Western Clouds & Ranger Rick

FERGUSON FUN AND THE ALAMO

2011-11-13T19:40:00.001-08:00

Mom and pop Vinton arrived in San Antonio on Halloween. April prepared a "scarry" dinner with a mummy meatloaf, ghostly potatoes, and shredded brains. The beverage was witch's brew

Three precious boys enjoying the magic of Halloween

Oh my goodness, is she cute or what?

The next day we visited the beautiful Guadalupe river.

Two kings!

Look at that limestone ledge. This area of Texas is defined by limestone and scrub oak. Isn't little Eliza so precious!

Fall beauty on the Guadalupe River

Mason's 5th birthday. He wanted to go to Jim's diner for dinner, then to 'Pump it up' to jump on the huge inflated slides & such, and then home for a bath and birthday cake. They pronounced the fun place "Pump it Ump" so that's what we all called it.

Future blackmail material?

Gee, thanks mom for the perfect black sonic cake!

Next day, on to the Alamo to learn some history and see the city.

Then, it was time for Grandpa's birthday too. Lots of decorations and balloons (left over from Mason's, of course) and he had to go on a treasure hunt to find his gifts. Also, he was required to break through the papered-over doorway to enter the kitchen for his birthday breakfast.

The weather was fantastic and we drove to New Brunsfel for the day. There are many German towns on the outskirts of San Antonio. It's a cute touristy place. This park sported many many ducks, geese, and even a fearsome turkey!

What is Eliza looking at. A muskrat begging food!

Two cutie-pies!

Grandpa put little sunny Mason up in a tree and left him there. I think Mason loved it.

On the final day, we had lunch with Isaac and Ethan at their school.
The weather was so delightful, and our vacation was relaxing and fun and full of new adventures. Thanks April and Dave for a wonderful time in Texas.

Monte Cristo end of September

2011-10-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

TAKING GRANNY TO THE PARK

2011-06-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

Matt (Maughan) and Matt (Vinton) ... one the pipe and tin-whistler, and the other the drummer ... gave us a great concert at the Orem Water Conservacy Park Friday night. They are good! We took Grandma Slater (who now lives in Orem at Summerfield Manor) and she enjoyed it. It was a beautiful summer eve in the garden, with fun music and good company. Thanks Matts!!

Odds and Ends

2011-04-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a crazy year. Retirement, travel & visiting, 6 month mission, more travel & visiting, sell house, move out of state, and fix up a new house and yard. We are tired, but happy to be able to see the kids and grand-kids more often. Here are a few highlights of recent months:

Rick & Claudia watched our two Vinton grandchildren in Logan for about 5 days. Here is silly lil sis when we were playing with her hairstyle. Isn't she cute.

Such a pretty, spunky little girl. She's our first grand-daughter after a bunch of grand-sons. She's a real girl in every way, and so fun.

Grandpa playing with the 3 Logan grandchildren. The little guy on his lap belongs to Liz and Luke.

Our two Provo grandsons helping Grandpa plant our orchard. Emily is expecting a little girl! That will make 3 grand-daughters and 7 grand-sons!

Fun in the wheel-barrow. Remember our dad doing this with us, and us doing it with our children? The tradition continues.

Aunt Opal turned 90 years old in April, and we celebrated with her and her family in Denver. The night before the party, Susan and Layne and Claudia decorated these beautiful cakes for her. We filled the room with yellow roses ... her favorite.

Rick, Greg, Uncle Al, Uncle Ovid, Aunt Opal, and Aunt Betty.

Opal and her son Gerry.

When we returned to our new home after the party, Rick continued with the removing of/and painting-over of wall paper. Here, he's working on the living room. Do you like his duck-tape patch on the knee of his favorite jeans?

Our house had to be emptied so we could replace the carpet. Here is what the interior of our new house looks like now. And tomorrow night we are expecting family to arrive for an Easter celebration of at least 11 people!!! Yikes.

Our bathroom.

Our bedroom.

Our front/living room.

The dining area.

The kitchen.

Some of the furniture stuffed into the garage.

We've kind of been without a real & settled home for more than a year. I can now empathize a little with those who do not have a home. And I know we will really appreciate when we have a settled, comfortable home and more regular life schedule ... if that is what happens. No guarantees in this life ... only blessings, and we have lots of those!

