parties.   My office is no different.   A delicious meal, an invitation to bring gifts for Toys for Tots.   I found some fun items.   We all felt good for contributing to a good cause.  .  

 Everyone selected a $50 gift card.  I got a Cabela's card.  The tables and room were decorated up in a festive fashion.  We used to go out to a restaurant or catered meal at a dining facility, but with budgets tighter, they opted for employees only and less pizzazz.   It was just fine.  Thank you ALS for the time off,  gift card and meal.  

Today Is 12 - 14 - 16

I just love when dates make a neat sequence.  Gone are all of the double number dates like 11-11-11 and such.  We won't have another amazing one until, 2-22-22 for six more years.   But today we have 12-14-16.  I have a friend that was born on 5-5-55.   She loves that date.   My grandmother was born on 3-3-03.   So I hope you enjoyed today.  

Thank You Veterans Everywhere

My Dad was a veteran of World War II. Also, siblings & friends, they were quite a crew. Folks sent letters to them when they were blue. Thank you to all veterans. This day is for you.

I am so proud of my father, his brothers, their friends and mine that served for our country. At the young age of thirteen, I tried on my dad's Navy tops. They wouldn't fit. He had to be very small. Repeating the first grade, by the time he was a senior, Uncle Sam called. He and many of his friends dropped out of school to go. It wasn't easy. Many died.

On this Veterans Day, we honor the past, present and future soldiers that will serve and carry the banner of freedom. Thank you.

Put It There, For Pumpkins

Give me a nice pumpkin any old day. I'll carve it, eat or put it on display. These things look great no matter which way You treat them; because they are for fun & play.

Pumpkins are the best thing to decorate with. Their bright orange armor covers that round body, which makes them to stand out. But if you want to paint or decorate them. Go right ahead. You can't fail with a pumpkin. Carve those big balls when it gets close to Halloween any shape or design you want. These babies are invincible. They do mold after cutting into them, so wait until a few days before Halloween. Go plastic with your pumpkins in flat, tall, round or any shape to hold goodies.

You never run out of ideas for pumpkins. Between the biggest pumpkin contests, pumpkin drops, best carving contests and such, they deserve a high five today!!

Follow, Follow Me for Your Sanity!

Nothing is more boring than waiting for a table. Sitting around with strangers, you may give a label. Be creative! Make an arrow or design a gable. It's better than thinking about the Tower of Babel.

I was tired of eating nuts so decided to play with them. Some people noticed and left them alone. Others put theirs around or just tossed them on the floor. Thanks to the restaurants that provide diversions to keep us busy, from getting angry about how long we have to wait. Better yet, I suggest go somewhere else.

'To Do or Not to Do' Table Decorations

The DUP luncheons have great table decorations. Gather a few things, choose a theme and some calculations. Some are easy, others time consuming or ask your relations. It makes the meals so fun. Each tables own celebrations.

Some people find it too difficult to do table decorations. I love them because it sets a theme or ambiance. Our Daughters of Utah Pioneers always does it up right. Fun colored table cloths, centerpieces to eat or just super cool items to enjoy. The Chapter leader frosted these darling cupcakes with petals and half of an Oreo cookie. The bats in the other photo are also cookies cut in fourths. Who says chocolate cookies are not useful.

Eating the goodie wasn't as fun as looking at it. Don't let your fears scare you away from doing a little fun decorating for holidays, parties or anytime.

Will Hold For Free

Advertising is pricey, so look here. A mannequin is holding the sign, Cheer! Don't have to pay them. It's free or darn near! So try one at your place of business next year.

It was rush hour traffic, so I couldn't get a straight shot of this mannequin in the green sweater and black slacks on the corner of 1300 West and 9000 South. But I couldn't resist taking her photo for other potential advertiser. Holding a sign and attracting attention. That got mine even from the backside. I don't even know who she was working for, but what a novel idea. I think I might need her for my front yard some day.

Fried Green Zucchini

After days of menus with the latest trend To help us consume this concocted blend, Of green shredded, sliced, sautéed, slivered friend; Still doubtful our zucchini stash will ever end.

It doesn't matter how closely a zucchini plant is watched, one of them manages to hide amongst the elephant size leaves and pop out like an overgrown balloon on a weekly basis. So we break it off and try to create ways to eat it. There is only so much zucchini bread one can handle.

