Old Faithful Interrupted.

A trip to Yellowstone National Park would not be complete without a visit to Old Faithful.  As it was beginning to rain and we watched the temperature drop, we were thankful to be in a  warm vehicle for a spell. 

We arrived to find that we had another 40 minutes to wait until her next show, so we sought refuge in the Visitors Center to watch one of their short films.  As we left the building, we were welcomed by a white, frozen form of precipitation - probably more like sleet...Man, what a bummer of a day.  As we headed over towards the viewing area, we stood under a couple of pine trees, where the ground was still dry, and took some funny pictures as we were waiting for the show.

When she started to spout off, amidst the "oohs" and "aahs" of the scant hundred people brave enough to brave the weather, I heard a dis-concerning grunt...I turned around and to my surprise, a couple of buffalo were running our way and were much too close for my liking.  We instinctively ran away, and the Park Official was busy trying to get people a safe distance away.  The buffalo stopped.  It seemed as if the female was just wanting to see the show, like the rest of us, and the grumpy ol' male had other ideas.  Well, by the time we had caught our breath, we realized that Old Faithful was just finishing up her spectacular show...that we missed.

Stupid buffalo!!

And I understand that white precipitous frozen stuff is headed our way, once again...Dang!

There's BEARS in them thar hills...

After an uneventful drive through the Lamar Valley (hint - take your binoculars and spotting scopes and a lunch) and on to Silver City for an interesting lunch, we head back to camp.  (Mammoth)   Buffalo, buffalo and more buffalo - everywhere we turned, there were buffalo.  At one point, it reminded me of the scene in "Dances With Wolves" there were so many! 

Much to our surprise, as we came around a corner going up a hill (about 8 miles EAST of Mammoth) we came up on another traffic jam...More buffalo, we suspected - but alas...I was wrong...again!  It was a young black bear, down in a grassy crevice!  So, we parked the truck and grabbed the cameras and did the tourist thing.  He was busy digging and eating, and doing the bear thing.  I actually sat on my butt (again, he was DOWN a pretty steep but grassy hill about 30 yards) and just watched him for the better of 10 minutes.  Not something you get to see everyday. 

When he was finished with his foraging, he headed up the hill.  Again, the Park Service people with the walkie talkies stopped traffic in anticipation of his crossing.  The crowd (with the expensive cameras and all) crowded as close as they were allowed.  This bear came between two parked cars, poked his head out and looked both ways before crossing the road.  (Something my 6 yr old has yet to perfect!!)  And then he went on his way.

I don't remember the last time I have seen a black bear in the park - Usually, I see Grizzly.  But it was a treat, nonetheless!!  And we have the pictures to prove it!  But all the pictures in the world could not top the 10 minute show I got simply watching this animal prepare for the upcoming winter.

Ah, Yellowstone!  It's Autumn, and it's cooling off...The elk are in the rut. 

I cannot say enough about our adventure to Mammoth - This is a quaint little town - one main drag and a cross street.  At the intersection it the hotel, and that's where the action begins...

The park service people in the area all walk around with a walkie talkie on - whenever there is a situation, they report it over the radio.  OK - I really didn't see the NEED for them - well, not right away.  There were about 8-10 resident bulls in the area (And I'm talking BULLS mind you - the kind that you wished you'd seen during hunting season!!) They don't "name" them, per se, but they do give them a number if they've had to tranquilize them for any reason.  One of them got his antlers tangled up in some wire - they tranquilized him and they now call him number 7...Go figure!!

The story starts at the intersection with BRUTUS (aka Moose) - I couldn't tell you what number he was, but if he'd been named (after they told us they didn't name them) there must be a good reason.  About 20 cows and calves were sprawled out on the lawn on the East side of the hotel.  And BRUTUS was making darn good sure that none of them were leaving anytime soon.  If they tried, he'd chase them back.  Now, there had been a new-comer (BULL) to town that brought in about 6 cows with him.  Well, BRUTUS would have nothing of that...he runs off the other BULL and acquires his harem.  So now the BULL (with no number) was back for his women.  One tried to escape across the street - alas, in vain, and is chased back to the herd.  ALL THE WHILE - the bugling and whistling and grunting and barking going on.  At one point in time, we could pinpoint 5 bulls bugling back and forth - the proverbial "BRING IT ON, BUTTHEAD!" 

