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Category: Christmas

27 December 2016

Not dreaming of a white Christmas

December 22-26, 2016

Christmas sunset Kanab UtahChristmas sunset Kanab, Utah

I don’t ever dream of a white Christmas.  Yea, that white stuff is pretty to look at in contrast to a green forest, red-rock desert, or blanketed rolling plains.  But best from some place warm.  Like in front of a crackling fire or my Facebook page.

Foggy SR89 North of Flagstaff ArizonaChilly and wet Thursday morning at Flagstaff KOA.  I didn’t rush because the yarn shop in town opens at 10am.  Found it by 10:10, got what I needed as quickly as possible, trying not to handle all the luscious textiles.

Little Colorado River from bridge SR89 North Cameron ArizonaLittle Colorado River Cameron, Arizona

Clouds over Echo Cliffs SR89 North Arizona

Painted Desert Echo Cliffs SR89 North ArizonaAlong SR89 North water flowed in the Little Colorado River and through the Painted Desert water flowed in Hamblin Wash.  Not something seen often.  Still not heavy rain but wet.  Yet I see vehicles coming towards me with snow on the hood and think they must have come from the Kaibab Plateau.

Snow Echo Cliffs SR89 North Gap ArizonaCame around a bend in the road before the Gap trying to decide if I wanted to take SR89T to Page.  It’s a much easier climb though a little slower speed limit, very little traffic through pretty land on top of Echo Cliffs.  Versus, SR89 a quick climb up about 800 feet through The Cut.  Which I ultimately decided to do so I’d spend less time at the higher elevation and hopefully less snow.

Snow accident SR89 North ArizonaNot so.  It just kept coming down, wet, sloppy, and big flakes sticking to the ground, and slushy lines on the road.  I did see several snow plows going the opposite way.  Passing lanes were only about half wide and with me going no more than 50mph I pulled over as best possible to let the speed demons pass while many others just slipped in behind me content to let me lead the way.  Of course there was an accident.  Sure hope nobody was hurt.

Snow The Cut SR89 to Page ArizonaI wondered what that big climb would be like.  Thank goodness, even only one lane each way, the climb was clear wet pavement with snow still falling like crazy.  Now I used to drive in the worst of snow storms back in Illinois but I’m a little out of practice even in Northern Arizona.  Obviously not the only one as some drivers wanted to go slower than me.  Yet made it to the top and on to Page.  There were even quite a few people parked and walking up to the Horseshoe Bend overlook.  No thanks, not today.

No need to stop in Page but I did pull over by the bridge over the Colorado River and took a few shots because the contrast of snow on the red-rock was compelling.  And I needed to let go from my death grip on the steering wheel.  Unfortunately none of those turned out.

Inversion SR89 West ArizonaAlthough it had quit snowing it was still quite foggy as I crossed the border into Utah.  Didn’t look like anybody had braved driving the Cottonwood Canyon Road.

Snow SR89 West Utah

Low clouds snow Vermilion Cliffs SR89 UtahWasn’t until I crossed the Cockscomb that the snow line rose higher on the Vermilion Cliffs and slowly disappeared from the ground.

SR89 West Kanab UtahKanab was just wet.

Snowing Bill's backyard Kanab Utah

Ranger Bill's Kanab UtahNice not to see the white stuff in Kanab but that didn’t last when it started to snow, heavier and heavier, on Christmas Eve.  The dogs loved romping around in it until soaked and exhausted.  Bill’s son and DIL arrived Christmas Eve from their more northern Utah home.  They spent the afternoon scanning some of his Dad’s photos of the growing up years.  Plus DIL cooked chicken enchiladas for dinner.

Bill gave up his bed to the “kids” so we slept in the camper in the driveway which was plugged in with a heater going almost constantly.  Awoke to a white Christmas and a soggy place at the foot of the bed.  Which in this case is the part of the camper which hangs over the truck cab.  I sleep backwards so my head isn’t by the cold window.

Presents Christmas tree Bill's Kanab UtahSomeone went and got Bill’s sister who lives down the road a bit.  Didn’t take long to open gifts as agreed none of us got carried away this year.  Then I made sausage, bacon and french toast with real maple syrup for breakfast.

Watched a couple of cute Disney-like movies, DIL’s picks.  I liked them and sat in a rocker like an ole granny knitting away on my sweater.  I also cooked dinner, two ducks baked for four hours, stuffing, green beans and bacon.  Bill made the mashed potatoes.