We tried fried green zucchini and it was delicious. The Panko bread crumbs really made a difference and so it goes. The zucchini web sites are visited daily with new recipes and ideas of how to utilize this veggie. If we could only harness the energy of a zucchini or plant, there would be no poverty.

Aquarium Cleaning Diver

I spied this aquarium diver cleaning the glass. Sponge mop in hand back and forth she did pass. Wiping the grunge off and scrubbing the grass. All systems clear. The fish don't give her sass.

Who doesn't love large aquariums? Studying the fish as they race around their glass home. Not so long ago most businesses had them, banks, office buildings and such. Due to the high upkeep, many have disappeared. Scheels, sporting goods store, has this large archway one. It's a real eye catcher as you pass under it entering the store. This cleaning person was doing a weekly maintenance on the inside with her air mouth piece following her around. I had to snap a shot and give a shout out to Scheels for having one so big. Thank you.

Choosing Chick-fil-A

This summer Chick-fil-A's breakfasts were free, On every Monday and Wednesday, yippee!! With a minimum order you received with glee, One item selected from their list of thirty.

We took advantage of this generous offer that was listed in the paper and many places. The first time I stopped by on my bike, I wasn't aware we had to purchase something. Sweet Bree, an employee, said she would 'cover it for me.' I didn't forget. The next time I took my hubby. We ordered juice and tots. Bree was there and we paid her back and then some.

Taking a selfie from our bikes with breakfast in the bag, we headed home. It would have been nice to eat in their dining room, which had fresh flowers at every table. Thank you Chick-fil-A for feeding the nation this summer. It was very kind and fun. You have a new and dedicated customer, forever!

Timpanogos Storytelling Festival

We've enjoyed Donald Davis & Dave Novak for free. These renown tellers shared their great story, With local groups at the nearby library. Visit Timp's Festival this weekend, a must see!!

Donald Davis, from North Carolina is one of my favorite story tellers and well known. His nasal sound and matter of fact way of telling his stories keep you laughing. The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival has provided many opportunities to hear their best tellers for free. Thank you for whetting our appetites with these great folks. We loved it so much often many years, we have gone to the whole event. Get there early!!

Better Together

What do you think about, "Better Together"? Cooperating, no matter the weather. Not clashing like a kid on a tether, But both joining in like oil and leather.

This morning when I saw this employee with his company shirt one that says, "Better Together" I had to take this photo. I should have done it a little sooner to get a nicer view or had him pose. It is wonderful how companies are creative in helping their employees choose to be safe, cooperate, make the best of their jobs and so forth. Positive statements like this help us all have better days, together.

Calorie Counter & Cool Companies

I'm counting calories and recording them, too. This isn't something I used to do. But my weight is inching up, who knew? We must keep track, me and the body crew!

I don't ever do this, but my phone ap helps me keep track. It's easy to enter the info into it after each meal. We were at Noodles & Company for dinner last night. I first ordered the Alfredo MontAmore', until I noticed it was 1350 calories! Yikes!! The highest of any on the menu. So I looked for a meal with less and spied, Bangkok Curry for only 550 calories. Changing my selection wasn't hard. Yes, I imagined the savory, succulent flavor of Alfredo, but loved the sweet veggie taste of the Curry. I'm grateful that Noodles & Company posted the calories, to help me keep on track.

Thank you restaurants and eateries that do this. It really does make a difference. Some people notice and adjust to help us eat healthy.

Family Goes Fishing With Father

Last weekend I spied this little family with their father at Potter's Pond in Fairview Canyon. Each had a chair, fishing pole and desire to spend the day together. They had barely put their lines in the water when the little girl caught a fish.

It was a perfect day to catch the first fish. They were so full of energy I had to snap a photo. as I was I overheard the girl say to her dad, "I wonder how old it is." While dad was taking it off her line she said, "I love fishing!" Here's a big shout out THANKS to dads everywhere that do things with their kids. We never went fishing with our father. The only thing I remember is taking trips to Idaho for family reunions. I treasure them, because that is all I have. Get out there and take your children somewhere, even if it is just to the park.

Company and Community Gardens

To the community gardens, Come one, come all! Pick your planter box and harvest this fall. Maybe your company will begin something small. So the employees may grow corn this tall!

