A Christmas Visitor

Yesterday morning (Monday) Grandma and I woke up with a visitor in our yard. The Canadian Goose had taken refuge from the snow storm next to the smaller of the two pines in our back yard. It has been there now for a day and a half, as the snow continues to fall.
Geese are very rarely alone. They mate for life and when they travel, they do so in family groups. This goose will call out every now and again, especially when it hears the train at the railroad crossing. There is no doubt it is calling for it's mate or family.
At this Christmas time of the year I am reminded of the importance of having loved ones around us. How cold and empty the world must seem to those of us who don't have a loving family with which to share the warmth of the holidays.
May all of you find the love and joy to fill your lives during this wonderful time of the year and may we always remember those that are cold and lonely in ways that might ease their burden.
Merry Christmas and Love to all of you,
Grandma and Grampa,
Mom and Dad,
Ron and Chris

Re-Trimming the Tree

Vanna Brown

Ok, this is how it went down, literally!

Grampa brown had the fun job of watching Liam and Aidan while his parents went to billings on Thursday. Mid-morning Aidan was in the toy room and Liam and I were in the hallway when we heard a crash from the living room. Liam and I looked around the corner to see what happened and found the tree had fallen across Grandma's chair. Ornaments, lights, needles, and the water from the tree stand were everywhere! Liam looked up at me and said "Grampa, that wasn't me!" (He must get blamed alot at home)

So the tree is back up and redecorated. If it comes down again, out it goes!

Trimming The Tree

Merry Christmas

When we got the tree home, we found a tiny nest tucked in safe, high in the branches

How it survived after being cut down, dragged through the snow, and the

70 mph ride home on top of the car, we'll never know.

Helping Grampa with the pudding

Sparkeling clean after a momma spit face bath!

Naughty or nice?

Never trust a "skinny" cook

Grandma Brown

Candi loves Christmas

Candi and Charlie hoping it's a little girl in July








Last Saturday, Charlie and Candi and Liam and Aiden, went up with Grandma and Grampa Brown into the Gallatin range to cut down our christmas trees. Wednesday, we had Them back over to our house for a dinner of left over turkey. Christine made turkey enchiladas. One pan of red sauce, and one pan of green sauce. (VeryChristmasy) Charlie made the salsa and we had a mexican feast! I should point out that in order to have left overs, we had to cook another turkey last Sunday. We had 24 people for Thanksgiving and there wasn't enough left over for the usual left over festivals. For desert, I bought some day-old chocolate donuts and made chocolate bread pudding. (a recipe inspired by Robyn Jones) If you want the recipe, let me know and I'll post it.









Anyway, after the enchiladas, we all put on our tree trimming hats and went to work!

In order to hear this video, you must first scroll up to the music selections in the right column and click on the pause icon. come on, you can do it!

Happy Thanksgiving

How could the Seahawks lose with fans like these!

Elanor and Robyn

Our Elf Princess Isabel

homemade Egg Nog for Breakfast at Grampa's

Triptophan kicking in

Liberty and Lillia

The Jones surprise Grampa

Most of the Thanksgiving pictures are on Gini's blog @ http://rigbyericksons.blogspot.com/

Wow! What a wonderful Thanksgiving. We were planning on the Ericksons from Rigby, and Charlie and Candi's family from here, and Zac and Pip and Liberty of course. What we weren't planning on was the wonderful surprise at church on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. We arrived just before the start of the meeting when we noticed Charlie and Candi and the boys sitting about three rows in front of us. Surprise! But that wasn't all. Sitting next to to the boys, was Lope, and next to him was Eden and Clara and Janette. (Robyn had taken Elenor out to change her) So we had a wonderful reunion. The only ones missing were Mac and Kelly. ( They had Thanksgiving with Grandma Adams and Uncle Kerry and Aunt Tess.) It was a wonderful week! (The only downside was the lack of leftovers)

In Remission

Christine went in for her 1st post chemotherapy cat scan, and it was clear. That's the good news. Also, she will have the "port" in her shoulder removed on the 1st of December. It's just an out patient procedure and we'll be glad to get rid of it.

