I Say It Best When I Say Nothing At All.....

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This is Country Living! (Neighbors)

Jenn and I live on the west side of Smithfield, Utah. We're far enough removed from the busy, hustle-and-bustle of city life, but still have modern conveniences of shopping, dining and entertainment nearby. We are surrounded by alfalfa fields, cattle, sandhill cranes, blue herons, owls, fox, coyote and any other variety of critters that provide the lifestyle I have always dreamed of. I have always loved my neighbors in every place I have lived and that still holds true today. I need to make that statement, because this week's event may leave one to believe I may not like having neighbors at all. As a matter of fact, our neighbors invited us over for dinner on Friday and we spent several hours with them and had a very enjoyable time. My work offers me enough perks I am provided with DoorDash gift cards each week. I work from home and sometimes the convenience of ordering a meal, delivered to the door, is a benefit. Earlier this week, I placed an order for lunch and anxiousl

Am I Too Old For My Own Music?

A few weeks ago, we were able to attend an Air Supply Concert. Did you know they have been touring every year since 1975? Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell are the duo to the songs we all know and love. Most of us have memories of high school and college of playing their songs over and over and cherishing first love. We even played their songs again through arduous breakups. I can still sing every word. Graham Russell lives near my hometown of Kamas, Utah. He is 71 years of age. Russell Hitchcock lives in Georgia. He is 72. They both struggle to sing the pitches they once did. They still attempt to stroke the guitar with reckless abandon and dance about the stage and throw hand motions to the crowd with their microphone to engage the crowd. I couldn't help but think someone needed to be nearby to catch them if they fell. Have you seen men who are my parents age jump up and down on a stage? You cannot look away! I was so engaged, I didn't even want to go to the ba

Clarence

Meet Clarence! He has been such a joy to have. We picked up a few other mates for him, but they don't have the same affection or fondness of people as Clarence does. Each morning and afternoon as I feed the geese, ducks, horses, chickens and goats Clarence will call to me and demand my attention. He'll approach me and begin telling me about his day. I share my stories with him and he follows me around. Geese have been known to imprint on people. He has an attachment to me and Jenn and occasionally, some of the kids. Other times, he decides the kids may be a threat. The other three geese have only tolerated me. You have to keep a close eye on them. If you look away, even for a second, they will approach with heads' down and hiss at you to let you know you're intruding on their space. They are particularly vocal, especially at feeding time. The belches, screeches and honks are an indication I took longer than they would prefer to be fed. Do geese get hangry? Y

What may I do to make your day better?

I just returned home from Las Vegas late last night after spending the weekend there for a conference. It has only been two weeks since the horrific events at the Las Vegas Village. My flight to Vegas was very different than the returning flight to Salt Lake City. The atmosphere was a bit rowdy and lighthearted. Flight attendants were joking with passengers about staying "hydrated" in the desert and would inspire the passengers to cheer about the party atmosphere. The lady sitting next to me purchased shots of tequila for her and any of the people around her. She continued to offer the drink to me, but seemed mildly frustrated I wouldn't join in with the fun. She and others were amused that she was entertaining the guy next to her who was "no fun." I just pushed my seat back, pulled my hat over my eyes and feigned sleep. I was reflective about the events that had recently transpired and how many families have been affected by the tragedy. Perhaps the ra

A Father's Love

The other night, my wife and I were walking out of Walmart and saw a father with two young children. Just before he left the store and went out into the cold night, the children both looked up at their dad and raised their arms above their heads, looking for comfort from the cold and icy conditions. He bent down and scooped them up and carried them in each of his arms. Watching the man carrying two children, Coralee looked at me and said, "I remember those days." We both reflected on how quickly time has passed since our children were little. Days seem to pass more quickly now and it is so easy to get caught up in the crazy and hectic routine that is our lives presently. It isn't often there is time to slow down and reflect on those days of early parenting. I speak as though the best memories have passed, but memories continue to be made everyday. Watching this father caused me to reflect on tender moments. Our youngest is nearly eight years old. Our oldest is

10 Things You May Not Know About Me

1. I love horses, but I'm terrified to ride them. Even with the countless times I have ridden, I always petition God for a safe experience before climbing into the saddle. 2. I know I'm supposed to be thankful for all things, but I rarely thank God for adversity. I don't like to step out of my "comfort zone", and difficult challenges are more than I want to face. I realize challenges are for experience and becoming a stronger/better individual, but I'll pass, thank you. 3. I'm a little obsessive/compulsive. You will sometimes catch me pulling whiskers off of my face or hair from my ears. Things that are out of place create chaos for me. Co-workers used to go into my office and move things around just to see if I would notice and put them back into place. They would turn golf balls in display cases slightly askew, pictures slightly out of alignment or move the pen on my desk. I could walk into the room and immediately notice everything that was out of