Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

1.  We got up early and ate Amy's muffins and yogurt and then drove to one of our favorite places on the mountain.  We all tried our hand at gold panning.  We weren't really sure what we were doing, but Wayne had done a little with his Dad years ago so he knew a little.  Everyone found a speck or two but it will be a long time before we can even buy a pair of shoelaces with our shared booty.  It was fun though, and the girls said they could do it for a long time because it was soothing and rather addictive.
2.  The day was beautiful and we stopped at a campground and made our tin foil dinners.  We used chicken, fingerling potatoes, carrots, onions, and cherry tomatoes.  We sprinkled them with salt and pepper and a chicken gravy packet.  They were yummy, moist and delicious.  Colett and Wes made a tin foil baked banana with chocolate inside.  It was good too.
3.  We rode down the mountain and had sandwiches at Minchow's food court.  I bought the kids ice cream cones and the total came to $5.00.  I was shocked...4 ice cream cones for $5.00?  I usually pay that much for 2 in Utah. and it was Wilcoxen's ice cream which is one of my most favorites.
4. Went to Cowley to visit with Mom and Dad.  We were there for about half an hour before anyone showed up.  Mom and Dad and Ned and Kate had been in Billings to the temple.  Dad had sealed one of our friend's sons to his wife that day.  We went to Jon's and I visited with Linda.  They had been grocery shopping and she needed to get right to bed because she is quite ill.  I just love her and feel so badly that she is suffering with so much pain.  We did have some laughs  and caught up on our lives again since last month.  The good news was, the government finally decided she is disabled and is giving her the back money that she is entitled too.  Kate gave us some homemade wheat bread that she had made,  It was amazingly good.  I need that recipe.  I probably won't make the bread, but I need it in case I ever decide to. 
5.  We stopped at Mike and Colleen's home and got Wes, Amy and E situated for the night.  Colleen is such a good friend. It's like we are never apart even though sometimes we don't talk for weeks.  Then we went to Wilford's and got the rest of us set up for the night.  We are fortunate and very grateful to have beautiful places to stay.