A Crazy Week

Now that the first week of school is over and my head has finally stopped spinning I wanted to take a minute and update the blog.


School has been interesting so far and I am really looking forward to the semester. I will have endless reading to do and a lot of preparation for my lab classes, but it will all be worth it.

Mike was pretty excited this week because Eagle Fire Department finally got their new truck. Mike went down to the station on Wednesday along with everyone else to check it out. I was happy he remembered to take the camera along.

This Tuesday Mike will receive his Engineer Pin at a pinning ceremony. I am so proud of him for promoting this early in his career. The test was not easy (He actually promoted early this summer) and required countless hours of studying on his part. He loves being a driver (aka engineer) because he is responsible for all the engines at his station. I will make sure and post some photos of the ceremony.
Friday we went to Jonathan and Marissa's house for a BBQ. We spent the evening touring their property and checking out their vineyard and gardens. We were entertained by Rooster Foggy and his harem of hens. The only bummer of the evening is somehow I misplaced my favorite sunglasses and now have to order a new pair :( (UPDATE: I found them in the grass by the garage. They must have fallen out of my purse when I was digging for the garage door opener)

Saturday morning I was drinking a cup of coffee and heard a funny sound. I followed the noise to the back yard and found Cassius saving us from the sprinkler monster. Cassius is such a dork. To quote one of my friends, "Cassius only has two brain cells and 95% of the time they are fighting each other, but every once in a while they work together." He has been a lot of work but working with him has made me a better dog owner.

On Saturday we also went over to Stephanie's house for a doggie introduction with her Husky Mix, Nikkia. Cassius and Nikkia were looking like they were getting along so we brought in Beck and Cassius turned into protective little brother, even though Beck in no way needs to be protected. We are going to keep socializing them because I would love to have another place for Cassius and Beck to stay while we are out of town.

First Day of Nursing School....FINALLY!!

It has been a long time coming, but on Monday I finally started the BSU Nursing Program. I was accepted to the program way back in May of 2007. Shortly after I received my acceptance letter I quit working my corporate job with Albertsons/Supervalu to work at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in the Surgery Prep and Recovery areas. Over a year has passed and I am still excited about becoming a nurse. Now that I am working in the Family Maternity Center I love my job even more and realize the opportunites for growth and learning I will have in the future. Now I just hope the next four semesters go fast! May 2010 will not come soon enough.

Splash Dogs

Splash Dogs finally came to the Western Idaho Fair this year. Splash Dogs is an event where a dog runs down a platform then jumps off the end. The dog that leaps the furthest is the winner. We decided to take Beck down today to see how she would do in a practice round. Needless to say she LOVED it!!! She took about ten runs down the platform making bigger and better jumps each time. The staff was great about giving Mike tips on how to throw the ball to help her leap further.

We had to let a couple other dogs take their practice runs, and while we were waiting Beck whined and moaned all the while staring at her ball. She got to make another set of runs and she was so excited.

The other dogs there had to be man handled from the exit ramp back up the stairs to the top of the platform. Beck had the course down. She would make her way to the exit ramp and run right back to the top of the stairs, drop her ball for Mike, and was ready for another leap.

Mike decided he not to compete with her, but he might change his mind in a day or two. I hope over the next couple of months and next summer we can work with her more and have her ready for 25+ feet next year. Oh, and don't feel bad for Cassius he had to stay home because I don't think there is an event for "Special Splash Dogs". The poor boy can barely swim with a life jacket on.

After we finished at the fair Beck was a little bit excited. I took this funny video of her in the parking lot on our way to the car.

From Tin Grin to Smooth Pearly Whites

After two years, 8 months, and 9 days I got my braces off! I can't begin to say how happy I am to have them off. To celebrate Mike and I went to the movie where I ate my weight (not really) in popcorn. The Western Idaho Fair is going on through the 24th. My friend Steph (HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY!) and I are going to go and watch the Splash Dog Finals where I am sure I will indulge in some caramel corn and roasted corn on the cob!

