Summer Journal

Summer would not be complete

without a trip to Idaho to see my sis. whom I adore along with myriads of others who enjoy her. Judy is eighteen months younger than I and we have always been very close, even while growing up and sharing the same bedroom. As teenagers we used to save our babysitting money and the quarters we earned selling tomatoes house to house till we had enough to take the bus to downtown Salt Lake. There we would shop the fabric stores for bargains, buy a treat at Kress's Five and Dime Store, and then ride the bus home with our treasures. It was always so much fun. Then we sewed our school wardrobe.

We walked through the park that is across the
river from the Idaho Falls Temple. Rainstorms threatened, which gave me some dramatic shots
of the temple.


I especially love the photo where the sun broke through the clouds and highlighted the temple
in a spectacular way.

Here is my remarkable dad Howard Hoffman. He turned 94 years old a few weeks after our visit. Always one to enjoy discussing politics, he is just as interesting as ever and just as well read. He is filled with a deep-rooted love of America, as I remember his dad, my Grandpa Edward Hoffman, was; he read several newspapers a day and was well-informed on the issues of his time, too.

I just love my dad. He has taught me steadfastness, sacrifice, and persistence. He often reminded me as a little girl that I could do about anything I wanted to if I set a goal and persevered. He believed in me before I believed in myself.

No one is a harder worker. This cheerful man never complains-- except about politicians and intrusive government. He is a real patriot. I feel deeply blessed that he is mine.

Here we are out for a walk. Judy gives dad a push in his wheelchair when they go out; he doesn't need the chair at home. She tells me how much she enjoys having Dad there to discuss their radio shows and emails.

They are kindred spirits and there is never a dull moment between them.


To our chagrin, their views have proven to be exactly right!





Cisco is making his famous guacamole dip by request from Doug and Barb. Joseph is waiting to be first to taste. We enjoy a good meal together.

Christina and Sarah are preparing the gourmet turkey burgers for dinner. Sarah found the recipe and put it together. It was absolutely delicious and we all loved them!

Sweet Eliza stands before a very creative cake contest at the elementary school. She and Peter are on a Grandma Date at the carnival. We bought some great-tasting cupcakes.

Peter's favorite ride!

Nathan surprised everyone with a bagpipe solo as he accompanied his school choir in one of their neighbors. Instant stardom! He is a young man of MANY talents! (Including singing. In the school choir.)

Another singing number from a musical. (Was it Newsies?)

One weekend the Livingston kids came to stay while Lane and Liz travelled. (I've forgotten where.) We had a lot of fun. The kids helped me wash the car and we enjoyed driving in a clean car.

The kids pose while we stopping at Cabella's to see the aquarium and the stuffed life-size animals. Peter was most disappointed that we could not get into the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point because so many people were waiting to get in. ( The line went around the block.) We were disappointed as well, but Cabella's turned out to be somewhat of a good second choice.)

Doug visits with Lee while Liz prepares a marvelous barbecue of shrimp kabobs for Lane's birthday guests. The wind comes up and becomes so gusty the barbecue threatens to get blown away and dinner gets moved inside. Doug has to retreat home, but Anna and the children playing outside scarcely notice it.

Rebecca helps with the kabobs.

Liz seems to enjoy entertaining. She has everything planned down to the last detail.

(Doesn't that sound like Lizzie? She is so thorough.)

Anna runs in the wind playing outside while

dinner cooks.

Wish I remembered the joke!

No clever captions. Just, THE END.