Don't you love it when businesses do something 'Out of the box'? These gardens are new this year and so lovely. They tore up lawns and built grow boxes for their employees. Anyone could sign up for one of the fifty or so. There is even a shed. One year I planted peas seeds beside the front door at work. They were growing nicely, then the gardener came along and tore them out, planting flowers. It would have been nice it they put the flowers along side of my pea plants. Oh, well.

This community garden in Taylorsville, Utah, has many well cared for spots. Find out about ones in your area. Be a gardener. Love the Land!

Cracking the Code on Road Construction

If your commute has been impacted by road work, Or stuck in traffic you called the state a jerk. There’s more to come, so don’t call the DOT clerk. Expect to fluctuate between impatient and berserk!

We were given fair notice by visit and emails the state would being resurfacing the road for several months. I got a weekly email and forwarded to the employees of what to expect. Our large business park has two entrances. More than once they both seemed to be blocked off. There was another road for escape, fortunately. It certainly cut down on traffic.

This weekend ‘THE Highway’ will be down to one lane; Yes, it’s inconvenient and a major pain. But we can be patient, it’s not all in vain. While they resurface the road to a perfect plane.

You’re mistaken if you thought they were done. They’ll begin again out in the hot sun. So get out before the road is over-run, And consider yourself lucky, ‘cause it’s no fun. It will be wonderful when the roadwork is completed. It will continue all summer on one road or another, but what a nice smooth ride we will have when they are completed.

Look Who's On the Bus

On my way home a friend I did spy. Yes, while in my car and out of my eye. It surprised me, but I wasn't shy. Snapped a photo and sent by email not fly.

When folks are driving we seldom look at the people in the other cars around us. Today I saw a bus turn the corner and glanced at the big photo on the side. You can imagine my surprise, when I recognized it as a friend, Carolee and her mother. In seconds I snapped a photo and just sent it too her. Yes, she know about it, but I wanted her to know that I saw it. Thanks UTA & Intermountain Health Care for using real people. I knew her.

After the bus incident, and while feeling happy, I looked to my right and who should I see, but Kevin a pretty nice fellow employee. One more shot to add to my glee. Yes, to see two folks you recognize at the same time, when you don't normally look around at the other drivers. It was a great day.

100 Years Old and Counting Wishes

This gal, Clara, is 100 now! Her birthday was on Friday the 13th, Wow! She doesn't look a day over 80, now. May we get her good looks and age to endow.

I told Clara, I had never met a person that was 100. That's because she was still 99, a few days shy when I took her photo. The U.S. president used to send a birthday card to those that made the century mark. I don't know if he still does or if Al Roker continues to wish folks the same on the morning news, but thanks for remembering them anyway.

Pink Raspberry Shake & Flora Husbandry

This fluffy pink makes me crave a raspberry shake. You know the famous ones, from up at Bear Lake. So let’s plan a fun, time-off August break. If you come, too, we’ll throw in some birthday cake.

I am so grateful for the many beautiful flowering trees planted everywhere. It makes spring so awesome. This is for all the arborists and husbandry that created and improved upon these wondrous trees and designs. You are the best.

Remember to Thank Jesus, Easter and Every Day

Jesus, the very thought of thee With sweetness fills my breast; But sweeter still thy face to see And in thy presence rest. ***** No voice can sing, nor heart can frame, Nor can the memory find A sweeter sound than thy blest name, O Savior of mankind! *****

*****O hope of every contrite heart, O joy of all the meek, To those who fall, how kind thou art! How good to those who seek! *****Jesus, our only joy be thou, As thou our prize wilt be; Jesus, be thou our glory now, And thru eternity. by Bernard of Clairvaux

It is so easy to get caught up in worldly cares and forget the gifts Jesus so willingly gave us all. This year, ponder, feel, remember and love Him enough to immerse yourself in his love. Imagine him sitting beside you or with arms outstretched waiting for us to come unto Him. We will both be glad we did.

Thank You Means Alot

The boss sends out emails if someone excels. When I read about them it really compels Me to try harder and from me it expels My best efforts even if just for Gels.

I was surprised when a fellow employee sent this complimentary email about a gel pen I had ordered. I smiled all day long. You can bet I ordered more and appreciated his kindness. Do the same today for someone you work with or for. You would be surprised the difference it will make.

