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Cancelled my Easy Bike ride. Go for a walk around Snowtop with Fiona. Wendy’s still not feeling so good but testing negative for covid.

Nip to the supermarket with Fiona. She’s way quicker than Wendy.

Chris and Landen arrive. Boozy evening in. Bloody hell 3 grandkids is mayhem, add one more and the noise level is worse than Concorde and the mayhem is unbelievable, enough to turn you into a hermit.

 

Wendy’s feeling much better and still testing negative for covid. The rest of us are feeling fine.

I go pistol shooting all on my own. Billy no mates. Find a coke tin to target shoot, a most satisfying way.

After lunch Wendy and Fiona don their pyjamas and I take them down to walmart. Never again will we go shopping at Walmart or Whole Pay Packet at the weekend. Just gridlocked.

A booze free evening for me but Fiona manages some Sailor Jerry and coke. Not surprising as we all try and cope with 4 kids.

 

Fiona and I nip out for a bike ride down to the White Barn before it gets too hot.

Wendy’s feeling fine and still testing negative.

Chris and Landen arrive and we all watch the Womens Euro final. Everyone’s orgasmic as England wins 2:1 in extra time. Kurt and CHris give a good demonstration of football hooligans every time a goal is scored. I’m not normally a soccer fan but have to say the women seem to play much faster and more exciting game. Really enjoyed it.

Wendy and I nip over to Mikes to pick up a tiramisu he’s made for us all – we cancelled the “Goodbye Boris Party” to be on the safe side. He’s made one big enough to feed a cast of thousands.

Then Wendy and I get some peace and quiet as everyone else goes down to the Silly market.

 

Short bike ride with Fiona first thing.

Chris and Landen came in the morning and left at dinner to catch their flight back to San Diego. He dropped Kurt and Fiona off at the outlets centre whilst Wendy and I looked after the grandkids. Took them round to the park by the school. They loved it.

6 hours later K&F emerge from the outlets centre. How can anyone shop for that long. Bizarre.

A quiet night in with Paulaner and wine.

 

 

Good job I’d cancelled my walk as it was raining on and off all morning.

We all went bowling at Heber City followed by a great junk food lunch. Grandkids really enjoyed it.

Shopping again this time at Freshmarket. Wendy has vowed never again. Poorly stocked and I’ve seen sparrows with more meat on then than the cooked chicken she bought. She wouldn’t even serve the legs they were so scrawny and uncooked. I wanted to go and dump it on the managers desk, but alas Wendy had already binned the legs.

I pop into liqueur store for some wine and Pimms. Try a box of Zinfandel.

Then in the afternoon Laurie and Michael popped by for a drink on the patio to say goodbye. Sadly they leave on Thursday.

 

Lead a bike ride, with Fiona, up over park meadows, down round valley and back along the rail trail.
Then it’s a lazy day minding the grandkids whilst K&F go to the outlet stores yet again.

Jaspers recovered about 20 golf balls and is enthusiastically trying to sell them to passing golfers.

Quiet night in with Paulaner and Zinfandel. This box of Zin is awesome and only $20 for the equivalent of 4 bottles.

Kurt, Jasper, Mike and I go kayaking with the club. Can’t believe how long it takes to check in and pay – a complete SNAFU. Once we get our kayaks its all fun. Jasper really enjoys it.

Lazy afternoon.
In the evening Kurt, Fiona, Jasper and I go to the Heber rodeo. It’s a lovely evening, great rodeo and it’s K&F first rodeo. All enjoy it, but sadly miss the bull riding, mind you at least we don’t have to cope with gridlock leaving. Sadly Jasper has a meltdown because we miss the fair. Promise to take him tomorrow.

Back home for a Zin nightcap.

 

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A busy day.

Starts with me leading an Easy Bike Ride from Willow Creek park up to Silver Star and back. By the time we’ve rode down to the start point and back it’s 14 miles.

Then Mike and I drive down to Salt Lake to the German Deli (Sigfreids) I’ve been raving about. Both have a superb lunch.

In the evening I drive down to SLC airport. Swap the car for a top of the range 7 seater and then head over to International arrival to pick the kids up. They’re cream crackered after 24 hours travelling with 3 kids pewking.

 

 

Kids and grandkids are up early, body clock all awry.

Went clay pigeon shooting with Mike in the morning.

In the afternoon everyone, except me, goes shopping – Walmart then Smiths. Yeah, 5 weeks with no need for me to go to a supermarket.

Nip to the liquor store for some more wine and Double Rye, then we get some burritos from Chubasco. A nice family night in with Paulaner, Zinfandell, Double Rye and Sailor Jerry for Fiona.

 

Up and out early with Kurt and Fiona to try out a walk for my Easy Hikes. Went up Armstrong then down Dawns, too much uphill for an Easy hike. Fairly strenuous with 2 miles uphill. At least the weather was coolish.

In the afternoon Wendy and I go and get some coffee, beer and other essential vitals. Grandkids have a whale of a time in the Jacuzzi. Just noise and sheer mayhem.

Fiona’s not so well. She does a covid test, thankfully it’s negative. I think the alcohol of last night combined with a hard walk up to 7,500 feet has given her a touch of altitude sickness, similar to what Wendy had when we arrived in April.

Sunday evening we escape the mayhem and go out to dinner at the Boneyard with Howard and Nancy. Great evening but food not that good. They even forgot my meal.

 

Kurt’s up at 05:00 with all the kids. Fiona’s still not so well, but didn’t get much sleep last night – exhausted. Thankfully covid test still negative.

I’m leading an easy hike from Silver Lake along mid-mountain down to Snow Park Lodge. 9 women and 3 fellas. Boy can women talk, but at least I don’t have to keep looking back to see if they’re keeping up, I can hear them.. Almost tempting to quit and go back to the mayhem at home.

Grandkids play in the jacuzzi all afternoon. Have a great but noisy time.

