The Adventures of Mrs. C: 2011

Monday, February 7, 2011

Lost Luggage

I was yelled at by a man like I have never been yelled at before!

He was by far worse than the man who insisted on kicking the carousel, long after it had stopped rotating. He was going at it like one would with a high school vending machine.. when you can see your pack of M&M's pinched off by a spiral rod half rotated.. "No sir, kicking the carousel will not make your luggage come out."

He even beat the Delta Diamond who showed up 12 mins before her departure insisting that her luggage would make her flight only to find herself standing in the baggage claim office in her arrival city long after her flight had landed. Not at all happy that the helpful agent at her departure city had given her the opportunity to run for her flight. Now angry at the insistence that she had to come back to the airport to pick up her luggage. Yet another passenger stomps out of the baggage office.

I'd love to spend the next paragraph describing the magnitude of this man's tantrum... But every time I begin, eeewwww! I just have one thing to say. It doesn't really matter if you have your AA Platinum Priority tag attached to your bag, shit happens.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Martin's Cove 2010

This begins our handcart journey. Technically it began the day before. We put Rayce on the all night bus ride with our ward members while the rest of us (David, Porter, Ryann and I) headed to the airport. Can you believe that renting a car for a week and having it sit in the parking lot at Martin's Cove is cheaper than gas to drive there? It's true. We had no other choice, that's just what we did.

This is us leaving our hotel in Casper WY to meet up with our fellow trekers at the Martin's Cove Visitors center. Casper is about 90 minutes from MC. We donned the pioneer digs and headed out to join our group.

There's a happy fella. We pulled into the parking lot just as the all night bus arrived. We couldn't wait to see how their trip was. Rayce came off the bus smiling.. Delirious I think. Or maybe anyone would smile when wearing a hat like that. The Bishop had wanted to create an experience that would pull everyone together without the use of technology. The teens were banned from any electronics on the bus. This was a 12 hour ride mind you. By 2am, the kids were going nuts and the adults on board were getting nuttier.. needless to say, Redbox is a great thing. They even have those out in the middle of nowhere. Shhhhhh....what happens on the bus, stays on the bus.

Martin's Cove or Devil's Gate? Where should we go? Ah, The arrow's are pointing in the same direction.

These two are the roughest toughest pioneers. Moooove 'em out!

I quickly became victim to the sun and the wind. I now appreciate the pictures of the pioneer women who looked like they had been dragged behind their handcarts. Plus add a frumpy shirt and an elastic waistband. It's the new definition of sexy.

This photo captures the beauty of the Father/daughter bond. I love it.

Double rainbow after a micro burst came through and leveled our camp.

Give her some wood and a log and she'll entertain.

Mom, Rayce, Dad, Porter, Ryann

Ryann and Porter climbing Independence Rock. Our journey almost over, we stopped to take a look at this historical place.

Almost home. Porter and I waiting out a tornado in Denver. We had just boarded our flight when the tornado sirens went off. We waited in our seats for over an hour. I did feel bad for the folks around us. This picture was taken on Friday, we had not showered since Monday.. We Stink!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Ground Hog Day

This is a very, very important day! I struggle every year with, hmmmm, well... winter. Cold dark days are hard for me. I accept snow up until January 1st. After that, the holidays are over and its time to move on. Convincing myself that spring is just around the corner, I search the long vacated flower beds for the lofty sprig of the crocus arm to extend from the soil and waive a fine hello. Umm, Nope. To this day, NEVER, have I seen a crocus in January. But every year, I continue to look.

Now It's Ground Hog Day and all my hopes and dreams are placed in the paw of a furry rodent who is taxed with the job of determining the timing of spring. Drum roll pleeeeaassse: "The news from Punxsutawney, Pa., this morning was just what we wanted to hear: Spring will come early this year, thanks to good old Phil predicting the winter, just as he's done for 125 years" So, It was overcast in Pennsylvania. Phil didn't see his shadow. Does it matter that the sun is shining here in Boise, Id? Maybe I'll take Richard out to check for his shadow. Oh boy.. More winter.

Better make my way to the nearest beach. Kona... Here I come.