THOUGHT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE

2011-02-18T18:08:00.001-08:00

Leaving Colorado was hard. We truly love our family there, and the place. Thanks for a nice dinner send-off Aunt and Unc & D and L. We love you.

It's been two weeks tomorrow since we moved in. As I was admiring the beauty out the kitchen window above the sink tonight, I thought we should share the view with you. So, I grabbed the camera and walked around the house snapping as I went. Here are a few pics, with explanations. This is the front of the house with those beautiful alpine looking mountains behind us.

Looking to the east from the backyard.

Looking to the west from the front yard. Yes, that is Utah Lake below the mountains.

Looking north from front yard. Hobble Creek is just below the house across the street. What a beautiful canyon Hobble Creek Canyon is!

Looking east again. Remember, I'm standing in the backyard.

Looking southeast.

We are still unpacking, but children and grandchildren are visiting (fun) and we hope to make this change a wise and happy choice. You are always welcome.

REALLY BIG CHANGES

2011-01-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

1/5 of a century. 1/3 of our lives lived in Littleton, CO. It is all changing. Feels like much of our lives either sits in the local Goodwill, or in a stranger's home who has shopped our Craigslist ads. Much has been burned, or set out on the curb. Everything looks and feels different around here. Is it hard? Very. But we are going to join our family ... to give our grandchildren grandparents. A new adventure. New friends to be made, new memories to create. Yikes. Some really big changes.

A week with Grandma & Grandpa

2010-12-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

A quiet post-dinner visit in the family room

Rick setting up the Christmas tree for Grandma & Gramps

The autumn of life

The aged back porch shows a lot of character

Old age is not for sissies

We love our Grandma and Grandpa

September in and around Nauvoo

2010-09-25T19:28:00.001-07:00

Last week (Tues) Elder Vinton went with a group of Idaho farmers (they have big farms of potatoes, sugar beets, alfalfa) to Waterloo Iowa to the John Deere tractor factory. He's sporting a stylish pair of goggles, in case you were wondering. Yes, he had a good time.

Flowers, anyone? Our horticulturalists here grow the most exotic, beautiful flowers I've ever seen.

See the wagon in the back?

Elder Vinton demonstrating "teaching from the scriptures" in the 70's Hall. This was the first Mission Training Center, and mission museum. The Saints built it in poverty at the same time they were trying to build a city, the cultural hall, and the temple. A tornado knocked it down while they were building it, but even though discouraged, they built it again ... even stronger. The outside walls are 3 bricks thick. It is a beautiful structure. Note the "gingerbread house" wood working on the open staircase.

This is the Nauvoo house. It is next to the Mississippi. It was being built when Joseph and Hyrum Smith were assassinated. Emma had the caskets of the two beloved men filled with sand, and secretly buried them in the basement of this place. Later, she had them moved beneath the pump house (below). The bodies were found in 1928 when the Reorganized Church went looking for them. Now they are buried in a beautiful monument near the pump house. The monument includes the graves of Joseph, Hyrum and Emma.

The pump house. Grave monument is just to the right of it.

The Smith family log home.

This is the Mansion House. At one time, the inn extended out the back and housed visiting dignitaries and travelers. Emma Smith lived out her life here, and cared for Lucy Mack Smith until her mother-in-law died. We feel so blessed to be living down the street from these historic buildings. We actually walk by them every morning and reflect on their significance.

HODGE-PODGE OF PICS

2010-09-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Well, welcome to Nauvoo! Elder Vinton is walking by the Visitor's Center after performing in "Sunset by the Mississippi".

Sister Vinton appreciates the magnificent flowers in Historic Nauvoo.

Corn as high as an elephant's eye!

Bentonsport, Iowa

Read the sign. See the high water marks on the wall of the Inn? The Des Moines river has hit those marks over time. And the building still stands.

At Lucy Mack Smith home.

The deptor's cell at Carthage jail, Carthage Illinois.

Bullet holes in the door of the martyrdom room.

The dungeon cell at Carthage jail.

Mom and pop with Duke and Don.

Center, Missouri gas station.

Serving in the brickyard in the beautiful new dress aunt Nancy made me!