I sort the mountain bike brakes ready for tomorrows ride.

Up early ready for our Coalville ride. Lead Howard and Mike’s truck down to Coalville and then ferry them back to Yonex court. Mike, Howard, Kurt and I set off to start the ride. Pick up Micael and Dianne. Then pick up Ruth on her electric chariot and we’re all off for a easy 22 mile ride down to Coalville. Down being the operative word. Over half of it is down hill, that’s what is so great about it, and then along the flat. Get to Coalville, load the bikes into the trucks and then it’s back home. Ruth rides her electric chariot back home.

Lazy afternoon with just a quick trip to the supermarket with Wendy. No day would be complete without a super market fix.

Fiona’s better and still testing negative. Mike comes round for a chaotic dinner with the kids.

Leisurely evening in with the kids and Paulaner.

Lazy start to the day. Then a 90 minute hard bike ride with Howard around Swanner, a real good workout.

Then home for a quick change and some earache off Wendy for never being in.

Off to the NAC as water sport volunteer. 4 kids for some canoeing and kayaking despite being in wheelchairs and hardly able to walk. The NAC does a fantastic job. My role is just helping set up, tare down and out in a kayak as support in case of problems. Unfortunately I forget my hat so have a bucket load of suncream and my tee shirt on my head like a modern day Lawrence of Arabia.

Get back home. Fiona is perfectly well now but after 3 days of feeling ill, no covid, has now tested positive for covid – how bizarre is that. Wendy is not feeling so good.

Cancel clay pigeon shooting with Kurt.

Wendy stays in bed all day with fatigue, headache and sweats.

I have a lazy morning, cancel Fridays bike ride, Mondays hike, kayaking, concert and dinner with L&M.

After lunch catch the bus round to the park with the kids and grandkids. Nice park but oh so hot and the metal on the apparatus is boiling – no shade, complete lack of common sense. Walk back with Fiona and Esther. Kurt takes jasper and Beatrix swimming at the PCMarc.

Fiona’s fully recovered but Wendy’s spent the day in bed despite testing negative for Covid. Fiona’s still testing positive but is perfectly well, I’m feeling fine and testing negative, everyone else is fine.

A beer and wine evening.

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I’m leading an easy bike ride and in the inimitable fashion the weather is crap. Can you believe it, as I walk out the door it starts to rain. Amazing there’s 6 people crazy enough to go for it. A nice ride from Walgreens, down the rail trail, around park meadows to the old barn and back. We all get back wetter than a water hogs backside. But, at least on the positive side it was warm and didn’t snow.

Wendy troops off to the CC and I get a peaceful afternoon.

In the evening I have a pleasant Zinfandell and a snooze whilst watching Money Heist – seems the best way to enjoy it, really has lost the plot.

 

Lazy morning and then dragged kicking and screaming to the supermarket where I get to drive the trolley.

Just trying to plan an Easy Hike from Silver Lake in Deer Valley when I learn that due to the ongoing avarice of Deer Valley – not content with screwing with alcohol at concerts, and even having concerts without the orchestra – what was a FREE car park now costs $30. So, plan B, to screw them over is to catch the FREE bus from the transit centre.

I really think they, the rapacious corporate gnomes are screwing this town. It seems like we’ve had the best years skiing and summer holidaying here.

In the evening we’re off round to Dianne and Jere’s for drinks and then to the ABBA revival concert at Deer Valley. Awesome Abba concert at Deer Valley. We’d forgot how good their music is. Many thanks to Mark and Ruth for the 4 free tickets, you missed a great show on a lovely balmy evening. Great setting, sound and camera work. And despite the lack of the Utah symphony orchestra, due to covid, the evening was awesome.

 

 

Usual lazy start to the day and then we drive up to the transit centre to pick up a free bus to silver lake. Explore the various potential hike start points for future hikes.

Catch a free ride down to Snowpark and then wendy has lunch on the deck of the Deer Valley Plaza. Pleasant location overlooking the lake.

Quiet afternoon.

Then in the evening there’s an urgent weather warning of high winds and thunder storms – likely structural damage, take cover in inside downstairs room, wow. Storm passes us by.

 

 

Up early ready to lead one of my favourite hikes around Masonic Hill. Done it once already this year but I’m sure its got longer nad steeper. Think it may be that I’m still at sea level. Well I just about survived but get home like a drowned rat covered in sweat. Even at 09:00 it’s too hot to be walking.

Lazy afternoon and then in the evening we drive up to the Glenwild gated community to Mike’s 80th birthday hosted by his sister in her amazing house. The Glenwild estate is the best gated community I’ve ever been on.

A great evening. We really enjoyed it and what a friendly bunch of family and friends Mike has. No hairs and graces and so easy to get on with.

 

A gentle bike ride down the rail trail with Howard followed by coffee and a chance to put the World to rights.

In the evening we go round to L&M for dinner, Jeri and Diane join us. What awesome company.

 

Michael and I load up the bikes and head down to Orem to do the bike ride up Provo Canyon past Bridal falls and meet Laurie and Wendy for a picnic at Vivian Park. Then ride the bike back down. It’s hotter than the hinges of hell.

Target shooting with Joe at tea time and then it’s a quiet evening in – no alcohol.

 

Of course it wouldn’t be Thursday without bowling.

In the evening we head off down to the Mirror Lake diner with Laurie and Michael followed by the concert on the lawn at the Dejoria Centre. Haven’t a clue who was playing, best not to give them a name. Despite the music a great evening.

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Lazy start to the day. Bob prepares breakfast burritos.

Set off for a long drive up to Las Vegas. It’s been an awesome week. The best 4th of July ever and our friends pulled out all the stops to make the whole week special. Thank you.

It’s a 6 hour drive to our stop over at a Best Western in Henderson.

Arrived in Las Vegas after a 6 hour drive from San Diego following a great week with some awesome friends. Never a dull moment and a 4th of July to remember.

