Pandemic 101

Pandemic 101

Fun with Great Grandpa

Nurturing a Strong Family Culture

Nurturing a Strong Family Culture

Wow! What a Reunion!

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October Autumn Leaves in Utah

A Great Ride!

We had been cleaning up during a rainy day at my father's in Orem, Utah. There was a break in the rain and the sun came out. I knew it was the best time to hit the road for our annual trip up Utah State Route 92, otherwise known as The Alpine Loop. It is a scenic drive from Provo Canyon to American Fork Canyon or vice versa, a 20-mile breathtaking drive through the Uintah National Forest. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Winding Road

Getting closer to the turn off for the Alpine Loop, we were able to get a fine look at Bridal Veil Falls. Since I grew up in this area, this is a very familiar site for me, but it never gets old.

Sundance

Who hasn't heard of Robert Redford and Sundance? After the turn off US 189, you soon come to one of my favorite ski resorts, Sundance. No snow yet, but you never know when it will arrive, sometimes late October, earlier or later. When I used to ski, it was a favorite place to hang out. But, this time, it was all about the autumn leaves, so on we traveled.

Wildlife

While we were making our way up to higher altitudes, all of a sudden there were two deer right on the side of the road. Lucky I was able to catch a photo of them.

Aspen Tree Forest

You know you have come near the top when you come to the Aspen tree forest. Feels like you just traveled to another world - short, tall, and in between, the aspen trees are mesmerizing. You can catch a few where initials have been carved into the trees. Makes you wonder about the story behind it - were they lovers?

Seasonal

The Alpine Loop is only open from May through October, so it is good to schedule a trip during those months. There are turn offs so you can stop and take some photos of all the beauty.

Cascade Springs can be seen through the trees, and then you can turn off and get a closer view further on.

The entrance to the trail to Timpanogos Cave National Monument is along the road as well. If you want a great hike, this is the place.

Over Too Soon

The ride didn't last long enough, but if you decide you want to stay longer, you can bring your camper and pay $6 pass good for 3 days; a $12 pass is good for 7 days; there is also a $45 annual pass available in case you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle.

http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/October-Autumn-Leaves-in-Utah

http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/October-Autumn-Leaves-in-Utah

Family Reunion at Willard Bay

Camping Out

I had never really heard of Willard Bay, so I did not have any expectations when told it was the locale for our Kongaika Family Reunion. Not being a fan of camping out, my husband had arranged for us to stay in a Motel 6 nearby. Actually, sleeping in a tent might have been better.

The next generation (our children) had planned the reunion this year. Things were a bit late, but overall it was a success. We enjoyed spending time together with our cousins and learning more about our family history. The mountains nearby were breathtaking and although it was a bit hot, and the mosquitoes joined in, we made the best of it.

The campsite was pretty compact and included picnic tables, BBQ pits, restrooms and some water hookups. Each family took their turn preparing meals. We tried to eat the kind of meals that our ancestors had eaten in Tonga. The youngest generation aren’t that used to it, but we had plenty of snacks to fill in the gaps.

We were supposed to have a Family Home Evening, but because of the lateness and darkness, we decided to have a Family Home Morning the next day. We played a game of trying to see who could memorize the name of some of our chosen ancestors and what they were known for. The teenagers were really into it and did very well.

Afterward, we headed for the reservoir which is located twelve miles northwest of Ogden, Utah. It is part of the flood plains of the Great Salt Lake. There is a man made dike with a natural shoreline. Actually the dike is named after a former U.S. Senator from Utah, Arthur V. Watkins. The reservoir is fed by the Weber and Ogden rivers.

Near the water was a pavilion, perfect for making our dinner and hanging out. The children ran down to the water and mud (not quite sand). They were not shy, and the mothers were busy counting heads. There are two marinas near the campgrounds. Our daring children had rented a boat, water crafts and some blow up floatees.

As one of the grandmothers, I tried to let the parents look after their kids, but got a bit worried when a few of the young ones thought they could float over to a small island in the middle of the reservoir (one floatee and five children)! They actually made it, without my watching.

Intercultural Marriage and Moving Away from Your Home Country

I chose to marry a person from another country. We have had many adventures together. Was it easy? Definitely not. Would I trade my experiences to have stayed in my own country? No, I wouldn't.

In any marriage, you have to compromise and find a middle ground to keep your relationship compatible. There are some choices that intercultural couples must make that are very difficult.

Here are a few things that stand out to me as difficult decisions for us and an interracial couple.

Read the rest here:


http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/Intercultural-Marriage-and-Moving-Away-from-Your-Home-Country

Check out my hubs about many different topics

Check out my hubs about many different topics