So, I watched BRUTUS for probably 2 hours - until it was dark.  I watched some of the smaller bulls lock horns and vie for their own territory - I watched some dumb-butt person in a Ford pickup (I won't mention the tags from state to our south) got too close to one of his rampages and he rammed the side of the vehicle! - I watched some photo seeker get to close and get chased away...bet he needs a change of clothes.  I watched the Park Service people as they herded the PEOPLE around depending on what BRUTUS and his gals were doing...(Not herding animals, but people - now that's ironic!)

If you have never witnessed the Elk rut, I strongly suggest getting yourself a room or a cabin - hey, maybe even camp, as we did - the end of September.  The food at the cafeteria is not great, but not priced out of the question - and there is a lot to see in a short distance during the day...PLEASE GO.  TAKE YOUR CAMERA, TAKE YOUR SPOTTING SCOPE - It is an experience that you will never forget...just remember - NOT TOO CLOSE!

Well, this week I will be talking about my extended weekend vacation through Yellowstone National Park.

We started out on Friday afternoon by taking an evening horseback ride to enjoy the elk bugling.  (at Harriman State Park)  There were 12 of us and two cowboys – They saddled us up, and after a brief “how to drive a horse” lesson, we were off – in single file.  We winded in and out of trees, up and down hills – saw some of the most beautiful country imaginable!  We saw a few deer, an owl and a porcupine.  The elk didn’t bugle much and we didn’t see any elk.  As the moon came out and we headed down the mountain, a new sound graced our presence…wolves.  We wondered if the lack of bugling was because of the wolf pack.  I mean, like they are going to say – HERE WE ARE COME EAT US WHILE WE TRY AND IMPRESS THE LADIES – makes sence.  But it was sad – perhaps a sad realization that the Wolf reintroduction may not have netted the results it had intended…

After all, the wolf population in the Northwest was decimated by the encroachment of man and his ranching.  We moved in, and they had no where to go.  Well, that’s the theory.  BUT – consider the fact that “survival of the fittest” had selected that animal for removal.  By reintroduction of an animal that could not sustain itself in the first place has now affected the elk populations…and the deer populations.  Was that not taken into consideration?  The wolves packs are increasing exponentially – what’s going to happen when they put the NWRancher on the endangered species list?  What’s going to happen when they stop issuing elk and deer permits simply because there isn’t a population to sustain? 

 
Truly a sad reality – but the horseback ride was incredibly beautiful! (And a bit cold!)

Education!  It's all about education today.  I am so lucky (haha) to have a student at Highland (High School), Hawthorne (Jr. High) and Chubbuck Elementary.  Last night, we were invited to Chubbuck Elementary for a presentation by Title 1.  What a wonderful and informative meeting.  The 1st graders were taken aside to color and make a small booklet of their own, while the parents were directed to the library for a presentation and TRAINING about helping your child learn to read.  I couldn't believe it - TRAINING.  It was wonderful - and from what I understand, they had a bigger turnout than expected.

It's all about education....These are our future LEADERS...This is where our future is headed - and it's in the hands of our teachers!  Thank you to the educators in the area that truly care about our students and their learning; not just about an NCLB prison break!

Ski Stories, Eh??

I moved to Jackson Hole with visions of the one-room “Little House on the Prairie” style schoolhouse back in 1979.  My father had a job at the Snow King Resort.  That first winter was one to remember – including like 40 below zero and more of the frozen precipitation than I had ever seen in my life.  Ski mecca, eh?

I sit at the bottom of the hill (Snow King) and look around.  I take in the sun, the occasional cold gusts, the blinding white fresh powder - there are people EVERYWHERE – So I think to myself…What is the big deal?  I close my eyes and take in the sounds…There’s lots of busy chatter, some screams of delight mixed in with the occasional shriek of no control!  Kids laughing, some crying…There’s a grown-up trying to convince a child, I think, to get on the chair lift.