So are the flags at half mast because of Boris’s resignation?

Stop over night in Henderson, Las Vegas. No we’re not on the strip, thank the FSM, but had to go into a local casino in order to get Wendy a Subway. Just 6 hours and we’ll be home Saturday.

As luck would have it there’s a White Castles just around the corner. So it’s a haute cuisine tea tonight, a fantastic way to celebrate Junk Food Month.

 

I’m awake at 05:00 so we set off early to avoid major road works around mesquite. Stop off at an All-American diner in cedar city for an all-American breakfast. Celebrating junk food month yet again – wot no Diet.

Home sweet home at last. 750 miles about 11 hours driving.

Time to enjoy an afternoon cuppa before we gird our loins, and do battle with them supermarket trolleys. Passport ready for the liquor store to prove we’re over 21.

A pleasant German beer and some wine before an early night.

 

 

Leisurely morning after our marathon journey.

Slow walk round to the supermarket. Slow because of the heat.

Pick up my bikes from Ruths and have a good chinwag.

Mike and Laurie pop round. Long time no see. Great to see them again.

Another great German beer and some wine in the evening sat out on the deck.

 

Another lazy start. Nip round to the Christian Centre to sort out Wendy’s volunteering.

Then I’m off to the liquor store, passport at the ready, to top up the wine stocks and some of that awesome Basil Haydn Dark Rye. Of course I’d forgot that being a State liquor store they have to have their lie in bed and can’t be arsed opening until 11:00.

Then we’re off to Costco – abandon hope all yea who enter there – for a major shop. Wow, that was expensive, but hopefully, most of it will last for 3 months.

Start my diet so it’s steak and salad for tea. Alas, no wine or other tasty drink. It’s a great diet – Full Diet – but lack of some tasty drinks like ginger beer or alcohol is a bummer.

 

Up at the crack of sparrows ready to lead an Easy Hike around Snowtop. 8 of us, not a bad turnout. Weather is perfect for such an easy hike.

 

Lazy morning.

Then a stroll around to the supermarket, the highlight of the day.

In the evening I pick Joe up and we go shooting at the Kamas Lions gun range. It’s hotter than the Devil’s armpits.

 

 

Lazy start. then Wendy and I are off to Heber for bowling. Well I go bowling with Mike and Joe while Wendy goes shopping.

Nip round to the Sportsmens Warehouse to buy some 9mm ammunition.

After tea, we set off to the free concert on the lawn at the Dejoria Centre. Wot no alcohol allowed, spoils it, just greed on their part. In the good old days, it was great to just bring a picnic and a bottle of wine to enjoy. Made even the worst performers tolerable. Lovely setting but the groups are pretty naff, would have needed wine and lashings of bourbon to survive them. Leave after an hour.

 

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We’re off back to paradise, but first we have to gird our loins, dose Wendy with calm a downers and prepare for the ordeal of flying. Set off at 05:00, allowing ourselves 4 hours to get through that joke of an airport at Manchester.

Survived check in, that is, when virgin could eventually be bothered to finish their chinwag and open – late as usual. Security fast track 15 minutes, abandon hope for the rest. Then in the aspire lounge and Facebook wants me to say something about it. Well here goes. All the ambience of a school canteen, even down to milk bottle on table; my sausage has been classified as a lethal weapon, rock hard, would be better deployed as a kosh.

The incompetent management here claim they can’t get the staff, yet when we’re forced through duty free to get to our flight we’re accosted by a plethora of staff?

I’m pleased to report to the Ministry for “Advancement of Airport Misery” that they’re still doing an excellent job.

Arrived in Atlanta after excellent comfortable flight with the usual awesome virgin cabin crew service. Through immigration in minutes, no queue, sorry line. A new world record. 4 hours to go before Salt Lake City flight but at least there’s free booze and some great food in the Delta lounge. Surprised we got in on Premium Economy, but just goes to enforce the old adage, don’t ask don’t get.

At Delta checkin our tickets are rejected. Oh joy, another Virgin / Delta screw up. Takes them 25 anxious minutes at check in to get tickets that work. Meanwhile everyone’s boarded and they’re ready to go.

Finally get tickets that work and we’re off. 4 hour flight in premium seats, it was more comfortable sitting on solid oak church pews. As for the flight attendants, well if they were to crack a smile I’m sure they’d shatter into a thousand peace’s. A surly unhappy bunch. Perhaps Delta management should take a Virgin Atlantic flight and observe their crew. Happy, smiling, obviously enjoy their work with a net result of great customer service.

Looks like Virgin will be getting yet another complaint about the same ticketing problems. Who knows perhaps we may get another 20,000 of their pretty useless pigeon droppings, AKA points.

Arrive at SLC and the usual screw up with airport shuttle. Might help if they put the name of the hotel on it rather than some other hotel.

Midnight Salt Lake time and we finally get to bed. Exhausted, but at least we’re home. Next time we will break the journey up with an overnight stopover in Atlanta rather than Salt Lake.

 

 

Start of another days travel. Great breakfast then I’m sat outside in a rocking chair enjoying a coffee and the start of a gorgeous day. Another one of those great to be alive / feeling lucky moments. Little did I know the next load of shit that was about to descend on me.

Arrive at the Avis checkin desk to pick up my pre-paid car. And yes it one of those “Victor Shitlist” moments as the clerk tells me sorry but you’ve been blacklisted. Of course he’s not a clue why, but no car.

End up going back to Hertz and get the usual good service and even though it’s the cheapest small car I get to pick any car from Presidents Circle / Gold lot. Choose a Buick Encore SUV very comfortable, there aren’t any small cars to choose from.

Set off on a 7 hour drive down to Barstow.

Stop off at Saint George for lunch and petrol. Then it’s St George pioneer park for lunch. Wendy’s moaning it’s too hot a mere 97F and an awesome blue sky.

