How, when, where, what?

Here are some photos which were among the many we sorted through for inclusion in the Granite South Stake's 25th Anniversary project. The 3 part set which includes a multiple photo DVD's and 2 hard bound volumes is now on our bookshelf.

I have included some questions for the viewing audience, how many can you answer?

Photo#1
Where was this photo taken, what character was he playing and how old was the budding actor?






Photo #2
What year was this photo taken and where?





Photo #3
Can you name some or all eleven individuals in this photo, the event and the year?







Photo #4
Where was this taken and what Szymanski children were at the event?





Photo #5
Who is this pictured with Aaron, what was the event and the year taken?





Photo #6
Name as many of the people in this 2005 photo as possible and who was Bishop at the time?








Photo #7
Name the age of young Sarah, the event and year?








Photo #8
What was the event, year and name the people pictured

Simon 'absolutely loved' Salt Lake

It's hard to believe that American Idol is about to return to the air on January 13th.





By Scott D. Pierce

Deseret News
Published: December 18, 2008
Simon Cowell — the mean judge on "American Idol" — has absolutely nothing mean to say about his visit to Utah.

Simon (Cowell) says he 'absolutely loved' Salt Lake during 'Idol' tryouts
As a matter of fact, given multiple opportunities in a conference call with TV critics, Cowell did nothing but gush about his visit to Salt Lake City for "Idol" auditions in September.

"You know what? I absolutely loved it there," Cowell said. "I loved the city. I loved the air. And, most importantly, I absolutely loved the people."

Yikes. This is the guy who's never been shy about expressing his dislike for anyone or anything. And there have been times when he hasn't exactly showered praise on cities that hosted "Idol" auditions.

But, again, it was nothing but praise for Salt Lake City.

"We literally got all types there. It was exactly what this show is all about," Cowell said. "It was great fun. I was really impressed with some of the people (who) came through.

"And we even had an Osmond — and I liked him!"

While "Idol" thrives on secrecy, it's no secret that David Osmond auditioned for the show in Salt Lake City. And, as is obvious from Cowell's comment, it seems he advanced past the first round of auditions to perform for judges Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and newcomer Kara DioGuardi.

Reportedly, Osmond, 29, the fourth son of Alan Osmond, advanced from the Utah auditions to the Hollywood round of the competition, although Fox doesn't confirm such information before the show airs.

The eighth season of "American Idol" begins on Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. on Fox/Ch. 13. The episode featuring the Salt Lake auditions has not yet been scheduled.

The show continues through May, and Osmond and his wife, Valerie, are expecting their first child in April.

But it wasn't just the guy with the famous last name who impressed Cowell, although the most famous (or is that infamous?) of the "Idol" judges did sound a bit surprised that he liked it as much as he did.

"I thought it would be a bit more serious, to be honest with you," Cowell said, "because I'd only heard about the place; I'd never been there before.

"But I couldn't have been more wrong. It was really, really good fun. And it was one of my favorite cities."

Trader Joes

There are Trader Joes all over the West including Southern California and Arizona. Our daughter took us to one near her home while visiting Phoenix this fall. The products available range from exotic fruits and vegetables, health foods, candies and drinks.



Utah has one similar store called Pirate O's located in Draper. It's a strange store with many rooms connected by narrow passages, it's worth the time to visit if you are nearby at 11901 S 700 E Draper, UT

What is a date?

Today while touring the Palm Springs area I saw signs for "Date Shakes" It sounded kinda weird and then I realized I didn't know much about dates.


What is a Date? Well, a date is grown on a Date Palm. They are grown in Iraq, Morocco, Southern California and Arizona. This week we stayed at a resort just off Date Palm Drive, so Dates are or were an important agricultural product of Palm Springs. Dates can be eaten as is or may be pitted and stuffed with fillings such as almonds, walnuts, candied orange and lemon peel, marzipan or cream cheese. They are commonly used as a key ingredient in fruit cake. My Grandmothers loved dates and would make great date cookies. I'm afraid that there use has diminished greatly today and they are rarely found in the modern kitchen.




In an effort to revive the date and bring it back to light I provide the following recipe, bring on the date!



Drop Date Cookies

* 1/4 cup butter
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1 egg -- beaten
* 1/4 cup warm water
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 cups flour
* 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

FILLING:

* 1 package dates (small pkg) -- chopped
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 3/4 cup warm water
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
* OR maple extract
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cream butter and sugar; beat in eggs, water and vanilla. Stir dry ingredients in.
Boil the filling ingredients slowly until dates are cooked then thicken with cornstarch.
Drop cookie dough on cookie sheet. Put some date filling on top, then put a dab of cookie dough on top of the filling. Bake in 400° oven for 10-15 minutes.