Deadwood Reservoir

Monday Mike and I had the day off together and we were pretty bored sitting at home so we decided to scope out the Deadwood Reservoir. We left town later in the morning and drove through Garden Valley and past Danskin Station then turned onto Scott Mountain Road. The road was 26 miles of curves, bumps, and a little bit of washboard. But we made it and the long road was well worth it. We first stopped to look at the dam. The photo below shows the water flowing out of the dam. The water was moving so fast that it was splashing us over the fence.

View of the backside of the dam

We found a nice spot on the beach and set up our stuff for the day. The dogs had an excellent time playing in the water. Cassius is becoming a better swimmer, but still cannot swim well enough to go without his life jacket.

Mike playing fetch with Cassius

Beck (in the water), Cassius, and Mike

Cassius bringing back the stick for another throw

Mike relaxing on the beach

We headed out around 5:30 or 6 and had originally planned to take another route out, but we discovered we were given bad information about the road out so we got to "enjoy" Scott Mountain Road all over again. It was a long day, but well worth it. We can't wait to go back either this fall or next summer to camp with all of our friends.

Washington Lake-The White Cloud Mountains

This past Friday, the 1st, around 5:30 a crew of four people (Wendy, Ian, Russ, & I) met up at The Holley Pack House and headed toward the White Cloud Mountains. We made it to the trail head around 9:30 in the evening and made our way, mostly in the dark, to Washington Lake. Earlier that afternoon Kendall and Christian had secured an excellent camp spot for us and had a nice camp fire waiting for up when we arrived. After setting up camp and having a few laughs it was off to bed to wake up to scenery that we couldn't see on our way in. It was a bit like Christmas, anticipating what we would wake up to. I have never been disappointed by the scenery found in the mountains of Idaho and this time was no exception.

We all got up and made our ways through our morning routines; coffee, breakfast, etc. Then Wendy, Russ, and I decided it was time for a hike while Christian, Kendall, and Ian stayed at camp to fish, read, and listen to music. Those of us who decided to hike set out for an adventure. We were going off trail to climb a peak and get a nice view. We accomplished the task and I saw some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen in a while. Everything was so peaceful. Beck and Wendy's dog Gemini were along for the hike as well. They even had the opportunity to swim in a mountain lake.

Beck & D at the top of our first peak

View from one of the peaks. We visited the lake below.

After about 8 miles we were back at camp and more than ready for a dip in the lake which was followed by some hot chocolate.

Making our way back into camp

Everyone relaxing before dinner

Whenever I go backpacking my diet is pretty simple, and this trip was more than a treat. Ian and Russ blew me away with their back country cooking. On Saturday morning Russ treated us to breakfast burritos complete with fried potatoes and two mixtures of eggs and meat. For dinner on Saturday night the guys really out did themselves by preparing cheese bread over the camp fire followed by curried chicken with couscous and peas.

Russ getting the bread ready to cook over the fire

I have never eaten so well on a back packing trip. Wendy and Kendall even packed in wine, which was greatly appreciated! After dinner we all sat around the camp fire chatting and laughing about almost anything. Beck even sang us a song.

Sunday morning Russ and Ian were at it again with biscuits and gravy. While everyone was enjoying their breakfast I headed to the shore of the lake with Beck for some yoga. I had one of the best yoga sessions of my life. I could not have imagined a better place to practice yoga.

The best place to practice yoga

After everyone ate we cleaned up camp and headed back to the truck. We made a quick stop in Stanley and then hit the road home. We stopped at the Skinny Dipper hot springs on the south fork of the Payette river for a quick soak ( I had to pass due to bad blisters). The weekend was jammed packed with fun and adventure. I couldn't have asked for a better crew to spend the weekend with. I can't wait for the next trip, although this time I would like to contribute to the food a bit more.

Beck is tired after a weekend of hiking