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Started my day with a hike around Masonic Hill, one of my favourite hikes, with N&H.

Kids played with their friends in the afternoon.

For dinner we all, yes, kids included went around to Mikes for dinner. He’s a brave guy. Had a lovely pot roast and the kids had their dinosaur chicken nuggets and of course ice cream. Kids were pretty well behaved.

 

 

They’re going home today. How will we cope. No noise. No screaming. Just penetrating silence. We will miss them and it’s been great having them.

Fiona goes for a last minute walk and then takes the kids to the park for an hour to burn off some energy.

Sadly the flights been delayed 2 hours but you still have to turn up on time. It finally sets off 3.5 hours late and they miss their connecting flight in Amsterdam. On top of which the entertainment systems not working. They finally get to Manchester 22 hours after leaving here. Whilst I know it must have been the journey from hell with 3 kids but looking on the bright side it was only 22 hours. It normally takes 24 hours to get here.
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I drop the Hertz mobile off and pick up my Howard Accord from Turo. It’s a 2021 model in immaculate condition; pickup was easy although he was 15 minutes late; sadly no apple car play; only very basic; comfortable; easy to drive.

Back home to the deafening silence.

 

 

First full day of the peace and quiet, the silence is deafening. Wot no daughter-in-law, wot no grandkids. I’m sure we’ll start to miss them.

Have a grand tidy up and then a much cheaper shopping trip to Smiths.

Wow it’s hot.

R&M pick us up to take us to the Egyptian Theatre to see the heavy rock band Ambrosia. First we go down to a reception for the Pharoe members. Free drinks always good news. Can you believe there’s even a tunnel under Main Street to the theatre. Great to see Sheree there it must be over 3 years since we saw her. Will always remember her kindness to us when I broke my femur she’d come round with dinners for us – only in America.

Then we’re off to the theatre. We’d never been to a heavy rock concert and it was a tad worrying when we sat down that Ruth handed out earplugs. Anyway we survived although my Apple watch did get distressed at the noise level – turned my hearing aids down. A great evening with awesome company, always a great time with R&M and a whole new experience.

 

 

Set off on an exploratory hike with Joe up to the two lakes above Jeremy Ranch – Flying Dog trail – having finally found the start point. Turns out to be 5.5 miles, all up and then all back down. Lovely hike, plenty of shade but too far for an Easy Hike on top of which the lakes are no more, more like two sad depleted ponds. Not even a duck would be seen dead in it. Not a patch on my memory of it nor my 2017 photo. No doubt it’ll be blamed on climate change. Joe survives and we finally get back to the car.

Lazy evening in watching Purple Heart. Quiet a good chick lit happy ending film, best of all is the music and the singing from Sofia Carson – really liked it so download all he albums. E

 

Start off leading an early morning Easy Hike around Masonic Hill by way of a change I go anti-clockwise.

Lazy afternoon and then Wendy and I drive Mike down to Salt lake to pick up his Corvette which has just had a nose job done on it.

Then we’re all off to Manila’s Greek Restaurant for dinner. Great food. An alcohol free evening.

 

Lead an easy bike ride from PC Marc down to the White Barn, then to the canyons and up that long grind to the cabriolet car park, back up to the Rail Trail and then back to the PC Marc. A great varied ride.

Wednesday night we’ve been invited out to dinner at Betti’s with Mike, Joanne, Buzz, Tom and Karen. Great food, wine and company. Really enjoyed it.

 

It’s moving day as we leave 130 Yonex Court where we’ve been for 4 months and onto 167 Dunlop Court, back to our old resting place. We’re renting Tina and Neils – many fond memories of them – home via Tina’s son. Sadly Neils passed away so Tina rents the home out. We’re also staying there April, May, July, August and September next year. It’s a lovely comfortable home.

Mike comes over to give me a hand with the removal, so glad he did as lugging all our stuff in boxes was pretty exhausting and an extra pair of hands was a blessing.

We all had a Chubasco takeaway for tea. Then was a Paulaner and Carmenera evening in our new abode. Fortunately we’d got most things unpacked and organised. Just two suitcases left to unpack tomorrow.

 

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Wendy’s off to the CC. I set off for an exploratory walk up Dubois and down Collins Trail. Not a bad walk, plenty of shade with 500+ feet uphill.