Although, to the best of their knowledge, she is cancer free (or in remission as they call it) at the moment, they will monitor her frequently for the next five years with cat scans and colonoscopies before they will declare her "cured".

In the mean time, we will continue to refine our eating habits to give her the best chance possible for having a real cure.

What ifs: What if we'd caught the cancer two or even three years earlier? What if we'd been eating as we should have all along? What if, What if, What if? It doesn't do us any good to worry about the what ifs now. We're on the wrong side of that question.

You, on the other hand, are a different matter. What if you were eating what you should be eating? (Lot's of fiber and flax seed and avoiding processed foods and sugar) What if you scheduled a colonoscopy and had a polyp removed before it turned into a tumor? I hope you're always on the good side of your what ifs, and use them before it's to late. If you're to ambivalent to do it for yourself, do it for us and all the others that love you and want to keep you around for a while longer.

A Time For Recovery

Chris asked me the other day if this is who I still see when I look at her. I answered "No, the woman I see is even more beautiful and much more wise". I certainly appreciate her more now than the self-centered kid I was then.
The chemotherapy has taken it's toll, but not near as drastically as treatments some other cancer patients have had to go through. She lost about 2/3 of her hair, but that looks like it has already started to come back. Of more concern to me, is the nerve damage she has suffered in her extremities. (hands and feet are numb) hopefully that should improve in about 6-12 months. She's concerned about the weight she's put on with the anti nausea medication that she's had to take. (you're supposed to keep nibbling) The problem that affected her the most was probably the fatigue. She has slept a lot, but that's something that will correct itself soonest.
Now she goes into the "monitoring" phase of her treatment. We expect a clean slate because we will be working to keep ourselves healthy.

("Why?" you ask, and I answer "Read below!")

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Well, hopefully, we are through the worst of it.

Christine has completed her chemotherapy regimen and is ready to get on with her life. While I have hated seeing what the poison has done to her, we both hope and pray that the treatment has lifted her into the "cured" column when we add up the pluses and minuses.

Here's what we've learned:

1- Cancer is mostly preventable. There are foods that help prevent cancer, and when we ignore that fact, we are being stupid! Our diets should be high fiber (and must include flax seed) and we should limit our intake of red meats and processed foods. This is not hard to do. It doesn't cost any more, and in most cases will cost less than eating what's bad for us.

2- Early diagnosis is critical. The longer you bury your head in the sand, the worse your prognosis is going to be. Do not ignore your body! If you have symptoms, find out what they mean. (Our medical system is rated at 39th in the world and slipping. You must take control of your treatment options!)

3- Don't allow yourself to be sold or bullied into treatment you don't need. (This includes being "assigned" to a doctor you don't know or trust.) This is part of "taking control" Don't be lazy. Do your homework and insist on being in on all decisions.

4- Push yourself to do as much as you can. Life doesn't go on hold during chemotherapy. Do as much as you can, it helps keep up your attitude and that is critical to healing.

The "Eilean" Highlands

Gini was scolding me this morning, telling me it was time for an update. These are all pictures from the Highlands of Scotland, and I hope it satisfies her for a few days.

Click on the photos to see them full sized.

The adventure begins

Ron and Chris, Terrill and Margie,

outside Rosslyn Chapel

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I just want to take a minute to thank Lisa Deneen of Travel Pros for all the work she did to make this such a perfect vacation. All of the places she booked for us were magnificent and we are greatful for all her efforts on our behalf.

There are a million warm sunny beaches in the world, but there is only one Scotland! Gun cuireadh do chupa thairis le slainte agus sonus, h-uile latha, na chi 'snach fhaic! (May your cup overflow with health and happiness, every day, whether I see you or not!)

Cathedrals Churches Tombs and Graves

Breaking Dawn at Eilean Iarmain, Isle of Skye, Scotland

How did they know?

How did they know we were coming, and why did they want to warn people?

The Joy that is Edinburgh!

Fighting the English with William Wallace!