Well, if it were me, they’d really have to work on the convincing factor.  Being deathly afraid of heights, I would reluctantly get on (after being ither coerced with the idea of receiving my favorite dinner or from being threatened to be spanked – back then, it was far from illegal!!) and hang on for dear life.  Hopefully, I would have the brains around me NOT TO LICK THE PRETTY FROST OFF THE CHAIR, as we so eloquently learned in the movie “Dumb and Dumber”.  So, I’d be holding on for dear life for what would seem like eternity…trying to watch all the people go by and notice how much fun they were having.  Then, it would be time to get off.  GLADLY!  I wouldn’t consider that I had skis on my feet and that they were going to slide as soon as I hit the snow and ice covered good ol’ mother earth and fall flat on my butt in some awkward position.  After probably being picked up, I would wipe the tears and wobble off the back side of the platform (it was probably closer) and then get the instructions of my life.  Put your goggles down, grab your poles and hold on for dear life.  If you HAVE to fall, fall backwards.  If you start going to fast, fall backwards.  OK – So, I’d probably go way slow – Ms. Daisy would have fired me!!  Probably thought, hey, this isn’t so bad.  Probably get passed by some big person doing mach 4, loose my concentration, and fall back.  I’d probably figure out about the 7^th or 8^th time on my butt that hey, these ski pants slide nicely!  I’d probably make my way down the hill more on my butt, ruin a pair of ski pants, and loose a pole than 99% of the rest of the people.  I’d probably think – Thank the Lord for the Bunny Hill!  Then, I open my eyes….

Nah, I think I’ll go ice skating instead!

Lets get RELIGIOUS today! 

The definition of Christianity is:
"The Christian religion, founded on the life and teachings of Jesus" according to thefreedictionary.com

Founded on the life and teachings of Jesus...Hmmmm.  I know MANY religions in the greater Pocatello area that focus on Christ!  As different as we are, the making of CHRIST the focal point of our lives is taught an most of the church buildings in this area.  So, ask yourself this question...

If you were to live 2000 years ago, back in the day of His ministries, what side would you be on?  You hear this Nazarene is going throughout the land preaching repentance from a life of sin and telling of his healing/miracuolous powers.  What would you think?  You hear he raised people from the dead; he healed blind and deaf people; he healed the lepers; he made the corner lady-of-the-night whole...What would you think?  Who is this Man that claims to have this power??  You hear of His clearing out of the money changers in the temple and think that He needs to control His temper and who is He to say that what they have been doing for years is now wrong?  What would you think?  As he carried his cross up the hill, bleeding, beaten, and scourged, what would you think?  Are you the one that cried and tried to help him carry his heavy load, or are you the one that thought...well, that's one rebel down...Where would you stand as the darkness fell across the land and the mountains shook?  Where would you stand when you were frightened and facing the reality that perhaps you didn't quite understand what He was truly trying to accomplish?  Where would you stand when the news came that He had risen, and that his 12 apostles now were traveling the lands spreading His news?

The LDS religion is based on 13 articles of faith about what we believe in.  #6 states: We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.


We are lead today by a modern-day prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley.  He has 2 counselors, by his side, to help him in the leading of the millions of saints throughout the world.  He also has 12 apostles that travel, and teach.

Chubbuck was blessed, over the weekend, to have Dieter F. Uchtdorf, one of the 12 modern day apostles, visit the Chubbuck Stake for some important business.  William McKee, our Stake President of ten years, and his couselors were released from their positions.  A new Stake Presidency was called and sustained.  Sitting at the feet of one of the apostles was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, as the other hundreds of saints could attest to.  What an amazing man.  What an amazing and spiritual experience!  Everyone walked out of that meeting walking a little taller, feeling spiritually fed.  I wonder if back in Christs ministry that how the crowds felt after listing to the Master and his apostles?

I wanted to also thank President McKee for a wonderful job well done.  He has done some amazing things in the community by trying to breach the religion barriers between us Christians and others.  It's true; the Mormons are a Christian faith.  What we believe in is clearly listed out in the 13 articles of faith.  The Book of Mormon is "another" testament of Christ, not the only book we use.

There are many misconceptions about the Mormons and it's a shame that someone with such a closed mind could point a finger and state something about us that simply isn't true without finding out what they are talking about is even true.  But, that's how society is, isn't it??  We are not the enemy - We are not a cult.