Weather’s not too good a tad cool, grey and some afternoon rain so Jasper dips out on a bike road yet again. Quiet afternoon in with the grandkids and then pick Wendy up. Can you believe the CC has no cakes. Mind you we’ve enough in the freezer.

An alcohol free night. No wonder I hardly slept.

 

 

Lazy start.

Then it’s clay pigeon shooting with Mike. Got a tad wet.

After lunch Wendy and Fiona go shopping to Walmart, with Esther, whole I look after the remaining two rug rats.

Fiona and I take Jasper for a short bike ride.

Mike comes round for dinner. He’s delighted with the birthday photo we’ve framed for him. Of course he can’t come without some food, this time it’s enough homemade peanut butter cookies to feed the neighbourhood.

 

Early start to the day as we’re off to Hoggle Zoo. By the time we’ve herded the kids it’s a 09:30 start.

It’s a lovely little zoo, we’ll laid out and just enough of the important animals to keep the kids happy. At least during the morning most of the animals were active, it was only after lunch that you got to see less of them. Hardly saw anything of my favourite the Red Panda. All in all a good day the kids loved the splash park and play area as well and were well behaved, although like us they got a bit hot and tired towards the end. 4 hours in that heat is more than enough.

In the evening we go out for dinner with N&H to the brew pub. Burger was good but a poor choice on the menu, very trendy and noisy.

 

 

 

Joe and I go for an early morning hike around Round Valley.

Lazy afternoon and some of Mikes great ribs for tea. Along with a great Pilsner and some red wine.

 

 

Up at the crack of Sparrows to lead an easy hike around the RTS trail.

After lunch we all catch the free bus up to Silver Lake to give the kids a free ride down on the ski lift. The kids love it.

Take Jasper for a short bike ride.

 

 

Up early to lead a bike ride from Maxwells to the White barn with Fiona. Not exactly an exciting ride but a healthy turnout.

Wendy and Fiona take the kids to the library.

After lunch we take Jasper for a short bike ride down the Rail Trail.

Then it’s off to the Kamas Lions gun club with Mike. Fiona’s going to give clay pigeon shooting a try. Mainly because it’s a reason to escape the warring kids. Mike’s got a 20 gauge shotgun that’s slightly lighter and with less kick for Fiona. On her first round she get’s a bit dejected as she only gets one. But, the tuition and a blacked out pair of glasses to deal with her left eye dominance pays off, in round 2 and she gets 10, including everyone of the last 5. She loves it and will no doubt come next time she’s here. Even singing the praise of it to Kurt and Wendy. Tells her she needs to try it.

 

 

Lazy start. Finally get all the kids ready, like herding cats, and then we’re off to bowling at Heber with Mike and Joe. All 3. Kids love it. I can see when I get back home I’ll have to start taking Beatrix with Jasper and I.

After bowling we’re off to Chicks for lunch. Fiona’s heard about it and is looking forward to trying it. Utah scone and coffee for me, everyone else has a great meal too and no one knows where the kids manage to scoff it all. Beatrix even tries a burger and woofs it down.

Drop everyone off at Silver Lake so they can take the kids a ride down on the free lift. Then Fiona and I take Jasper a ride down to the White barn in the blistering afternoon heat – must be mad.

An alcohol free night for me.

 

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Wendy went off to the CC for the day.

Our walk up to Stuart falls never materialised so I explored RTS Trail for an easy hike. Not too hot and quite an easy stroll.

Wendy gets Jasper a great bike from the CC, we take it back along with the girls bikes when they leave. Sadly the weather means he doesn’t get much chance to ride it.

 

 

Up early for a trip out to the parade at Coalville. Easy to park up and we get our usual spot outside the petrol station – regulars. Kids just love it. Bags and bags of sweets, as the kids scurry everywhere to retrieve the copious sweets thrown, including a beach ball and Fiona even gets another tee shirt. As Jasper says “the best day ever”.

Then we drive to the Park City library for a water fun day with water slides and other amusements. Free food, free drinks, free books and free beach balls. Amazing. Just one of the many reasons why we love Park City.

Then it’s back home for Fiona to share the stash of sweets the kids got at the Coalville parade.

What a fun filled day we have had.

Lazy afternoon and get into the book “Rigged”. Difficult to assess the independence and truth of it but if even a fraction of the conspiracy against Trump by the democrats, press and big tech is true then it’s truly worrying.