Pics of Pageant & Vignettes

2010-08-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Nauvoo Pageant is a story of Nauvoo, and the story of individuals. Here is Robert Laird, and family, who immigrated from Scotland to Nauvoo because his wife was so passionate about it, and deeply converted. His conversion took a wee bit longer, but was deep as well. He called a church a "kirk", and the Book of Mormon "Booo..k". The actor really is from Scotland. And John Taylors' wife, Leonora, really is from England. The core cast of actors are professionals.

A man by the name of King Follett died while digging a well. This scene teaches about the promised resurrection of our families.

The climax of the Pageant is when they finally finish erecting the temple, and are able to enter and receive the blessings therein. Of course, they had to dessert their beloved temple just as they were finishing it.

This was a vignette in the women's garden about the formation of the oldest and largest women's organization in the world ... the female Relief Society.

I've tried to download my videos of the bagpipers, but this blog will not accept them. So, this pic will have to do. They were magnificent.

The youngest bagpipe player.

A vignette in the grove across the street from Joseph and Emma's mansion house. It is a reading/acting of their letters to each other, with Lucy Mack Smith as the narrator.

This young man played Joseph in the vignettes and the Pageant. He was perfect for the part ... tall and straight, a gentle and kind demeanor, dignified, cute with the children, and he had a distinctive and powerful voice. Emma was fantastic too. These people did a wonderful job sharing the stories of Nauvoo with thousands and thousands of people who came to hear them. The actors are all Latter-Day Saints, and have their own stories of hardship and sacrifice in order to perform for us this past month. Nauvoo, and the Pageant, is a labor of love.

HALF WAY HERE, HOME

2010-07-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Why is there a Historic Nauvoo?? Since being here, I have asked that question more than once. And there is more than one answer. But the predominant answer lies in one word ... REMEMBER.

"We have heard the stories, have we learned the lessons?"

And could it be that what is past is yet to be ... what has been is yet to come? Could the sad and criminal story of Nauvoo happen again? And might the faithful people of the world once more endure, sacrifice, suffer and prevail as the Latter-Day Saints of the 1800's did?

We anticipate the answer is a resounding YES, with the Lord's help. We want the faith to do it. We want the hope, and charity enough to do it. Why? Because we know that God lives, and we know that His way leads to peace and joy.

There will always be tyrants and thieves. And there will always be good, God-fearing folks. We can look to the example of our pioneer ancestors, and our Founding Fathers, and with deep gratitude support their vision. Though trials come our way, there is always God, goodness, and bright hope. Nauvoo is a story of such things. Here are a few pictures of this lovely place, and some really wonderful people.

Water lilies on the mighty Mississippi

Elders Harper, Vinton and Zunker. (Elder Harper is recovering from a bad kick from one of the big draft horses.)

Elder Vinton serving on a Sunday at the Sarah Granger Kimball home.

Sister Vinton serving at the brickyard with young band members Elders Kimball and Loveless.

On June 27, 1844 Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed while being detained in the "waiting jail" in Carthage. It was a premeditated assassination of two of the finest men who ever lived. On Sunday, June 27th, 2010 we commemorated that event.

On a Preparation Day a few weeks ago, we went to Burlington. Here we saw this amazing bridge and a Statue of Liberty erected by the Boy Scouts of America. Apparently the Boy Scouts placed these inspiring statues all across the United States of America. Looking at it evokes deep feelings. Long live the USA.

Home again, home again, jiggity-jig. Here is where we live (on the first floor). There is a German saying painted on the top floor. Translated it means, "This house is mine and yet not mine. Who comes after me shall find the same. I have been here and who reads this shall also have been here." I guess this message of hospitality could also apply to our time on earth ... a message of goodwill. We likewise send our best wishes to all our friends, and family.

VISIT TO KALONA, AMISH COUNTRY

2010-06-13T14:37:00.001-07:00

On our P-Day this week, we drove about 1 1/2 hours north into Iowa to Kalona. Known as the largest Amish settlement west of the Mississippi, we found it to be familiar and pleasant.

This has been a challenging week. Rick received the call to play the lead roll in our play, "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo". He is the narrator (the editor) and has two full pages of lines to learn. This challenge will certainly stretch his abilities. I have a small part in the play too. Furthermore, we both were called to be the site leaders (directors) of the largest, busiest site in Old Nauvoo. We are in charge of a different crew 3 days a week to demonstrate and make pioneer living skills. We enjoy working in that large barn-like setting. Hopefully we will be able to manage things there well enough. It is a very large job! So we enjoyed our day off in Kalona.