Barstow here we come and best of all they have an In Out Burger joint. One of the more salubrious towns in the middle of the dessert just off the I15. Hotel is good and the highlight of the day is the In Out Burger, even if it is 9 miles drive away. So it’s In Out Burger for tea.

 

 

After a good nights rest and waffles for breakfast we’re off again on a 3 hour drive to San Diego.

Arrive at Bob and Marilyn’s about 14:00. Great to see them. So good to just relax. Dinner is Bob’s famous bolognaise sauce, awesome. An early night.

 

Good nights sleep. Up at the crack of sparrows and off down to B&M’s sail boat – Flight Level Zero. It’s 42 foot; two bedrooms; two bathrooms; spacious lounge area. Amazingly roomy, more so than our caravan.

Then it’s a day of food; dinghy parade; alcohol; Barbecue at the club house; more food galore and of course more alcohol at the yacht club with Bob and Marilyn. A great day. Just got to survive 3 firework displays, more deserts and of course alcohol.

Round to Jim and Maria’s power boat for drinks and dessert. The boats sheer luxury; amazingly spacious and an amazing navigation / control system, just point on the map and click. To help stabilise it has a massive heavy gyroscope which spins up and uses good old conservation of angular momentum to keep the boat stable. Firework display lasted 18 minutes and had to be the best we’ve ever seen.

Finally, retire cream crackered, for a good nights sleep onboard the yacht. And Wendy doesn’t even have a life jacket on. Hope it doesn’t sink.

An awesome day full of amazing new experiences and glimpse of how the other half live. As Bob says “I wonder what the poor people are doing?” The best 4th of July ever.

 

 

 

Up early for Bob’s pancake breakfast as Jim, Maria, Janelle and Mike all come round for a pancake breakfast. Then we start packing the boat up and off to the club bar for a drink.

Off to old town San Diego for a superb Mexican meal. Wendy thinks we’ve been there before.

Early night for us all as we’re cream crackered after two awesome days.

 

 

Lazy start to the day.

Spend the morning sorting all the Avis crap. It’s a nightmare. Never use them again they’re such a shambles. Wrong phone numbers, incompetence, left hand doesn’t know what right hands doing.

After lunch we’re off for a wine tasting at a vineyard. Great having such a selection. Sat out in a lovely setting.

Just violating the second commandment of retirement. Forgive me for I have sinned. Afternoon wine tasting in Escondido. This is the life.

Superb fish dinner at B&M’s then off down to Jim and Maria’s for drinks. Finally to bed.

 

 

 

Another lazy start to the day. Wendy goes shopping with Marilyn. I wait with trepidation to see how much that’s cost me.

After lunch we’re off for another wine tasting at a vineyard. Great having such a selection sat out in a lovely setting. Such generous samples this time. Will I still be able to walk.

Just violating the second commandment of retirement yet again. Forgive me for I have sinned again. This is becoming a habit.

In the evening we’re off to Janelle and Mike’s for a great taco dinner. Another awesome evening with friends.

 

 

 

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Sadly had to cancel bowling.

In the afternoon Wendy I have a short walk.

In the evening we’re off to Mike’s for dinner. Meatloaf, it was awesome, the best ever. Not a bit like the bland pate-like meatloaf you normally get. Wendy now has the recipe. A great evening all round.

Try to watch Supernature with Ricky Gervais just awesome politically incorrect humour. Gives the snowflakes, wokes, libtards and PC brigade a catatonic meltdown, just the medicine they need. If you don’t like humour don’t watch it and leave it for the rest of us. Sadly the wine gets the better of me and I fall asleep halfway through, will have to catch up with it.

 

 

Lazy morning.

After lunch, I go for my easy bike ride but there were no takers, at least I got a short ride.

Wendy and I catch the free bus to the library to return “The Lincoln Highway”, what an awesome book. The best this year. Then it’s an easy walk downhill back home.

The evening is a quiet night in binging on Kim’s Apple+ library of films. Sadly an alcohol free day to make up for the excesses of this week.

 

Well rain and cold forecast for the next two days and even snow for when we’re off to the airport on Monday – oh joy.

Rain holds off long enough for Mike and I to go clay pigeon shooting. With my abysmal performance, it’s probably a good job I’m going home.

In the afternoon Joe and I go to the gun club for my last taste of handgun shooting. A tad more expensive than the Kamas Lions gun range but at least it’s indoors so we don’t get soaked.

A quiet saturday night in watching some of Kim’s Apple+ library films and Netflix.

 

 

Busy morning packing. We leave tomorrow and as you might guess Parkinson’s Law of Maximum Perversity (AKA Sod’s law) is seen to be obeyed as snow is forecast for all Sunday afternoon, night, and Monday morning, just as we’re due to drive down to the airport. Decide to book a hotel near the airport for Sunday night to avoid the risk of snow and having to drive down to SLC in the dark and a snow storm. You really couldn’t make it up or as Mike would say “You’re shittting me”.

I suspect it’ll turn out to be a damp squid with less than an inch of snow but you never can tell around here, after all, it is a ski resort in the mountains.

Drop my bike off at Ruth’s who is kindly storing all 3 of them yet again. Just avoid getting soaked as the heavens open up.

The last opportunity for junk food so we call in Chubasco’s for a Californian Beef Burrito. Awesome takeaway.

And then it’s off down to the Salt Lake airport Holiday Inn Express for the night. All very clean and comfortable but the receptionist has all the skills and demeanour of a retarded tortoise and the attire of a beach bum.

 

 

 

Up nice and early, never mind the multiple alarm clocks. Just 6 minutes drive to the airport. Smooth drop off; no queues at check in or TSA; awesome Delta lounge. One of the very few plus points of old age is, if over 75 no need to take shoes off – it seems that they think we’re over 75, no need for passports to prove it. Sensible profiling for once.

Wow, it seems that micro-skirts are back in fashion. That makes for a more colourful existence.

