The Living Desert!

Tennyson, Banner, Liz, Anne Adele and I went to the desert today. Lizzy had heard that the cactus were in bloom. Boy were they ever. Here are some pictures of all that we saw.

Click on the pictures for a closer view of the beautiful colors.

Lizzy spotted a Sego Lily when we were driving to the Wedge.

A closer view of the inside.

Banner at the Wedge

You can tell it has been a wet spring.

I've never seen so much green along the San Rafael River.

Tennyson likes to live dangerously.

Look at all those layers of rock under her feet.

Window Blind in the background.

Does anyone know what this wild flower is called? Lizzy thinks it might be called Bottle Brush.

An antelope ejoying the lovely flowers.







We found a sale on raspberries monday so on tuesday Anne Adele and I made some delicious freezer jam.

The raspberries.

They are such a pretty red color.

Anne Adele mashing the berries.

This is Miranda's share of the jam. Lizzy and I each got some too. We wanted to give some to Anne Adele but she has no way to get it home.

I had some left over so I put some in freezer bags for later.

On monday we made rhubarb syrup, it turned out very tasty. We had pancakes on tuesday morning and used our delicious syrup. Gabe said it was very good.

Open House!

Here comes the bride.

Becky's surprise, an ice sculpture. Notice the fruit waterfall and assorted cheeses. When we got to Illinois I asked A.A. if this was going to be a light luncheon like Morgan's reception, she said NO, only snacks. Holy smokes! If this is snacks I'd like to see a dinner buffet.


To begin with we had pulled pork sandwiches then sushi, won tons, artichoke dip, ham and asparagus roll ups, assorted fruit, assorted cheese and crackers, chicken teriyaki skewers, shrimp and cocktail sauce, vegetables and dips.






I tried sushi for the first time, It wasn't too bad.




Then we come to the dessert table.

Tarts, eclairs, cheesecakes.

Chocolates,

Dipped strawberries and ice cream sundaes with assorted sauces, whipped cream, nuts and cherries. Also individually wrapped Jelly Bellies.


These are random photos of the guests.

Oh, I forgot the punch bowl and iced lemon water. Delicious!

For some reason Noah is alone in the receiving line.

Our Rachel!

Brooks really enjoyed the buffet and Seth really enjoyed the girls.

Jim hid Becky's food, she scowled at him.

Beautiful bouquets in the rest rooms.

Jim doing what he does best. Working!

Eric, Seth and Tennyson having a grand old time.

Brooks, replete after the sumptuous feast.

Silly kids.

Boys looking at girls.

Talking with the guests.

Maurie recovering and visiting with his mother and other family.

Banner, Tennyson and RaeLee(Becky's sister).

It's now 9:05. The clean-up crew has started.

The loaded Suburban.

We had a great time. The food was delicious and the company was even better. Thanks Anne Adele and Maurie for the crystal pitcher and the silver tray for Miranda, we will always treasure them and the time we spent with your family. Thanks also to Noah for the bowl. I'm excited to have an original Noah Coleman piece.

Nauvoo pictures will be posted later along with views of the deluxe accomodations in

Batavia.