After dinner we watched Star Wars.  I like the series but am way behind as I don’t go to theaters or watch movies at home.

Snow Vermilion Cliffs SR89 East Utah

Cockcomb House Rock Valley Road from SR89 Eastf UtahThe thin white line of House Rock Valley Road

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument SR89 East UtahMonday morning the kids took off for home and to get a water heater replaced.  Oh the joys of home ownership.  I left after things warmed up a bit, read 31F, around 10:30.  The drive back home seemed reversed in more than direction now that Kanab was all white then once crossing the Cockscomb there was barely any snow on the ground.

Navajo Mountain SR89 East UtahHowever Navajo Mountain wore a mantle of white beyond Lone Rock.  And a plume of steam/smoke drifted off from the coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Reservation just past Page, Arizona.  When I cross that state line I think I’m home even though I still had a three hour drive just to Flagstaff for the night.

Navajo Mountain Wahweap overlook Arizona

Lake Powell Power Plant Wahweap overlook Arizona

Navajo Mountain Power Plant Lake Powell Wahweap Viewpoint SR89 ArizonaMade one stop at Wahweap overlook for some shots with the big camera.

Snow Echo Cliffs SR89 South ArizonaJust beyond Page the Echo Cliffs still carried a little white.

Snow Kaibab Plateau Junction SR89 & A South ArizonaBy the junction with SR89A the snow was just a distant memory, like on the Kaibab Plateau where I’m glad not to be right now.

Side mirror Echo Cliffs SR89 the Gap ArizonaSame peak seen in the sixth photo now without snow near the Gap.

Humphreys Peak SR89 South ArizonaBlaring sun made it difficult to photograph Humphrey’s Peak.

Snowy Flagstaff SR89 South ArizonaLots more snow in Flagstaff than Kanab.  Hope there’s a lot less at home.  Low temperature for Monday night 8F.

Although I stayed warm in the camper I don’t dream of cold temperatures any more than I do a white Christmas.  Now, Tuesday, headed home to see how much of that white stuff is left in Kirkland.

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29 December 2015

Fun family Christmas

What to expect, and trying for no expectations, when joining unknown people with Bill for a family Christmas.  There’s J, his son and wife C, a successful and happy young couple with their fur-baby Ranger.  C’s family made up the other 14 representing three generations starting at age three.

Christmas tree Jod & Chantel's Spanish Fork UtahNo one was home when we arrived Tuesday afternoon.  They were all out to see the Christmas lights at the zoo so wouldn’t be back until after dark.  Our job was to feed Ranger then put him outside, which along with Sasha provided a race-track scene as they chased each other around the large fenced in yard.  Sasha wears out first attempting to ignore the still rambunctious puppy Ranger as he jumps, nips and barks.  Sometimes Sasha gives a tiny grrrr, and he usually backs off.  Then she casually walks the fence perimeter just like at home.  No holes or weak spots for potential escape.

Ornaments on Christmas tree Spanish Fork UtahThe family arrived by carloads yet not all together.  That made it easier for me to learn their names as I introduced myself.  Can’t figure out why that happens to newcomers at family gatherings but thankfully I’m not shy.  The first two children, A and B, were friendly, talkative, polite and precocious in a good way.  C’s sis M and husband T have done a great job with their children also including F.  After telling them my name is Gaelyn they asked if they could call me Grandma I told them either one would do.

The next wave came a little faster as C and M’s mother T, the matriarch, arrived with some of her children, V, R and J, and grandchildren in tow followed by her x-husband D—they got along great—with his teenage son W.  His and T’s older son B arrived the next day with his girlfriend H.

Truck camper Jod & Chantel's driveway Spanish Fork UtahAre you confused yet?  I sure was.  Dinner served, first for children followed by adults with everyone in the not too overly large kitchen/dining room talking happily while keeping an eye on the kids who subsequently went to bed, each of the four spare bedrooms assigned to part of the family.  Older kids slept on the sofas.  I was happy to have the camper plugged in and a heater running with an electric blanket to pre-heat the otherwise chilly bed.  Of course the wind rocked us and it got so cold Sasha’s water bowl froze.  Thank goodness for a warm house.