Just in case you thought stupidity was in short supply the following announcement on board our Delta flight “please remove any masks before fitting your oxygen mask” was hilarious, no doubt added from bitter experience and of course we are in America.

Fortunately, we arrive in Atlanta about 15 minutes early so our dash across the airport to the International terminal leaves us with enough time to go into the lounge for a drink.

Virgin flight is the usual awesome experience. Unlike Delta there’s a glass of champagne as soon as your bum touches the seat. Cabin crew are tip-top, lashings of wine, port to go with the cheese and biscuits and of course Baron Otard to round off an awesome meal. Superb food and even a full English breakfast.

Bed made up for us and we manage a 5 hour snooze.

 

 

 

Arrive in Manchester suitably refreshed.

Luggage collection was the usual 30-40 minutes. Considering the chaos at Manchester Airport with 3-4 hour waits was not too bad.

Arrive home and have a short kip and then we’re off to take Jasper ten-pin bowling. He loves it.

Good to be home and see the kids and grandkids. Looks like the parents are expecting us to make up for two months of negligence of our duties with extended child dumping.

Never mind only 29 days to go before we escape back to America. Will we survive the rain; the DIY jobs and the rug rats?

 

 

 

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Sadly not many photos on this post. I think over the years our photos around here have eroded all the colour in the place so nothing new left.

After breakfast Kim sets off to go swimming again. Whilst Phil and I set off for bowling at Heber with Mike and Joe. Can’t believe it but yet again the bowling alley is closed due to an infestation of school children. Not a lane to spare, despite being told last week that this wouldn’t happen again. As you can imagine I’m a tad pissed at this especially as we specifically asked last week if it would be open this week.

So not only no bowling but no junk food. We all set off to Cafe Rio for lunch.

In the evening we set off down to Cafe Madrid in Salt Lake. A friend of one of Kims friend owns the place. The owners join us for dinner and I have to say it is some of the best Spanish food we have ever had in America.

 

 

After breakfast P&K set off to pack up their Airstream ready for their trip to Grand Tetons tomorrow.

I set off down to Walmart to get Moderned – for my 4th booster jab. Can you believe it they offer it free over here to anyone. All part of the “American NHS!”, good to see those tax dollars being put to good use. They’re not allowed to accept payment for it, and when I questioned, are you sure its free even for a Brit, the lady says “you’re a human being”. How amazing is that, free American healthcare and you even get a choice of Moderna or Pfizer.

What’s even more amazing is that I never felt anything when the pharmacist did the jab. As I saw her throwing the syringe away I was startled and had to ask her if she’d done it. Even after walking around the store I was almost ready to go back and double check she’d actually given me the jab. In 72 years I have never had such a painless jab.

Sadly there’s no Mickey Mouse plaster (sorry bandaid), times obviously hard for the American NHS as well as ours.

It’s only just above freezing today so I cancel leading a bike ride in the afternoon. Wendy tootles off to the CC. Good job I cancelled as there’s a sprinkling of snow and some odd spots of rain.

In the evening P&K come back for a farewell meal and Kim and I polish off a couple of bottles of wine. We’ll miss them as they continue their grand tour of the USA, how awesome.

P&K have bought me a hat, not just any old hat but a “Make America Great Again” hat. It’s awesome, just what I’d been looking for. Mind you, to be fair, I think America pretty great as it is. Just what I need for downtown Blackburn to stir a few locals and no doubt it’ll go down a treat in some areas of America.

 

 

 

Wendy’s decided she’ll have a 4th covid booster jab after all, so off we troop down to Walmart. She also changes her mind from Pfizer to Moderna. Like me she can’t believe how painless the jab was – I told you so. Then its time to do a small weekly shop.

After lunch we go for a stroll to the liquor store and their credit card system is still down so it’s cash only. They can stuff off. Typical government organisation, wouldn’t happen if they had free enterprise liquor stores.

 

 

 

A lazy morning. Wendy’s suffering from the Moderna jab as always with any covid or flu jab. Feeling very tired, a tad sick and a bit of a headache. She was roasting hot in bed last night.

After lunch I do a short bike ride to test out how hilly this coming weeks bike ride really is. It turns out to be just enough.

In the evening we finish off watching the Lincoln Lawyer along with the last drops of my Basil Haydn Dark Rye. Great series and great whiskey, need to take some home.

 

 

 

Lazy morning and then Mike picks Wendy and I up to take us down to Salt Lake. Where going for a Reubens at Moochies – won loads of best in Utah awards. I only eat half of my foot long, save the rest for tonight’s tea. Then it’s pick up a dozen glazed doughnuts from Crispy Crème. Wow they are so light and tasty.

Then Wendy and I have a walk round to the liquor store. They’ve got the credit card machines working at last. Get a bottle of Basil Haydn Dark Rye to take home with me when we’re deported next Monday.

Finish off the rest of the Reubens for tea.

 

 

Lazy morning as we book our Airbnb for the Disney trip.

Then after lunch I drop Wendy off at the CC whilst I lead a hike around Trailside, of course it’s an easy hike.

In the evening we have dinner with Mark and Ruth at Sammies. Great to see them again after all this time. Whilst Sammies food was ok it seems that they have no concept of customer service. Whilst I can understand them not allowing people to book tables, it does seem gross that they won’t take you to your table until your whole party is present, especially when the place is almost empty. I really must get some medical help for this syndrome of mine where I go through life thinking I’m a CUSTOMER. Mind you I’m not dangerous with it, but I can get very pissed off and sarcastic.

Anyway Sammies is now off my list and as a result will probably have gone bust by the time we get back.

 

 

Sue Grey’s report is published so Wendy’s in a feeding frenzy of Dr Boris critical articles and videos. Driving me nuts. Please, friends and family, don’t poke the bear by mentioning Dr Boris.

Lazy start to the day and then Mike picks us up to go to Feldmans Jewish Deli. I get to have one of the best Pastrami Reubens this side of New York. Take half of it home

I go for a brief bike ride down the Rail trail and bike.