So, we should agree to disagree, we should acknowledge that we are all different.  But lets all stand on the side of Jesus - lets pull our faith together and then perhaps our children and their children may have a chance!!

Its simply this -
Family - Surprise Birthday Party - Booth Barn - Good Food - Karaoke - and a whole lotta love to go around.

My dh aunt had a surprise birthday party, and even though I missed the "surprise" part (due to traffic surrounding the accident on Poc Creek Rd...) I was surprised to see the amount of people, friends and family there to celebrate her day with her.  Her grandkids put on a little skit and her son set up his karaoke machine for all to be Pocatello idols!!  What a wonderful evening - what a wonderful family.

Happy Birthday Laree Luras - You are a true Gem!!

USEFUL LEGISLATION

Well, here’s a story worth repeating!!!

According to the Associated Press, 9/14/2007 - “A law signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday will require those teens to put down all cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Older drivers will be able to use hands-free devices but minors won’t enjoy that luxury — in part because of the popularity of text-messaging among teens.”

Well, for many of us, that don’t understand the allure of the texting craze, get a chuckle out of this new law, I’d venture to bet my kids aren’t!  Granted, none of them living at home are driving yet, but after watching them blow 100 units on a pre-pay phone in 2 days texting back and forth with their friends makes me wonder…What is the big deal?

Well, whatever it is, I hope that other states stand up and take notice…You hear that Idaho??  We could be next!!  (Sorry kids…It’s for YOUR safety and everyone else that’s on the same road with you!)

So when is the law about eating and driving, reading the paper and driving, or putting on mascara and driving coming??

Sunday was a great day full of Football.  For those of you NOT football fans, there is a real good story behind this.

Buffalo Bills tight end, Kevin Everett, was injured on the field during the second half against the Denver Broncos.  He didn't do anything wrong; just took a hit at an odd angle.  He went down, and he stayed down.  It didn't take long to see the situation was serious, and a plethora of people flooded the field.  He still wasn't moving.  The ambulance drove out on the field, they secured him on a board and took him to the hospital.  The sight of the team, gathered in a circle, praying brought tears to my eyes.  I still remember a similar sight at an ISU game several years ago...Marcus Jackson.  I had the privilege to attend classes with Marcus in 99 and I was in awe by his spirit and dedication.  I shouldn't have been - anyone that knows this amazing young man could tell you how amazing he is...before his accident AND after wards.  He took an impossible situation and turned it into something positive.  He, as a student, also turned into a teacher...of hope, of empowerment, of self-belief.

As they loaded Kevin into the ambulance, I thought of his family.  I wondered if they were there at the game, or were they watching this horror unfold on national television, like I was. 

What was amazing was the fact that when they got him to the hospital, they injected him with a near freezing solution - from what I understand - put him in a hypothermic state.  The purpose of this...to minimize the swelling with the ever-so-sensitive spinal cord injury. 

From the information that I've been receiving, it may have made the difference of a total paralysis to having use of his body again...  Although it's too early to tell the damage of this incredibly brave young man, the doctors are hopeful.

So, the good word for the day is not to take the use of our bodies for granted; and to never forget those that have been injured (or have had the privilege the experience) that have gone on to great accomplishments.  According to the ISU website..."Jackson is now the president and owner of OTS Athletes, which stands for "Only the Strong", a web service aimed at placing high school student-athletes in college."

OK - How about a joke for the day...I call this - THE AB WORKOUT!!

The other night I was invited out for a night with "the girls". I told my husband that I would be home by midnight, "I promise!"

Well, the hours passed and the wine went down just too easily. Around 3a.m., a bit worse for wear, I headed for home. Just as I got in the door, the cuckoo clock in the hall started up and cuckooed 3 times.

Quickly, realizing my husband would probably wake up, I cuckooed another 9 times.

I was really proud of myself for coming up with such a quick-witted solution, in order to escape a possible conflict with him. (Even when totally wrecked...3 cuckoos plus 9 cuckoos totals 12 cuckoos = midnight). The next morning my husband asked me what time I got in, and I told him " Midnight".

He didn't seem concerned at all. Phew! Got away with that one! Then he said, "We need a new cuckoo clock." When I asked him why. He said, "Well, last night our clock cuckooed 3 times, then said, "Oh sh*t.", cuckooed 4 more times, cleared its throat, cuckooed another 2 times, giggled, cuckooed twice more, and then tripped over the coffee table and farted.