The folks are so self-sufficient. Windmills pump water from their wells. They maintain beautiful barns and white homes. Imagine having your own silos! They grow their own food, and their animal's food.

Here is an example of an Amish garden. It's pretty big.

All the homes sport these bird-houses. Also, note the grape vines.

This picture is of Holstein milk cows in the foreground, with the typical green spacious rolling fields all around the property.

A particularly beautiful Amish homestead.

Although this picture does not show it well, their carriage horses are petite. They are narrow, and small ... almost like thin ponies or dainty little fillies, prancing all the way.

This picture was taken in town. The carriage is parked outside of the public library.

Going up the road, we passed a black covered carriage on our left, and an open horse drawn wagon on the right. As you can see, the shoulders of the road are wide and soft with gravel.

We saw lots of barns with these quilt square patterns painted on their sides.

We are now not only busy, but busy and stretched. But we are happy and doing well. Hope you all are too.

Memorable Memorial in Old Nauvoo

2010-06-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

Elder and Sister Vinton working the children's (of all ages) fun place called "Pioneer Pastimes". We had some special visitors on Memorial Day.

NEW IN OLD NAUVOO

2010-05-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here is the printing office on main street. Sister Vinton is working inside with Sister Petersen.

A tug-boat pushing an incredibly huge barge up the Mississippi at dusk

We received 4 inches of rain one night last week. It turned the Butler foundation into a swimming pool.

This Old Nauvoo cemetary is filled mostly with little children.

Elder Vinton reflecting amid the graves.

James Corbridge is one of our relatives. Died at 39 years of age. Name is inscribed on a memorial kiosk at the cemetery.

Slater child is buried here as well. I think he died when burned while his mother was doing laundry.

This is taken from inspiration point ... a favorite retreat for the prophet Joseph Smith. The Mississippi is about 1 mile wide here. Not real deep, though.

The church owns 18 horses. Here are just a few.

Admiring the horses is one of my favorite pass-times. They are pastured not far from the Richard Slater property.

Here is a view of where Richard Slater had his land and home. He lived one street over from Porter Rockwell.

Elder Vinton teaching how the pioneers made slack and tight barrels.

Sister Vinton teaching how to make bread, and candles, and spin yarn from flax and wool in the Family Living Center. The open hearth and bustle oven make the best wheat bread (fresh warm bread cools under the towel on the counter).

Elder and Sister Vinton

2010-04-18T18:24:00.001-07:00

RECENT HOME PHOTOS

2010-02-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

We've done a little sprucing up. Thought you might like to see.

A TRIBUTE TO 28 YRS. OF PUBLIC SERVICE

2010-01-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

On Friday, January 15th, Rick's friends and co-workers gave him a retirement/recognition party. The respect and goodwill shown him was genuine. Some co-workers told him that he is already missed. Rick has left a legacy.

Good friends, great people.

His department gave him cards of appreciation. The recurrent theme was, 'you were my favorite manager'. We all know what a wonderful man Rick is.

Speech.

CHIIIIIILLLLY MIIIIIILLLLY (Mills Lake, 11,000 ft)

2010-01-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS CHEER

2010-01-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

RETIREMENT, BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED IN WINTER HEAVEN

2010-01-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

DAY ONE

Driving into RM Natnl. Prk. from Estes. Grand, to say the least.

This is Bear Lake trail head. What a view! Are we going up there?

Oh yeah!

You know those lakes you see from the air as you fly over the Rockies? Here is one of them. It is called Lake Bierstadt and is at an elevation of about 10-11,000 feet.

Ranger Rick is in his element!

Western Clouds is just trying to stay warm.

Wowilicious scenery.

Lots of these critters inhabit these parts too.

These 'big fat cheeky bulls' crossed the road right in front of us and ran down into the meadow to join their buddies.

Here is one particularly handsome one.

DAY TWO

Hiking from Glacier Cove trailhead up to Mills Lake. This 5.6 mile hike was longer, steeper, and rockier than the day before. The wind was whipping through the glacier bowl and lake at the top which dropped the temperature to a fearful 0 degrees. But the sun was shining and the hike itself was warm in spots, as we were doing a lot of climbing.