Carol and Angela come round for dinner in the evening. Great to see them again. Can’t get over how Angela has grown.

 

 

 

For those snowflakes, wokes and libtards who may not be able to cope with some of my Rants etc., then select here:

Two weeks posting this week as we’ve been a tad busy.

Lazy start then off to Heber for bowling with Mike and Joe.

Afternoon is the highlight of the week with a trip to the supermarket. This week it’s Fresmarket for a change. Won’t be shopping there again – too pricey.

In the evening Mike picks me up and we’re off down to Salt Lake for a minor league baseball game. My very first game, so lots of questions and I’m still not sure I fully understand it – need a YouTube video – see below.

It’s all very civilised and thankfully faster and more action than cricket. We had great seats, not vey crowded and a lovely balmy sunny evening. Great special deals on beer, even if it is all American, and you can have a drink watching the game. How civilised is that. Not a single punch up in the spectators and hardly any swearing. Although like all sporting events the world over it seems like the umpire was incompetent and at least 25% of the spectators could have done a better job. Quite a few families and women spectators. All very relaxed and they even have a train ride for the kids. Bumble Bee mascot marauders around the spectators and even have a Mexican band playing music. Best of all they have great junk food selection, hot dogs and pretzel to name but a few we sampled.

Sat behind us was an all American gob. Everything is bigger over here and this guy certainly had the gob on him to meet that exacting bigger standard. He never shut up, loudly boring the women next to him and the crowd with his life story, the great I am. The detective in me can only assume that he was on a first social media date with the women next to him. And I can only assume that if she wasn’t deaf it will be his last. Why do I come to that conclusion that it was a first date? She was too old to be his daughter. Certainly couldn’t have been his wife as married couples don’t talk that much in all of 50 years of marriage. No sane women, who wasn’t stone deaf, would ever go on a 2nd date with him.

But it was so kind of him to share his upbringing; his mummies discipline; his moral rectitude; his Bluetooth use of Facebook; his travels; but the piste resistance had to be sharing with the crowd full details of his colonoscopy and other medical procedures.

A great evening and despite the gob very enjoyable. Will have to go again when the kids come out.

 

 

Lazy morning.

After lunch I finally manage to lead a bike ride. Only 3 of us but it was a good ride from Maxwells all the way up to the Old White barn. It was tough but we just about made it, even the electric bike lady, and my watch confirmed I was still alive. Back to Maxwells was all downhill, that’s my sort of ride.

For some bizarre reason PCMSC doesn’t approve of ebikes. What the hell, I really don’t give a rats, if it means that people get out, enjoy themselves and possibly get a bit of exercise why does it matter?

In the evening we go round to Carols for dinner. So good to see her and Angela after two covid years. Wow, Angela’s shot up and is so grown up. Carol has a lovely 4 bedroom town house down at Jeremy Ranch. We’d so much to catch up on.

 

Up early for shooting. Mike said we could pistol shoot with some newcomer guy called Jim. Turns out that Ken – the guy who originally taught me to shoot a pistol was doing a free defensive shooting class. 100 rounds of structured drills. Bottom line on defensive shooting seems to be keep shooting at your own pace, don’t pause or stop until the threat has been completely eliminated, that’s a euphemism for very dead. The last drill was 5 rounds at 1 second intervals; drop the empty clip; reload; then 5 more rounds at 1 second intervals. Squeeze that trigger slowly.

I had no idea this was going to be on the agenda, but I am glad I did it. What amazed me was how the rapid firing seemed to get more on target than the earlier drills with more time to aim.

After that it’s a couple of rounds of Clay Pigeon shooting. Not too bad on the first round, 12 out of 25, trying to focus on the follow through. 2nd round was a miserable 9 out of 25, trying to focus on starting with the barrel horizontal. Being a man there’s no way I can do two thing at once, but the free tuition is very welcome. Next time it’s focus on follow through, horizontal barrel and don’t forget to chamber the round.

Yea, it’s Jaspers 9th birthday. Get to FaceTime him and see all his presents. Looks like he’s had a great birthday. Pity we couldn’t be there for it. He’s a great kid, growing up and so proud of him. Happy birthday Jasper.

After lunch Wendy and I do the Snow Top loop. I wanted to check it out for an easy hike. It’s another one of my favourite hikes, but a counter clockwise direction means you end up on a never ending, steep, switchback. Think best to go round clockwise. I’m in the dog house because I wanted to storm on up the switchback to get the ticker pumping. By pushing yourself it’s the only way I’m going to get acclimatised to 7,000 feet.

 

Lazy morning.

Drive down to T J Max to see if they’ve got any grey / blue jeans. Sadly no.

Have a walk to Merril’s at the Outlet Centre to get a pair of hiking trainers for Wendy. Can’t find any that fit well. Gets a pair from Columbia and they’re cheaper and she even negotiates a further reduction – smart shopper.

I try the Levi store for some grey / blue jeans but alas no.

 

Up and out for 10:00 to play Pickleball. Great game just wish they didn’t play so early. Don’t they realise geriatrics don’t get up early.

It’s snowed and frozen over night so spend 5 minutes freezing to death as I clear the car.

After lunch Wendy and I go for a stroll up to the supermarket, and catch the bus back with our shopping.

 

 

 

Lazy morning.

After lunch Wendy tootles off to the CC whilst I lead an easy hike around Masonic Hill. One of my favourite hikes with great 360 degree views around PC.

One of the walkers, 82 years old, starts feeling dizzy. Says he gets these dizzy spells on hikes. OMG is he going to peg out? Has he signed the waiver? Should he really be coming on hikes if he’s that unfit? There’s still about 30 minutes of ascent until we reach the top. We slow down and let him take the lead. He survives along with everyone else. A gorgeous sunny hike.