Doing Your Friends, Employees and Fat A Favor

My boss (the lab manager) thinks he is doing the employees a favor by bringing in boxes of treats, donuts, apple fritters, cookies and so on several times a month. He is such a great man and leader. I think many of us are getting tired of the same old thing. Yes, they are fresh and amazing, just out of the oven at his favorite bakery; but so full of sugar, sugar and more sugar.

My boss plopped these on my desk and said, “Have some.” Just a little thing, but makes those cravings in my tum. It doesn’t top the list of my best goodie or yum. So I’ll skip this treat, and not bite when he brings the chum.

He brings in three large boxes of a variety of fritters often. I quit having a whole fritter and just cut a small piece off when I go in the lunchroom. The problem with that is all those little pieces add up to one giant one. At first, i didn't like them. After trying some, I would get a sugar high, but then I began to like them. Now, I just have to stay as far away from them as I can.

Please dear Boss, How about some apples, oranges or bananas. I and many of us would love them. You are thin, but many of us are fighting a battle that is gargantuan in size.

Generosity at Easterday Farms

Onions --did you ever think of them as a gift? Not usually. We were given 200 pounds of them at Thanksgiving. 50 pounds of white, yellow and 100 pounds of red onions. They came from the Easterday Farms in Pasco, Washington as a donation to the Othello Hotel Museum, for their fund raiser. With only two people to fix meals for, I decided to share the abundance. At Christmas I bagged up one of each color and gave as Christmas neighbor gifts with this poem: "These Washington onions are full of charm, All the way from Pasco's Easterday Farm. We promise no reindeer came to any harm. Merry Christmas to you and to your swarm."

I still had some left this month, so I packaged up the red and white ones with this fun poem and handed them out to friends and co-workers. Happy Valentines in red and white. Have an Easterday Farm’s onion in all its might. You may think, that this isn’t quite right. Here’s to a healthy, fragrant gift wound up tight. Thank you Easterday Farms for sharing your wealth with the community. They have traveled from your farm to Utah and all of our friends and family.

Not So Super Bowl Partiers

I went upstairs to get away from the noise, Of the Super Bowl and all of the boys; Who were shouting loud for the best darn poise, Of their player, strategies & who he destroys.

This photo shows all the work people go to for Super bowl and other sports celebrations. Sure we watched it. I pulled out a half dozen things to snack on. I'm not willing to spend hundreds of dollars or hours making everything match and so forth. In the middle of the game, my husband allowed me to change channels over to watch an hour of PBS's popular Downton Abbey. It was the last episode of the last season and much more important than the fiftieth super bowl game. Thank you honey for that gift.

Then we flipped it back to Denver beating South Carolina and all was happy. We hardly even missed a play. I don't like the commercials as much as I used to. They have gone overboard and all seem the same.

Thanks to 1,000 Acts of Kindness

I just read in the community paper about a YMCA group that did 1,000 acts of kindness before Christmas. It was a fun thing for these young folk to do. They set a goal to accomplished it by a certain time. The reward was a party with their parents. This was such a great opportunity for the children to learn how easy it is to give of themselves.

This is being done throughout the world. Service and kindness go hand in hand. It is what will bring about peace. Weekly I serve by taking Meals on Wheels to the elderly. I have made some great friends over the ten years plus. There is a variety of homes: mobile homes, apartments and high rises. I snapped this photo in the elevator of a senior living housing unit. I love serving and you will too.

Just try doing 1,000 Acts of Kindness this year. Before long it will become second nature.

A Stolen Car & Safety Features

A car was stolen last week from our parking lot. It took just a second to start, then off they did trot. The owner has no wheels, and that car is now sought. Lock yours and hope it avoids their targeted spot.

Our Sample Receiving is a busy place, with customers and deliver trucks coming and going all day long. About 11 am when the FedEx truck was pulling in and others were coming and going, a white panel van pulled up. Someone got out, checked the door of a Honda, climbed in quickly, then proceeded to hotwire it. It only took a few minutes until he got it going. Soon the van drove off. The Honda backed out and followed it. The owner, was on the roof doing a repair and everyone was oblivious to the dirty deed. It's just not fair. The owner is a hard worker, with two jobs to make ends meet and now this happens. Our video surveillance shows it all going down, but the picture is grainy. The police were called and hopefully the car will be recovered, but it's not likely. Thanks to more protection on later model cars to help prevent this from happening. Be careful and lock your doors. That is the owner's mistake.