We made it!

After 12 hours of driving (it really was quite enjoyable) we made it to Rancho Mirage, near Palm Springs.



We began the day at around 8am (just on time for a scheduled 6:30 am planned departure) stopped in Beaver at the cheese factory, without getting any cheese, a first and continued with short stops in Street George and Baker CA. There were opportunities to recall trips of days gone bye including Bun Boy, its now a Big Boy and the infamous ZZYZX Click here to find out more than you wanted to know about the ZZYZX exit south of Baker. Other than being the last word in the English dictionary it was home to Soda Springs a spa and resort but never like our present hotel.

The mom will be posting an entry concerning our trip and how it turns out, I can say know that it is off to a hot start, it's 101 at 8pm! See ya, the dadoo.

It's Corn Time!

I can't believe that fall is here, the long days of summer is fading to shorter days and cool autumn breezes. The other day at the PGA golf tournament, I spoke with a golfer from Georgia who was enjoying the great weather we are experiencing of late. He related how humid and uncomfortable it is in his home state. We do live in an exceptional area, and noooow it time for the return of the CORN MAN!

Yes, one my favorite celebrations is Halloween which leads to my all time favorite Thanksgiving. A unique Utah tradition is the Corn Maze or Corn "Maize" in some circles. I am not aware of another part of the country that does Halloween like our state. Possibly because of the number of young people who live here, or that we seem to have avoided the mischief and mayhem that accompanies Halloween in many other states.


I found that this Corn Maze is patterned after none other than our own David Archulta. Cornbellys Corn Maze and Pumpkin Fest begins September 21st at Thanksgiving Point. Hi CORN MAN!

Dog Town

This week Response Agency we began a project to help raise funds to support the Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends has been working towards a goal of "No More Homeless Pets". For over 25 years Best Friends has helped reduce the number of dogs and cats being destroyed from 17 million to 5 million.

National Geographic Channel started the second season of Dog Town which is kind of like a reality show for dogs and the care provided by the vets and other personnel of Best Friends. The season opener was on the pit bulls that were owned by NFL Football player Michael Vick. Vick is serving prison time for an abuse of animal charge

Best Friends Animal Society is located in Kanab Utah and has a nationwide network of groups encouraging neutering of pets and a huge ranch where unwanted dogs, cats, horses and other creatures.

It's a fun project, I'll keep you informed as we move forward.

More on 4

It seems that Paula is none too pleased with the addition of Kara to the Idol format. I sense a cat fight in the making!

This from the fair and balanced Fox News:

"I am concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We'll see," she said.

She also said producers hired the Grammy-nominated songwriter because they "wanted to try a change.

"They always tried for a fourth judge because it followed the format of the original show, 'Pop Idol,'" Abdul said. "We haven't had much luck with that working, but we're gonna give it another try."

Asked if she, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell have sat down with DioGuardi to test their chemistry, Abdul replied, "Nope," and laughed.

What happens if she and Jackson vote one way, but DioGuardi disagrees?

"That's gonna be weird if it's a split decision," Abdul said. "I'm sure Simon will get to make the final [call]."

"It takes the fun out of all the hard work I do to push those kids through," she added.

DioGuardi begins her "Idol" journey Tuesday during auditions in New York. It will be the judges' first time together in one room; DioGuardi said she only just met host Ryan Seacrest on Monday morning.

DioGuardio's songs have been recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood and Pink, among others. Her recent Top 40 hits include Stefani's "Rich Girl," Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man," Clarkson's "Walk Away" and Dion's "Taking Chances."

A Fourth Judge!

It seems that Paula will be getting a soulmate! Kara DioGuardi a songwriter will join Randy, Simon and Paula for this coming years American Idol. I can't wait for the new season.

The Golden Bear!

Recently, Sarah and I had the great privilege of spending a few hours with the great Jack Nicholas, AKA the Golden Bear and LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam while attending the Champions Challenge golf event at Thanksgiving Point. Johnny Miller sponsors this tournament each year which pairs father/son, brother/brother, sister/sister and friends in a best ball tournament for a two day golf extravaganza.

Over the years I have carried on conversations with the likes of Sergio Garcia, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Mike Weir, Jim Furyk Fuzzy Zoeller, Hale Irwin, David Duval, Tom Kite, and even the colorful John Daly.

The weather is usually quite toasty and this year we saw more of the same, Sarah put up with another of Dad's odd hobbies and was very supportive, she even received and nod of the head and a wink from host Johnny Miller himself. I still recall an exchange with Arnold Palmer some years ago when Aaron was a young lad of some 8 or 9 years old.

