"What a Wonderful World"

We had the Kubalek Family reunion a few weeks ago, and the first night was spent near Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon. The day was the first sunny one after a week of rain and the blue sky was heavenly. I think all of us appreciated the scenery a bit more because of the change in weather and the deep colors that come after a good soak. I wish our eyes could be our cameras - they capture the real beauty so much better than a man made do-hicky, at least with my camera skills (maybe I should read a manual). Anyhoo, here are a few photos to wet your appetite for a drive or hike up a canyon. And may I recommend Provo's to you. The paths are well groomed and they go for miles...Fabulous! Our family is planning another visit already.

Migaloo is One Lucky Boy

Okay, so today was the end of the iTunes gift card giveaway. I threw the 7 entries into the random number generator and....Migaloo won! As you can see by the photo, Migaloo is my sweetie. I thought, "Hmm, maybe the winner should be someone other than my best friend, being my favorite and all." So I did the generator again....and he won a second time! I did the generator again...and he won a third time! This guy is one lucky guy! (I tell him his luck started when he married such a fabulous, gorgeous woman, and because he's smart as well as lucky, he agrees with me.)
I told him he won, he was happy, but said I could give it to someone else. I decided to put the time entries in a list generator and....June 17, 2009 5:30 PM is the winner. So Nadine, I'll hand the card to you next time I see you. Thanks to all who entered. Please keep trying...I LOVE all the comments and learning about all of you, and I hope you have fun with it as well.

Hot Tunes

I am making a summer CD for my neice Naomi, and I got thinking about songs that say summer to me (meaning that not every song I choose for this 12 year old sweetie would be my choice for the season...me being in the category of "an oldie, but goodie"). Anyway, I thought I'd share some with you:

*Near the top would have to be some Bossa Nova. I especially love Bebel Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto, and Rosalia de Souza (who's new CD came out this year and I think I'm going to get it).

*Who could have a summer without the B52's? You're right, no one. I especially like: "Girl from Impanema Goes to Greenland"; "Theme from a Nude Beach" (because if you are on a nude beach I guess you need a theme - but I love the song anyway); and the BEST dance song ever "Love Shack".

*I would have to add a little jazz - maybe some Norah Jones.

*Then a dash of psychedelic lounge: Brazilian Girls, Supreme Beings of Leisure, and of course The Bird and the Bee.

*Finally mix in: "Spaceman" by the Killers; "I Get the Message" by Ivy; and "Are You Gonna Be My Girl?" by Jet; and it would be practically perfect.

Now here's the fun part: leave a comment of what some of your favorite summer songs are, and you will be entered to win a $10 iTunes gift card. I know what you are thinking....how could I possibly get any more amazing and I do something like this. ;-) I'll draw the winning entry number Tuesday afternoon, June 23rd.

Can't wait to read your replies.

Moving On

For the last few weeks I have been helping my mom move into a new apartment near me. Moving is quite a process. I have moved a lot in my life. By the time I was 17 I had moved 15 times, and there's been many more since. I have moved within the same town, across the country, and across the ocean. Each move brought with it challenges and adventures. The hardest thing about moving is saying good-bye to friends. The best thing about moving is saying hello to new ones. I have met some incredible people each place I have lived. Have you noticed that you can be miserable in a mansion if surrounded by rude people, and be totally happy in a shack if surrounded by kind, helpful neighbors.

Anyway, my mom is starting to make new friends. I met one friend, Doug. He's a hoot. After a short conversation with him, I told him we were going to get along great. Here's some of his comments. "One of my sons lives in Utah; not in the area though. He's the one that does my hair. He doesn't come that often." Doug is mostly bald. Then he was telling us about a visit he had to Germany years ago. He purchased some books about the Olympics that were held there before WWII. A man came up to him while he was there and told Doug they wouldn't let him take the books out of the country. Doug's side comment to us was "He was full of it, and I don't mean good food." Mom and I had a good laugh. If most of the people mom meets are as enjoyable and entertaining as Doug, I'd say she's gonna love it here.

I love Lucy!

For my sister Patricia (and because I love to show off my marvelous roses), here is Lucille Ball (which is no longer sold, so I'm very la-de-dah). She's even better in person, so come and see. I must give credit to my friend Yvonne who started this rose for me from a small cutting. So I guess she is more la-de-dah than me, at least in this area. ;-)












On a side note, here is a little conversation with Jensen this morning: I was putting on some perfume and he asked, "What is that?" "Perfume. It's for girl's." "I like boy perfume better because it's curly and dancey." (Said while doing a jig.) I gotta get me some of that perfume.

Daily Dose of Rose

Sometimes life excels at wearing you out. To give me a little boost each day, I love to look at my flowers each morning. This week the roses are in full bloom and gorgeous! Their beauty and delicious bouquet lifts my spirit and helps me get motivated for the day. I thought I'd share a few with you. And I extend a personal invitation to all of you to come and enjoy them for yourself.











The show-stoppers today are: Gemini (perfect teacup shape, and as big as my fist), my rose lane, The Prince (over 80 petals and smells FANTASTIC!), danty Handel, and Brilliant Pink Iceberg (I love how this one is split almost in half, with white on one side and pinks on the other).