Sister Time

On my way back from North Carolina... my sister Terry joined me for a quick trip to Logan, UT. Since my flight home had me changing planes in Phoenix (where it was 100 degrees... oh my goodnness), my sister Janet thought she'd give Terry some miles to book a ticket and join me.

While our visit was a little on the short side (Friday night to Sunday night), Terry and I managed to pack in a ton of stuff.

First thing, Saturady morning, we went hiking along the river in Logan Canyon. The Fall colors were spectacular! It was gorgeous and sunny. Could not have asked for better weather.

We then visited every quilting store and fabric shop in town. It's so funny how I have so many quilters in my life, and yet I don't quilt! I think I need to get them all together one day for a Quilting Fest at my house. Terry really enjoyed the different fabrics in the stores up here. (I liken it to my passion at visiting the book sale in Brevard last week.)

We then decided to take in some local food and drink. First stop was to the state liquor store to pick up some Utah wine. We choose to sample Castle Creek Winery's Cabernet Sauvignon. Which apparently recently won a Bronze Medal and was voted "Best of State 2009". With all these samplings of UT wines... I think a fieldtrip to Moab will soon be in order.

Next stop was Aggie Ice Cream. Which on a sunny 70 degree Saturday, was absolutely packed. I have to say... that their ice cream is always good.

After a full day of hiking and shopping. We relaxed with a glass of wine and had homemade deep dish pizza. We then spent the evening playing Mexican Train Dominoes... until everyone was too tired to finish.

Sunday morning, we were up early and heading down to Ogden. Since I had to teach religious school that morning, all we had time for was a quick cup of coffee. Then Terry headed off to Rainbow Gardens (Ogden's biggest gift shop) to kill an hour.

Once we got back home, we decided to take my unruly wiener dogs for an urban walk along the Logan River Trail. Those ning nong dogs had to bark at EVERYONE (on two feet or four) we saw. Terry elected to walk Max, who by the end of the walk was finally under control.

We spent the rest of the day, preparing a proper English Sunday Dinner. Complete with Roast Beef, Popovers (aka Yorkshire Pudding), mashed potatos, and gravy. Yum. The only thing missing was "Trifle" for dessert, which we couldn't make because I don't have any Bryds Custard. I guess I need to find an English shop!

During Terry's time here, we did what sisters love to do. Talk. Talk. Talk. It was wonderful. Thank goodness my hubby and boys left us alone to get our fill of visiting. Seeing as how they hadn't seen me for a week... that was very understanding of them.

As was the case when I had to put my family & friends on the plane last month (after the Bar Mitzvah) it tugged at my heart to say good bye. While I love living here... I so miss all the people that used to live "just down the street" when I lived in Phoenix. However, I do think that Terry liked UT enough to come back again in the future.

P.S. Thanks to Terry, I now know the elevation of Logan (which for some reason everyone in my family keeps asking me.). It is 4775 feet and the mountains behind my house are 9,587 feet.

Nothing Could Be Finer… Than to be in Carolina!

Just got back from a terrific visit to North Carolina, visiting with my dad and Anne. This was the first time I have been out to see them and the first time I’ve ever been to the “Old North State".

My overall impression of NC was very favorable. I couldn’t get over the abundance of trees. It was breath taking. Add in, that my trip coincided with Fall and it’s spectacular tapestry of orange, golds, and reds... making it the perfect time to witness the change in seasons.

Here are some of the highlights of my trip:

• Looking Glass Falls. Absolutely gorgeous!!! (see photo above)
  
• Playing Banagrams, a crazy crossword-like game that I have a passion for, with my dad (…. “peel”).
  
• Getting my first look at my dad’s book (personal memoir and Findlay family history). It was just awesome to see the detail dad has gone into to write his story. It is a legacy that will be appreciated by everyone in our family and generations to come.
  
• Attending the terrific “Brevard Library Book Sale” (which had so many “fabulous” books for sale… that I wishing I had more storage space in my carryon luggage).
  
• Going out to eat at the Twin Dragons Chinese Buffet (which gave the word “fabulous” an even better meaning). I think I am still full!
  
• Returning to the Brevard Library Book Sale two days later... to take advantage of the ½ price discount. More importantly, being fortunate enough to have a dutiful father that allowed his bibliophile daughter to take all the time she wanted to comb each and every bookshelf for treasures. Then spoiling me rotten, by telling me to stock up up to my heart's content. Dad proceeded to pay the bill and ship the entire loot by USPS to Utah. Thank you dad!
  
• Having the opportunity to attend a potluck dinner and lecture seminar at dad and Anne’s church. This gave me the opportunity to meet some of their friends and visit the church that has become such a large part of their life.
  
• Being able to help my dad out with his computer. Over the years, my dad has done so much for me. So, it was a joy to be able to help him out a bit with my computer expertise. It was my small way of “giving back”.
  
• Going out for Mexican Food. Margaritas and Mariachis… what a great combination. I don’t think I have ever seen such a lively rendition of the Macarena.
  
• Spending time getting to know my stepmother. While Anne and my dad have been married for many years now, I can count the number of visits we’ve had on just one hand. So, it was great to finally have a nice chunk of time to get to know each other. Anne and I spent many hours nattering at the breakfast table (not sure if we ever got dressed before noon?). I am grateful that I got to learn about her past, her children, and her present life with my dad. (PS... Anne, thank you so much for the packed lunch you made me for the plane ride home.)
  
• Having two sets of eyes and ears … willing to look at photographs and hear stories about my husband, my kids, and my life in Utah.

All in all, it was truly a wonderful week. I can't even complain about the rain. I loved visiting North Carolina. I loved getting a glimpse of dad and Anne's life in their Brevard home. Which allows me to now visualize what they do each day. I can now understand why they are two of the busiest retirees I know. (I thought you were supposed to slow down when you stopped working?).

I hope that I can get out to North Carolina again one day. Next time, I hope I can bring my boys with me. I think that they too would enjoy the scenery and wonderful family that awaits them there.