Scotland's Magnificent Capital - Edinburgh

Scottish Castles

Castle Eilean Donan

As we parked our car and walked toward the Castle, a sudden and intense rain squall

slammed us. If you look at the bridge you can see the rain sweeping

up and over the side of the bridge right where the MacCleods

beat Christopher Lambert and drove him out of the

clan, in the movie "The Highlander"

The views of these castles as we came around that last bend in the road, were absolutely visceral. The beauty and history combined to hit me in the gut every time. We knew we would see alot of castles, but we were unprepared for the shear number of them. They were literally everywhere. Sometimes only a mile apart. It was a real eye opener as to what the neighborhood was like in those days.

Hogworts and Hogsmead but no Harry

The Hogsmead Railway Station

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The famous Hogwarts Express Trestle

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Yes, this is where they film the "Harry Potter" movies. If you remove the Bonnie Prince Charlie Monument in the foreground, and computer generate the Castle, this is where Hogwarts is filmed.

The Food of Scotland

I'm going to start out with the most negative thing about Scottish food and that is It is very expensive! That being said, we can move on to how good everything was! Did I say good? I meant GREAT! The "haggis" was wonderful. I had it four different ways, each with a unique sauce, and I loved it. The traditional way is to serve it with "neeps"(mashed turnips) and "tatties"(mashed potatoes) and all covered with a whiskey sauce, Yum! The traditional Scottish breakfast or "Fry UP" is something to be experienced before you die, but then eating it is consuming enough cholesterol to kill you anyway, but it is so good.

As you might guess, Scotland does seafood really well. to try and stay with in our budget, we feasted on fish and chips frequently. It was never a hardship! Most of the time it was battered haddock (about a 10 inch slab) or cod. We did eat venison (It's farmed in Scotland) and some mutton as well, but there were several evenings that we dressed up and had just elegant dinners. We had a wonderful banquet in Borthwick Castle, but by far, the most memorable Meal was in Oban. We were staying at the Manor House Hotel (Amazing place) and we asked the owner about seafood restaurants close by. She told us about a small one, just two minutes walk away, but she wasn't certain we could get in since they only have two seatings a night (one at 6:30 and one at 8:30). This didn't make a lot of since to us but it was only two minutes to find out so we walked up the lane and into history!

This little restaurant is called "The Seafood Temple" but locals just call it the "Temple". It only has 6 tables (Mom says that they had 8 tables) and the menu is hand written to reflect what they are serving that night, and it all looked wonderful. They fill up the tables twice each night and when we got there about 8:00 pm, the waitress said they were just finishing the first seating and wouldn't be ready for the second seating for half an hour , but we could come in and sit at a vacant table and wait.

We came in and set down but we didn't wait. They started bring food to our table with the drinks. (Keep in mind, we haven't ordered anything yet) Suddenly there is a plate of calamari and and smoked salmon to keep us occupied. Then, the Chef/owner, sent us giant scallop shells full of scallop chowder because he said it was cold and blustery outside and he wanted to warm us up. Finally we looked at the menu and at the bottom was the item labeled "Seafood Platter Magnifique for two" It sounded really good, so Margie and Terrill ordered one and so did we.

Terrill was heartbroken that we couldn't eat it all, but no two people could! four people would have had trouble finishing it. First they brought the oysters, then the platter with every kind of seafood you could imagine. Mussels, giant crab claws, smoked salmon, and steamed salmon, clams, scallops, calamari, herring, langastinos (some with roe), and on top of it all, a giant whole lobster with roe. then came the mashed potatoes with a scallop sauce for gravy. The owner came out of the kitchen and visited each table but he spent the most time with us. ( he really likes Americans, but thinks we try to eat to fast!)

The Middle Part II

Last Third of Scotland

Wow! The best vacation in our lives!

I'm fairly sure it wasn't pink in the year 1625

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In the gardens of The Roman Camp Hotel

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One of the "parlers" at the beautiful Roman Camp Hotel.

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Nine hour flight home is easier in first class!

Thanks to our friend Peggy Platt, we were able to get "buddy passes" for our flights. What is even more amazing is that she hooked us up so we were able to fly "business ellite" on the long flight from Edinburgh to JFK. Another first for us and boy, are we ever spoiled now! Thanks Peggy, it was wonderful.