Breathtaking.

Bristle cone pines signify timberline elevation.

In this glacial bowl on the west side of Longs Peak, the wind and cold had oddly plastered the snow on this steep slick slope of the mountain. Very unusual.

This is why they call them the Rocky Mountains, I suppose.

The scenery coming down from the top wasn't too shabby either. What a great celebration!

CHRISTMAS IN COLORADO!

2010-01-05T18:08:00.000-08:00

Now, my good chaps, what would you say this get together is all about?

Let us think on it.

We're stymied.

A warm fire on a cold night?

Two cuties with grandpa?

A babe is born in a manger while angel and shepherds marvel?

The scriptural account read around the Christmas tree?

Lots of good food and cousin companionship?

Fun family time, and good memories. Thank you all for coming to Colorado for Christmas.

WHO IS THIS PRETTY BRUNETTE?

2009-11-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

BIRTHDAY WEEK

2009-11-06T16:24:00.001-08:00

Mason's third birthday fell on Monday, and Rick's ... huhmmm ... birthday was on Thursday. We had fun partying together all week!

Of course, Rick had to make Mason work for his gift!

He loved watching the marbles (we are saving the gum for later) spiral down the shoot.

We love Mason, our happy sweet little birthday boy.

On Thursday, Mason was at our home for several hours in the afternoon. He helped make cream cheese frosting for Grandpa's traditional carrot cake.

A close up look at pure pleasure.

The group shot before opening gifts.

Grandpa laid one on Grandma, right in front of the children. Notice Mason. He's paying attention. After the kiss he said shyly, "You are going to get married". So then, Rick had to go around to each boy and kiss them all. They squirmed and protested, but they loved it.

Glee.

Layne left a cooler bag of 2 cartons of ice cream on the porch, with a balloon attached. Here's Rick opening the gift, and clipping the balloon to his person.

A closer look.

Two birthday boys sharing the moment, and the dessert. Happy birthday Rick and Mason. We love you both very much.

OCTOBER SURPRISE

2009-10-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

Living on the west side of town has it's advantages ... that is if you want the most snow fall. It's been dropping the tiny ("little snow, big snow") white stuff for 2 days ... non-stop. Between 2-3 feet of snow sits on our grass and roof. Overcast and frigid could be depressing OR ...

Loads and loads of fun!!!

Fall on Plymouth

2009-10-11T21:25:00.001-07:00

Fall in Colorado is always spectacular. This year, the colors which have been most vibrant have been those on our very own street. Here is looking from our driveway into the neighbors' beautiful maple tree.

In just a few days, this tree down the street turned from bright yellow to orange. Today, most of it's leaves lay on the ground. It was a beautiful sight.

This picture was taken on Friday, October 9th. Friday night, the temperature dropped to 17 degrees and it snowed all day Saturday. Saturday's high temp. was 29 degrees. Today is Sunday, and we are still freezing cold. What a shock ... to go from 65 degrees to 29 degrees in a matter of hours. But you gotta love Colorado!

At Grandma & Grandpa's (AKA babysitters)

2009-10-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Best buddies.

These future farmers really enjoy collecting the harvest.

Think this boy has been in the bean patch?

Fun picking beans. One in the mouth, and one in the bucket. Sweet.

The strong arm reaches out to grab their tiny legs and ankles. In fear, Ethan yells "PAUSE". Grandpa's reply is, "No PAUSE. The only pause here is GrandPA'S PAWS!" I was laughing so hard.

FOUR DAYS AT GRANDMA'S HOUSE

2009-10-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the giant squid? Dad would scare the shinanigans out of you kids. Well, the tradition continues. But he showers his grandsons with the ultimate insults of, "Common, you screaming baby girls", and "Hey you little babies". How mean is that?

Logan on Labor Day

2009-09-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

A few pictures of family fun.

BOY TIME

2009-09-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

Shooting the awesome old Red Rider BB gun before bedtime. Thanks great-grandpa for the gun!

Family Home Evening means a lesson on "the bread of life", followed (of course) with feeding bread to the ducks at Clement Park. It's getting dark!

Putting on a show for the camera at Clement Park Lake.

We're on the blog now

2009-08-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

Twin Lakes is near the base of Independence Pass. There is a camp ground just to the right of this picture where we plan to stay sometime. Want to join us?