Harry Potter, coming to a theater near you!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be shown in theaters, November 2008. That's only a few short months away, even before the return of 24!

What is your favorite Potter Movie? I liked the 4th, Goblet of Fire, the tri-wizard tournament with Victor Krum and Cedric, oh my oh my!

Here is a list of the movies and a short plot summary, the last book will be broken into 2 movies and released in 2010 and 2011.

Vote for your favorite......

#1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Harry Potter is an 11 year old boy. At a young age, he was attacked by Lord Voldemort who killed his parents; his survival brought unknown fame to Harry. He was taken by Hagrid to live with his aunt and uncle. Eleven years later, in 1991, Harry enters his first year of Hogwarts along with his new friends Ron and Hermione.


#2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts for their second year which proves to be more challenging than the last. The Chamber of Secrets is opened, leaving students (and ghosts) petrified. Harry learns that he can speak parseltongue which leads to many students believing he is the heir of Salazar Slytherin. Near the end of the year Harry, Ron and their new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lockhart, discover the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. There he battles the young memory of Lord Voldemort (Tom Marvolo Riddle) and his basilisk. During the battle Godric Gryffindor's sword appears out of the sorting hat (brought by Fawks), which we later learn from Dumbledore that the sword would have only appeared for a true Gryffindor.


#3 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry's third year truly begins when the Hogwart's express stops moving, a Dementor attacks Harry and is dispatched with the help of new professor, Lupin. The Dementor flees but not before it causes Harry to faint. A prisoner named Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban prison, he was incarcerated there twelve years previously for apparently aiding Voldemort and the Death Eaters. Harry, believing it was Black who caused his parent's deaths, finds out at the end of the year the real truth.


#4 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:

Harry's fourth year begins with him having a nightmare about Frank Bryce being killed by Voldemort. At Hogwarts, there is a new professor, Alastor Moody, Hogwarts is hosting the Triwizard Tournament, a dangerous tournament between three schools of magic. Fleur Delacour, Viktor Krum and Cedric Diggory are the three champions. But Harry's name appears out of the Goblet of Fire making him a fourth champion.


#5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry's fifth year begins with Harry being attacked by Dementors in Little Whinging. He finds out later that the Ministry of Magic doesn't believe that Voldemort has returned and is in for a hard year. Professor Umbridge, a representative of Cornelius Fudge, is the new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher, and the rebellion between the students of Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic begins.


#6 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry believes that Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape are up to something. Harry falls in love with Ginny Weasley, Ron's sister. Towards the end Professor Dumbledore and Harry face an army of Inferi and return to Hogwarts to find that Death Eaters have attacked. The film is due for release in November 2008.


#7 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Harry, Ron, and Hermione's quest to find all of Voldemort's remaining horcruxes begins. It's meant to be Harry's final year at Hogwarts but Voldemort's rise to power prevents him from attending. The trio undergo a long adventure to destroy Voldemort once and for all.

Can anyone identify this photo?

I have been trying to organize the many photos collected over the years and came across this one which appears to have been taken in a hotel. I think I know who these characters are, where was it taken and when?

There are many others that I will post in the future, some from the Ward history project that coincides with the Stake 25th anniversary and our very own family files.

Dadoo!

Rained out

We had plans to hike Neffs Canyon over the holiday weekend however the weather went from iffy to bad, as a result we enjoyed a Movie/BBQ/Yardwork weekend. Below are some photos of Neffs which we hope to hike Saturday


Neff's Canyon is located at a lower altitude in the Olympus Cove area, I believe we hiked this area in the past for Geocaching in the early 2000's. I'm told that it is snow free and will result in some great views and lots of opportunity for calorie burning excitment, yum!

Is that Amish or Amish?

I found these photos in the local Dunkirk NY newspaper, describing an annual auction of Amish furniture and other hand built items. The amish people do not have health insurance and as a result they accumulate large bills at hospitals for emergency care. The proceeds of the auction pays for these expenses. The auction is held in the same community as that of my sister Julie, many people attend from in and out of state as there are some great deals to be found...



"Six years ago, the Conewango Amish community found out they had racked up over $750,000 in hospital bills. Without health insurance, they were charged the full price for doctor bills and hospital care.

Cullen, who has spent time advising the Conewango Amish said, “We have health plans, the Amish are charged retail. We hire lawyers, they choose not to negotiate like this. They told me that they want the Children’s Hospital to make this money.”
Nearly 40 Amish communities participated in the sixth annual Amish Relief Auction at the Empire Livestock Cherry Creek Market. None of the Amish members interviewed would give their names and it’s against their beliefs to be photographed."