I think that TOBY KEITH says it best...and I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN - GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!

Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue
Toby Keith

American Girls and American Guys
We’ll always stand up and salute
We’ll always recognize
When we see Old Glory Flying
There’s a lot of men dead
So we can sleep in peace at night
When we lay down our head

My daddy served in the army
Where he lost his right eye
But he flew a flag out in our yard
’til the day that he died
He wanted my mother, and my brother, my sister and me
To grow up and live happy
In the land of the free.

Now this nation that I love
Has fallen under attack
A mighty sucker punch came flyin in
From somewhere in the back
Soon as we could see clearly
Through our big black eye
Man, we lit up your world
Like the 4th of July

Hey Uncle Sam
Put your name at the top of his list
And the Statue of Liberty
Started shakin her fist
And the eagle will fly
And its gonna be he##
When you hear Mother Freedom
Start ringin her bell
It’ll feel like the whole wide world is raining down on you
Aw brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue


Justice will be served
And the battle will rage
This big dog will fight
When you rattle his cage
You’ll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
'Cause we'll put a BOOT in your a**
It's the American way

Hey Uncle Sam
Put your name at the top of his list
And the Statue of Liberty
Started shakin’ her fist
And the eagle will fly
Man, it’s gonna be he##
When you hear mother Freedom
Start ringin’ her bell
And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you now
Aw brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue

HOW ABOUT THAT TAILGATING PARTY?  HOW ABOUT THEM BENGALS? 

What a Saturday for Idaho State!  I always look forward to the tailgating parties - especially after not being able to participate for a couple years while playing for the Marching Band - but if anyone out there would like to know how to throw a party, head up to a Bengals Home game and head up early.  Did you know there were words to the FIGHT SONG??  Here's looking forward to a great ISU football season...

And it doesn't stop with football...for all you soccer fans out there, wow - now there's some bragging rights going on.  And the Volleyball team is out and about bouncing balls off of anything bouncable!

And then you have your High School sports around the region that are all kicking off in high gear.

And you said there was nothing to do on Friday night/Saturday afternoon!

This was an easy one...FOOTBALL STARTED!  And Mr. Manning picked right up where he left off - oh, he makes it look so easy!

Here's to ISU's season opener, tonight!  Go Bengals!

Well, after an absence of a few days, I'm back.  Today is Wednesday, Sept 5th, and I am really reaching looking for something GOOD to talk about.  You see, my world was shaken pretty hard today.

You can see it in my name, my e-mail address, the license plate on my vehicle, the clothing that I wear - I even bleed orange...I am a Tony Stewart fan through and through...BUT TODAY, his team (by the way, I have always supported Joe Gibbs in his business endeavors; I used to feel that if there were more men like him with good values, great business sense and that competitive edge, this world would be a better place) announced that they are switching from Chevy to Toyota.  WHAT???  OH HECK NO!!!

For those of you who follow the sport and can understand the roots of NASCAR is America...so a foreign "virus" in the sport can't be a good thing.  After 9/11, I started being more selective of what I purchase - No more made in "other countries" goods, if I can help it.  I started spending more of my hard earned money here in Pocatello.  No more trips to Salt Lake for school clothes; no more automobile purchases in Idaho Falls, no more internet purchases if I can buy it locally.  So, this virus hit me pretty hard. 

I'm not saying that Toyota doesn't make a good product - according to Consumer Reports, they do.  I'm saying that I prefer a good, old fashioned Chevy or Dodge.  I'm not saying that Toyota cannot be competitive in this sport, because with the extra 50hp motors, (that Ford, Dodge and Chevy motors don't have) they probably can.  But why did Joe - Mr. All American Good Guy - have to be the loser?  And Loser, he is and will be.  Not a good decision, Joe.

So in the meantime, I will not be purchasing any Tony Stewart merchandise, (unless Chevy is squarely in the middle of it) and will have to cheer silently...

I dunno - maybe it's time to go back to watching good ol' fashioned football...At least they are American...

(Sorry, nothing GOOD on the docket today...find out tomorrow on what's "...something GOOD to talk about..."