Mike comes round for dinner, complete with his giant awesome tiramisu and a bottle of limoncello he’s made. It take ate least a month to mature and tastes awesome, what a bite it has. Fiona loves it to. He must be mad to come to the war zone, but just loves being with the kids.

 

 

 

A rainy sort of day.

Take the kids down to Walmart for a treat as a reward for good school report and gold star.

 

Wendy’s off to the CC. I go on a walk with Howard. It’s another one of his bucket list items, a walk from Sundance up to Stewart Falls. It’s a pretty tough walk due to the trail being so rough. Uphill all the way to the falls and then thankfully downhill all the way back. Still searching for that circular walk that’s down hill all the way.

Take Jasper on a bike ride down to the White Barn and back on the great bike he’s borrowed from the CC. He’s so excited.

In the evening we go out for dinner with Mark and Ruth to Squatters. Then after dinner we go round to their place. The girls watch some chick lit film downstairs whilst Mark and I put the World to rights upstairs. One way of escaping the rug rats. Another great evening.

 

Up early again to lead an easy hike around trailside. That pain in the ass women, who shall remain nameless, but we all know who she is, turns up on the walk. And yes, she’s still a pain in the ass. And what’s more she’s threatening to come on tomorrows bike ride. Sadly Fiona gets the benefit of her inane diatribe.

After the walk Mike and I drive down to Feldmans for an awesome pastrami / corn beef on rye lunch, AKA a Rachel.

Mike is determined to give me 6 bottles of wine from his stock of over a hundred, which considering he doesn’t drink hardly ever goes down. I finally get him to agree to me paying him $10 a bottle. He’s not happy but it’s a great deal for me and hopefully he’s not out of pocket.

Up at the crack of sparrows yet again to lead an easy bike ride around the Swanner Reserve. Thankfully for both Fiona and I the pain in the ass doesn’t show. Afterwards we stop for a well deserved coffee, while Fiona rides back to relieve Wendy of rug rat duties.

For Mike and I its a long 18 mile ride as we had to ride down to Maxwells, do the ride and then it’s the long slog back up to home.

Mike tootles off to the bike shop to get a speedometer and odometer fitted to his 50 year old bike. I’m sure it’s so he can bitch about my speed on these rides.

Wendy and the kids come back from the library but no sign of Mike. Wendy saw an ambulance and police cars tending to someone who had fell off his bike at the crossroads. I drive up to the bike shop to check where Mike his and sure enough it’s Mike who has fell off his bike and been taken to ER.

Wendy and I dash up to ER to see Mike. Sure enough he’s fell off. The eBike he’s borrowed had a flat as he went around the corner and he fell off. Fortunately he was on a bike path and not the road. He ends up with some bruises, stitches in his lip, inside his lip and fingers. Shaken up but not too bad. His sense of humour is intact and he’s as argumentative as always. He was lucky. They discharge him and we take him to our place. Marie Ann pops round to see him, and then despite much protest we talk him into me driving him home and leave his car on Yonex rather than risk driving.

I go shooting with Joe in the evening.

 

Well deserved lazy start to the day after all those early activities.

Jasper and I pick Mike and Joe up to go bowling at Heber. Jaspers on form on his first game. Lunch at the bowling alley, Jasper manages to scoff 4 chicken strips and chips, hollow legs, takes after his mum.

In the afternoon, Fiona and Wendy skive off to the shops so I’m on rug rat duty. Mike hangs around for a while and plays bingo with the kids. Later on Esther decides to have a serious meltdown. Over a hour of ear shattering screaming. Even my watch is warning of danger to my hearing. Then Beatrix manages to tare Jaspers nail off, resulting in more screams from Jasper. Finally get to put a plaster on his finger. I surrender and recall Fiona and Wendy to deal with the trauma.

Wendy and I troop off down to Papa Murphy’s for pizza. What a waste of time they are. After giving my “I keep thinking I’m a customer” speech to a scruffy 10 year old yeti from the kitchen who is allegedly the manager we storm out. Of to Walmart.

Carol and Angela come round for dinner.

 

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Howard picks Fiona and I up for a walk to Blood Lake. It’s quite an arduous walk, we go counter clockwise and at least it’s a scramble up a rock face, better than having to come down it. Certainly not an easy hike.