 

 

I’ve talked Mike into playing pickleball again so we set off down to Basin Rec. Looks like most people have gone to the 8 free courts at Willow Creek so we set off there. Only recognise one player. Have about 6 exhausting games. At least my watch says I’m still alive. The players here tend to be in fixed groups of 4 with less mixing it up like there is at Basin Rec. But it’s free.

After lunch Wendy and I take a 3 mile stroll to the supermarket and back to get some baked beans. Tonight’s teas is Mikes awesome ribs he gave us and some of the best Tiramaso we’ve ever tasted – a Red Cross meal.

Hey, great news, apparently you can freeze baked beans so you can buy the cheaper bigger tin and freeze those you don’t use.

 

 

Off down to Heber bowling alley with Joe. Bugger me all the lanes are pre booked for a group of kids, As if they couldn’t have spared one lane for us geriatric regulars.

Plan B go for a walk around Round Valley. Sunny, windy and cool. Yet again I have no hat as I thought I was going bowling. Fried yet again.
Afternoon is the usual treat of a trip to the supermarket with Wendy. This time I think I have a plan. These are advertised as being good for external pain relief. Will have to try them to see if they make a trip to the supermarket pain free.

 

 

Lazy morning.

Afternoon Wendy’s off to the CC and I’m supposed to be leading an easy bike ride. No one turns up so no ride.

A gorgeous warm sunny day. This is more like it. Hopefully the snows behind us now.

In the morning it’s a trip to the Outlet stores for a pair of casual, lightweight trainers. as usual they don’t have the ones I originally wanted in my size, but find an alternative pair. Sketchers, so lightweight and comfortable.

Then after lunch Wendy and I explore a hike off North Old Ranch Road. Awesome views with a steep downhill section great for mountain bikers. Wendy didn’t approve of it but I’ll keep it for an Easy Hike. Really should have been wearing my shorts, much too hot for jeans.

 

Another gorgeous hot sunny day. This time I’ve got my shorts on. Explore a circular hike around trailside with Joe. Just over three miles, no shelter but will make a great Easy Hike even if there are too many bikers at the weekend.

Late afternoon Kim and Phil arrive. We haven’t seen them since our Japanese cruise, so its great to see them again. They’re here all week staying with us and in their Airstream over in Heber.

Great meal followed by a few bottles of wine and some whiskey and bourbon. Wow, I do like that Basil Haydn Dark Rye and so does Kim. It’s amazing.

After a great evening I stagger upstairs to the instant rest of the righteous. They’re definitely a bad influence. In japan they even got Wendy rat arsed on Martinis.

 

Drive over to Heber to teach Phil how to play Pickleball. He’s a natural, takes to it like a duck to water. Typical when an ex tennis player takes up pickleball, within minutes they’ve mastered the strokes. So frustrating for those of us who did not play tennis and have to struggle on.

In the evening we go over to Phil and Kim’s Airstream for dinner. It’s a gorgeous evening, so just like being in Belthorn, we get to sit out for dinner.

 

 

Off swimming with P&K. First time in about 10 years.

So I chuck my towel and clothes in the back of the SUV, along with car keys in the pocket and close the boot. The damn car then locks me out. I’m spitting feathers. Fortunately Phil has AAA. The guy turns up in about 45 minutes and it takes him just 3 minutes and hey presto the cars open. How worrying is that.

Finally get to swim.

In the afternoon P&K come on my Snow Top hike. What a bizarre mix of weather, sun, cloud, windy and sprinkling of rain.

For dinner we all set off on the free bus to Main Street and have dinner at the No Name Saloon. They do an awesome Reubens, the best I’ve had for years. The we troop off down to the High West saloon. Typical the main saloon is closed for a private event but we manage to get high stools at another of their bars – fortunately no nose bleed. Phil and I try the flight of whiskey – Bourbon, Double Rye, Rendezvous Rye and Campfire. Disappointed with the Bourbon; Double Rye is pretty good as always; Rendezvous Rye is pretty good and has a point score of 99; Campfire is pretty good. I suppose the Rendezvous has to be the winner but at $70 a bottle versus $35 for Double Rye it does make you think.

Anyway a good evening and as usual some engaging, if somewhat New Yorker boisterous conversations with others at the bar.

Back home for some more drinks. P&K stay overnight to save the drive back to

 

Lazy morning. Then out for a subway lunch with P&K.

Set off up to the ski jump museum and eat their splendid repast. Sadly it’s closed, opens tomorrow. So we can’t even take a stroll to the top station to take a death defying view down the ski jump.

Settle for lunch outside the Old Barn.

In the evening Phil and I go down to the gun range for some target practice.

On the way home we call in to pick up the Chinese takeaway we’ve ordered. Damn me if the Szechuan Chinese isn’t closed – won’t be using them again – but then I remember we ended up ordering from Full House Chinese. These old age is a bugger.

Pleasant evening with some alcohol.

 

 

 

For those snowflakes, wokes and libtards who may not be able to cope with some of my Rants etc., then select here:

Wendy and I go bowling with Mike at Heber. The bowling alley’s really quaint, dates back to 1962 and not changed much. Food, mainly American junk food, so much better than all that healthy shit and cheap. No wonder it’s so popular with the locals. At $5 a game they’re not greedy.

After lunch it’s my weekly treat with a trip to Smiths. Oh how I look forward to this quality time spent with Wendy.

New regime is we treat ourselves and go out to dinner once a week. Tonight we go to the Boneyard. I have the hot Italian, delicious. Not sure what healthy stuff Wendy had.

 

 

Very lazy morning writing some software to simplify activity cancellation. I just love the challenge.

After lunch Wendy trots off to the CC.

Snow showers means I cancel my Easy Bike ride yet again.

I take a stroll to the bank and then go and meet Wendy. Just love how we can walk or cycle everywhere. Snow showers don’t materialise.

Lazy morning.

Have a walk up to the supermarket with Wendy.

Then after lunch it’s a short bike ride down the rail trail and back.

In the evening Mike comes round for dinner and we have a great evening with him.

