Beauty in our back yard Part II

Moab is kind of in our back yard...it's only four hours away. So that counts as our "back yard" right?

I think Moab might be one of the windiest places on this Earth. Seriously, I thought our tent was going to blow away- with us in it. But it was a fun little adventure, even if Clark was complaining about the wind and our camping location the whole time.

This tent was by far the most poorly designed tent I have ever helped assemble. But we did it, wind and all! And as you can tell, we camped at some sort of tent resort...there were cabins and RV sites all over the place. Clark was not a fan but I didn't mind too much. Later, as we drove through the Arches and Canyonlands we discovered that primative camping was available...we were a little upset that we paid to camp when we could have camped for free. But I guess having a shower facility is always nice too, right?

The doggy door?

Canyonlands.
Getting a little close to the edge.

Clark blazing on ahead.

Dangling.

Noooooooooo!

Awe inspiring.

One of many trails we hiked.

One of many canyons we viewed.
We've officially been to the Canyonlands!
Mmmmmm. Foil bakes a-baking. We couldn't bake them our first night at the camp due to the ferocious wind. Clark was sorely disappointed. But they stayed frozen in our cooler and we were able to enjoy them the next afternoon.
Oh, Clark.
Arches National Park. Though the two parks can't really be compared because they are very different, we both enjoyed Arches much more than the Canyonlands.
Clark helping a rock stay balanced.A male foreign tourist sporting capris. When we backpacked Europe in 2006 we noticed that all the males wore capris. Not a look we admire...
An adult themed rock.
Lovers' shadow.
Clark making the signature Clark face.
Sandstone Arch. Trekked the trail just in time to snap a few pictures before the sun went down and our camera died.

Some more fun rock formations.
Another cool arch with a name I cannot recall.

Weenie roasting.
The trail to the Delicate Arch. This picture cracks me up. Why Clark wanted to wear the Camelback...I have no idea. You have to click on the photo to enlarge it and enjoy the humor in this photo.
So cool!



A preserved cabin from the early 1900's.
Rock climbers doing their thing.
We've officially been to Arches!
And what do you know. We had the wonderful opportunity to drive home through a hail/snow storm. Oh Utah, you never cease to confuse me with your inconsistent weather.
I just love sharing life's adventures with my husband. He makes everything just that much more fun and special. Thanks Clark, for enjoying the trip even when you realized that we'd be camping 5 feet away from strangers and when the wind just didn't let up. You rock my world!

Beauty in our back yard

The other day I took a stroll around our neighborhood and Temple Square to capture the majesty of spring's blooming flowers. I'm love, love, loving tulips! Such a dazzling and beautiful flower, and yet they can withstand the even the harshest weather of spring.











Ahhh, spring flowers just make me smile :)

Master Chef Strikes Again!

This week Clark attempted orange chicken.


Oh my yummy...

The Master Chef enjoying his delectable orange chicken with a Mexi-cola!

I told Clark that I'm glad he doesn't want to pursue culinary school. Everything he touches (cooks) turns to gold and we would both gain a massive amount of weight.

Online secret journal

I've started an online journal and I'm psyched. Technically it is a blog, but it is private so only I can view it and I call it my online secret journal.

I'm terrible at keeping or even attempting to keep a journal. I blame being a South paw. My pinky never fails to smear the ink and I can't stand that. Also, my penmanship is lacking and I can't stand that either.

So here we go. Another blog to keep up, only this time it is for my benefit, and perhaps for the benefit of my very very far off future kin...

One of my life goals...completed!

I gave blood.

I have a list of life goals that Clark says I could complete in a week. Giving blood is on that list. Doing one (just one!) pull up/chin up is on that list as well. I may tackle that goal next.

Giving blood has been one of my life goals for a very long time. It is also something Clark has wanted me to do for a very long time. But I'll let you in on a secret. I hate needles. Just because I'm a nurse and I get to start IV's and give shots and vaccinations does not mean I am immune to the fear of needles. Little 25 guage needles don't scare me. It's the big 18 guages that freak me out. And I've always been told that huge needles are used when you donate blood. So I have never done it. And my other excuse is that I run and I need my energy to run, obviously.

Well I woke up on Monday morning and ran before leaving for the blood bank. I was pretty nervous the whole drive and through the whole interview process. When they stuck the needle in it did sting, but it wasn't a terrible pain. I didn't watch, of course. But I watched when the lady stuck the needle in Clark's arm and surmised that they use 16 guage needles. Those things look like capri sun straws! Clark beat me and took only 5 minutes to fill his bag; I took 10 minutes. Go figure.

Overall, it was a positive experience and I will donate again, it just won't be for awhile. I am still feeling a little sluggish two days later.