Took the kids to the fair. What a rip off but the kids enjoyed it. Esther got to ride on a horse, as promised. Beatrix rode the Ferris wheel, but didn’t look too happy about it at first. Jasper won a toy playing basket ball and went on the Tornado, after which he felt sick for half an hour.

Dropped kids off and Kurt and I went to Best Buy for his Wyze cameras and then to Smiths for Pizza’s. Of course I got the wrong one for Wendy, which she bitched about. Can’t ever do anything right.

Pizza’s, Paulaner and Zin for tea. Early to bed after plenty of wine.

 

 

 

Lazy start then take Kurt down to the airport, he’s going home, 3 weeks peace and quiet. How will he cope.

In the afternoon Wendy and Fiona don their slippers and pyjamas and head off to shopping at Walmart. I get to look after the 3 rug rats. No problem, they’re very well behaved.

 

Set of for a exploratory hike with Joe and Fiona. It’s a gorgeous blue sky morning with some low lying mist adding to the beauty.

Plan A fails because hike start point is on a gated community and gates are locked. Plan B fails because start point is difficult to locate on an industrial estate. Plan C is Kimble to Willow Creek and back – 5 mile round trip.

In the afternoon we go for a picnic down at the Deer Valley lakes. Kids get to paddle and try and catch fish; picnic; short walk around the lakes.

In the evening Wendy and I go out for a Chinese dinner with Nancy and Howard. Another awesome evening good food and great company.

 

Off to explore a new hike, Fink Again. Finally find the trail head and it’s an ok 3.2 mile hike all uphill to mid point and then all downhill, but no shade. Considering I didn’t start to 12:00 and it was a blistering hot day again it wasn’t too bad, nice breeze.

Lazy afternoon and a pleasant evening with Paulaner and Zin. A sure way to snooze through Virgin River – such chick flicks.

Up early to lead an easy hike from Silver Lake on mid-mountain to the top of Town Lift and back down on the lift. I’ve been on slow hikes before but this had to be the tortoise special. Sadly one of the guys fell so minor cuts to deal with.

Back late much to Wendy disdain, she had a real strop on. Quick turn around, tidy house and then we’re off to This Is The Place – a Mormon Heritage Village. Great place for the kids, lots of simple amusements including trains and pony rides to keep them amused. But hotter than the hinges of hell. Had a stroll around the museum but not a scrap of evidence on the Meadows Massacre – always a touchy subject for them.

You have to admire the Mormon trek, 1,400 miles pulling a hand cart with all your belongings on. We tried pulling an empty hand cart for 100 yard in the gruelling sun and it was exhausting. Men and women of steel in those days.

 

Up early again to lead an easy bike ride. 16 hard mile undulating ride. Done it many times but forgot how hard it was – may be something to do with being 3 years older.

Lazy afternoon for me as everyone else goes to musical movement at our amazing library. It’s got some fantastic facilities, including Mac’s, 3D printers, pets for the kids, play room with toys lego etc. They spend 2 hours there. Oh and they also have great books and DVD’s. You can even stream videos, audio books or eBooks online even from the UK. I wanted a book called Rigged by Mollie Hemingway, they didn’t have it so they bought a new copy for me, no cost – can you believe that, my American friends tax dollars at work, thank you. Then it’s Burger King, a more cost effective favourite than MacDonalds. The kids love it.

Fiona Oakley, Joe and I then go down to the Kamas Lions Gun Range for some target practice. Fiona’s nervous but does great with a 9mm automatic. Some great groupings.

Lazy start, my only lie in this week.

Jasper and I go bowling with Mike down at Heber. Then for my real treat, I’ve found a highly recommended diner (Chicks on Heber City Main Street) that allegedly does a Utah Scone. One of the delights on my junk food bucket list. Delicious with honey and butter on. Well worth the search and trek. Take one home for Wendy and Fiona along with a doggy bag of Jaspers Chicken strip. As well as a Utah Scone being standard with every meal they also do some of the best Chips. Some great food.

Just need to get Wendy the recipe For a Utah scone and a deep fat fryer – expensive.

Wendy and Fiona set off for the weekly shop at Walmart whilst I tend to the 3 rug rats.

Thursday evening we’re off out for dinner with Joe and Donna at Windy Ridge. Discover a new junk food delicacy, an onion ring stack.

 

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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.

 

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

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.

 

 

 

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

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?