Very lazy morning. Finally manage to get Wendy motivated.

We’re off to do one of my favourite walks around Masonic hill. Great 360 degree views. It’s a 3.5 mile walk, 2 miles undulating but mainly uphill and followed by 1.5 downhill. I get plenty of earache from Wendy about the uphill section and then it’s a constant stream of “it’s a long path”, “are we there yet”. Anyway she makes it. Well done. At least it stayed dry with the odd glimmer of sunshine.

No time left to cook a chicken for tea so we try a Panda Express. Wendy loves them, but alas not anymore.

Off to pickleball. Manage about 5 games. I’m cream crackered after that, this 7,000 feet altitude takes it’s toll.

After lunch Wendy tootles off to the CC whilst I try out one of my bike ride over Park Meadows (exchausting uphill section), down into Round Valley and then back along the Rail Trail.

 

Very lazy morning. Snow showers and sunshine.

Despite the snow showers my Easy walk from Round Valley along the Rail Trail. Six hardy hikers make it, including Wendy. Whilst it was a tad cold at least it didn’t snow and was in the main sunny.

 

A snowy and cold day.

Up and out for 10 while 12 pickle ball. Wow, it’s still exhausting but fun.

Lazy afternoon for a change.

In the evening I finish off a lovely Zinfandel and yet more Netflix.

 

For those snowflakes, wokes and libtards who may not be able to cope with some of my Rants etc., then select here:

Lazy start to the day. Given the gaping chasm in my mouth where my wisdom tooth was it’s only soft foods, porridge, for me.

By way of another treat I get to go to the Market for the weekly shop. Fortunately won’t be going there again as Wendy says they’re too expensive. But they do have some great coffee.

I was supposed to be leading an easy bike ride but the raging tornado put everyone off. Thankfully, what with the winds and my missing wisdom tooth, no one turned up.

Wow, these Cocodamol that Wendy has certainly do the trick.

Tried to purchase an aeropress but couldn’t find one anywhere, so ended up ordering off Amazon.

In the evening we went over to Joe and Donna’s for drinks and to see their new house. Then off to Black Rock restaurant for dinner. I’m still on soft foods so opt for French onion soup and cheesecake. One of the few benefits of a wisdom tooth fiasco. But the real good news is that recommendations on alcohol after loosing your wisdom tooth seems very varied. Ended up identifying one respected article that was 24 hours. The worst, recommendation, rapidly ignored, was 7 days.

 

 

Another lazy day on porridge, ice cream and other sweet stuff. Fortunately the pain has worn off.

Rain and snow all day.

Joe and I set off to explore the bowling alley at Heber. Such a pity the one at Kimball junction has closed. The Heber alley is really a classic, quaint, and dates back to the 1960’s. Only $5 a game and $2 for shoes. Plenty of cheap great American junk food as well and seems very popular with the locals.

Go and pick up some more 9mm ammunition from Sportmens warehouse.

Evening I crack open a bottle of Zinfandel. Back on the mend.

 

 

Another lazy, porridge filled, start to the day. The wisdom chasm is feeling much better but still on soft foods. Great opportunity for desserts and ice cream.

A snowy day, interspersed with sunny periods, but cold.

Wendy wants to go to the Levi shop at the outlet centre but as usual buys nothing. Then it’s a stroll up to Whole Pay Packet for some fish and a chocolate mouse. Sadly get neither.

Afternoon reading The Code Breaker.

 

 

 

Very lazy start. Weather very changeable.

My new coffee machine, an Aeropress, arrived yesterday so get to try it out. Makes an awesome Espresso with no bitterness, just sweet. Fill it to level 4 and you get a pleasant Americano.

Catch the free bus to the transit centre for a stroll up and down Main Street. Oh the excitement, how can I contain myself. Then take a walk home in the snow.

Afternoon tea and some CRISPR reading and youtubes to try and get my head around this amazing, yet potentially frightening, genetic engineering solution.

 

 

 

Lazy morning then Wendy’s off to the CC.

I take a pleasant, all uphill ride, to the library. Manage to get The Lincoln Highway by Towles as recommended by Joe. Saves me a tenner on Kindle. It’s an awesome library with not just PC’s but also Mac’s for those who have fore saken the evil empire.

Back home for afternoon tea and then take a walk up to the CC to meet Wendy. She has Apple pie and Choc croissants from the CC. Pick up a Key Lime Pie. It’s a dessert tea, kind to the crater left by my wisdom tooth. Well at least that my excuse. For those of you who have a sweet tooth, like me, why not try a dessert tea once a week. What is it? Well it’s a pig out on only desserts, the ultimate in junk food.

 

 

Up early, well 08:00, ready to lead a 10:00 easy walk. 11 of us this time and Wendy managed over 3 miles around the Millennium trail.

Then it’s a Starbucks for a hot chocolate for wendy and dirty chai for me.

Get home and Wendy’s not feeling too good, headache, feverish and lethargic. Takes a Lateral Flow Test just to be sure it’s not that dreaded lurgy – Covid. Thankfully it’s negative, but we have to cancel the PCMSC Volunteers Appreciation Dinner. Instead a quiet night in – now there’s a change.

 

Up early for 10:00 pickleball. Yes, pickleball’s been resurrected. Bloody hell is it exhausting? I’d forgot how exhausting it can be up here. Especially when you’re a Brit from sea level trying to play at 7,000 feet. Manage to get 5 games in with not much rest in between. Surprising how many men now play. Also surprised how much younger they all seem. I must be the oldest there. But what a fun game it is as long as no one takes it too serious. Enjoy and smile.

After lunch Wendy and I have a 3.5 mile walk to the liquor store and back. Yeah, they have Basil Haydn Dark Rye in. That’s a rare treat and I’ve remembered our passports because i sure look under 21.

Back home for afternoon tea and then off to the Kamas Lions Gun range for some target practice with Joe. What a life this is.