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-Of all the things we were able to experience on our trip to Scotland, the most enjoyable memories that we will take away with us are those of the Scottish People.

Near the top of that list was our last evening in Scotland when we were sitting with Margie and Terrill in one of the magnificent parlors of the Roman Camp Hotel (It was built in 1625 on the remains of what had been an old Roman Camp, and used as a hunting lodge.) We had been talking with several other couples, when this wonderful older couple engaged us in conversation. It turned out that she had visited the states and sang gaelic (pronounced gaw-lic in Scotland) songs at a Celtic festival. The conversation ran it's course and after a pause this white-haired lady announced "I think I'll sing you a song now." And to our surprise, in a clear and lovely voice, she began to sing. It was such a strange moment, and yet so appropriate, since we were leaving Scotland the next morning, and the song she chose to sing us was a farewell to Scotland, sung by the Scots as they were forced to leave their homes and immigrate to the new world.

-When she was done, we were all moved. I asked her if she would sing it for us one more time so I could record it. She answered simply "Of course." and you can share the moment with us below. I'm sorry that the lighting wasn't better so you could see how beautiful she is. You'll need to pause the background music and then play this video

THIS IS IT !!

"Alright! You can stay in my bedroom, but I'm not giving you the Mormon discount"

We're on our way to Scotland!

Tomorrow morning we leave for the first leg of what will be the better part of two days of traveling. I'm not going to complain because in the old days it used to take up to a week to get to Scotland. Can you imagine? At any rate, on Wednesday morning, we'll be arriving in Edinburgh (pronounced Ed-in-bur-row,, Can anyone tell me why they can't spell something like it sounds?) So, this will be the last post until we return, on or about, October 6th. The Bad thing is that you'll have to put up with more Scotland stuff, but the good thing is that at least you'll be seeing photos that we actually took instead of something I found on the web.

So, A h-uile la' sona dhuibh 's gun la' idir dona dhuib ( May all your days be happy ones)

How will we look in kilts?

Dunnotter Castle below Stonehaven

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Rated the most unhealthy breakfast in Europe!

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Anticipating Scotland!

Two weeks from today we'll be winging our way to Scotland! We're counting the hours and wish that we could take all of you with us! The first thing we're going to do, is visit Roslyn Chapel, from the DaVinci Code. ( It's on our way to the Borthwick Castle where we're staying for the first two nights. )

Scotland is rightfully proud of it's scenic beauty, but that's not why we chose to go there. I'd match the beauty in the mountains around Yellowstone Park against any in the world, and the fantastic seascapes and primordial forests of the Great Northwest are beyond my poor powers of description. No, we're going to experience a land and people that are unique in all the world. A land that is the home of ancestors for both of us, and above all else, it is the home of "Haggis"! Yes, we are traveling halfway around the world to taste real scottish haggis. So wish us "Boinne ann am beul na gaoithe" which is gaelic for something really cool I'm sure..., I just don't know what.

A WONDERFUL VISIT FROM MOM

Jeanett Bennett Brown Adams August 2008

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Just after sundown, waiting for the full moonrise

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She wasn't used to it being so cool (68)

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"Are we there yet?"

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This is a photo of Palisade Falls that Mom hiked up to. The altitude is just over 7200 ft. and she kept saying "How much further do I have to go?" and "I can hear the falls now, is this close enough?" She did ok though, and you should have seen how fast she made it back down.

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This is a closeup of Mom's last Bozeman sunset taken on Monday evening. If you click on it, you'll see the large version with a very visable sunspot in the upper right quarter.

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We traveled to Utah for the annual Lloyd family reunion, and when we came home we were able to talk Mom into coming with us for a week. It was wonderful to be able to spend some time with her again. (As you can see from the pics above, at 82 she can still do some hiking) Zac and I took her back tues. and came home wed. and we miss her already.

Chris was unable to have her chemo treatment last weekend, (low white cell count) so she'll have it this fri. We are so ready for this to be done!