Monday, October 31, 2011

Doctor Dresses Up


I went for my annual checkup today, October 31st. After being shown into my room and told what to put on the nurse left. When ready, I was instructed to flip the green light switch 'On'. Within seconds I was ready and flipped the switch. I waited and waited, for what seemed like an hour in the examination room. Surely the lightbulb was burned out, I thought and contemplated opening the door to see.

Finally, a pirate that looked like a chubby Jack Sparrow waltzed through the door. Surprise, it was my OB-GYN. This is the 'trick' you get when you go to the doctors on Halloween. I picked up my 'treat' (candy bar) when arriving for the appointment.

He agreed to a photo and said he had had others ask also. I would have had the nurse take a picture of both of us, but my pink and red exam cover-up was too ugly & risque' to show. To be safe and smart make sure you get a regular annual physical this year.

I was deemed healthy and ready for another year on the high seas.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Running Around in Rhode Island






Rhode Island is one of those states few of us get to actually visit. I checked it off my bucket list this month as we drove over the bridge headed for Newport, bordering the ocean on two sides.

This city of the nineteenth century 'rich and famous' brats has dozens of mansions to visit. Quaint trolleys take you around the town to see from the street or stop and take a closer look inside these opulent summer homes. A sea walk borders the back properties where debutante parties by the Vanderbuilts, Berwins and 'millionaire' homeowners were held all summer long.

Glass, gold, marble, walnut and more fill these dinosaur hulks interiors. Spiral staircases, fifty foot woodburning kitchen stoves, five styles of china, chandeliers bigger than a car were a must. $100,000 was the tab for just one weekend 'Got to impress the Joneses' event.

Our eyes couldn't take in the grandeur of each estate. Sad we were that such waste and selfishness ruled this class of people. Would we do the same in our day?

The funnest part of Rhode Island was the mile markers on the highways. Where most states have posts for every mile. This tiny one has mile markers for every quarter mile posted as 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 and so on. I wish I would have taken a photo of one.
Put Rhode Island on your list to visit. It will be worth it.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Goblin Valley






Goblin Valley and the surrounding area has some of the most interesting shaped rocks anywhere. No wonder it has become a state park.

Temple Mountain (first 2 photos) north of Goblin Valley can be seen from a great distance while traveling on I-70, Hwy 6 and all roads in the vicinity. This striking white and red landmark rises thousands of feet heavenward catching the attention of all. Rain clouds frequently cluster around this sacred marker. What feelings does it evoke in the common man? Native Americans must have used it as a point of reference and more. No wonder the Mormons were inspired to settle the state and build temples.

The old rock building my brother-in-law, Tom and I are sitting on, built in the 1800's by early settlers was part of a thriving ranch. Abandoned and damaged by vandals over the years sits quietly at the base of Temple Mountain. It's history and people would be most interesting.

Indian petroglyphs high on the rock walls hold on dearly to its sheer face as hikers snap photos to extend the life of a long forgotten people. Look beyond the bullet holes. What could the indian's message mean? Real artists sharing their talent or telling their story to another generation.