Wednesday we had more of a chance to intermingle and chat with everybody.  Now I’m not a big kid person, as in everyday all day.  I put in my time.  But I do like to interact with children that like to interact with adults.  It was fun.  Especially knowing at the end of the day I could give them back.  Because of all the new fallen snow (did I mention waking to a foot of winter wonderland) Most of the kids and some adults sledded in the front yard then came in with rosy cheeks to cups of steaming cocoa.

Working in the kitchenWhile that was going on the kitchen was filled with women making three hotnesses of salsa.  Several guys at the table where busily cutting up onions, tomatoes and garlic while Bill, who likes the hottest of stuff, chopped the chili peppers.  The rhythm was smooth like a choreographed kitchen dance.  And there was “testing” for flavor of course.

Once that mess was cleaned up T and daughter R taught me how to make tamales for Christmas eve dinner.  The huge pork roast had slow cooked all day filling the house with delightful smells.  I now have a better appreciation for this labor intensive delicacy and feel better for typically paying $20/dozen.  And because I had masa on my hands there are no photos.

Then Bill and I cooked dinner and let me tell you I was a little nervous about cooking for so many.  But I made my favorite chilies rellenos casserole, which even the kids liked, and DIY (adults helping kids) tortilla wraps with choices of burger, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and avocado.  This followed by cookie baking for Santa, and some “testing” and finally some of the guys with T supervising made a pecan and a raspberry pie from scratch.  This is one cooking family.  The kitchen was definitely the place to be.

Amelya Spanish Fork UtahDuring the afternoon of Christmas eve arrangements had been made with a photographer to take family photos, including puppy Ranger, at nearby Jolley’s Ranch park.  The clothing color scheme was gray, black,purple and/or teal, a little more than casual yet not necessarily for a night on the town.  Yet some wore ties with their button-down shirts, ladies mostly in dresses over leggings, and little girls in sparkly gowns.  All wading through about 1 1/2 feet of snow when the lightweights didn’t break through the crust.  The unknowing photographer put Grandpa Bill and “Grandma” me in the middle of the entire family.  After shots with just me and Bill I declined from other family photos.  The kids were so cold their teeth chattered as they were carried to warm cars.  I didn’t bring the camera.

The tamales were a huge hit along with enchiladas.  Once again I didn’t take pics.  But we did get to take home some leftovers.

Chantel with book & Ava, Vincent, Byron & Jod Spanish Fork UtahThe children were allowed to open one specific gift that night, each wrapped in snowflake paper, their Christmas jammies.  Love that idea.  Plus one other present was given to the youngest child who picked an adult to open it, a story book about Christmas, and then pick another adult to read it.  After modeling their pajamas they all lined up on the large couch in the family room and C read them the story.  She’s a 3rd grade teacher and obviously good with kids.  This followed by a “Frosty the Snowman” movie and off to bed with visions of dollies and Legos in their heads.

Presents under Christmas tree Spanish Fork UtahIt was early to bed for Bill and I.  The family tradition for Christmas morning is that no adults can be woken before 6am.  I pre-made the coffee and set the alarm for a way too early 5:30am.  Awoke to more fresh snow.  And many more presents–than seen above–under the tree brought by Santa Clause.

Santa Jod & family Spanish Fork UtahWe didn’t quite make it for the first presents’ opened but there were enough to keep everyone busy for almost two hours.  Presents were handed out by Santa J and primarily unwrapped one at a time to be shared with everyone before put in a specific pile for each child, and adult.  The excitement was contagious.  Trash bags at each end of the room filled with wrapping paper and replaced when full.

In the kitchen Spanish Fork UTAfter brunch of mostly leftovers began preparation for Christmas dinner of turkey, ham, stuffings, green beans with bacon, mashed potatoes, squash, brussel sprouts, gravies, and more.

Grandpa D and J took most of the big kids out in their 4×4 jeeps along with a couple of ORVs to play in the snowy mountains while the younger kids happily played with their many new toys.  I didn’t know Legos had gotten so small as to create amazingly detailed buildings, space ships—Star Wars of course—and even a dragon.

Jod, Faith, Byron & Vincent Spanish Fork UtahDiner was superbly stuffing and the home made pies disappeared.  Everybody to bed early on this weary night.  I, unfortunately was sick that night.  Maybe I just over did it.

Almost full moon Spanish Fork UtahAn overcast sky wouldn’t let us see the Christmas moon so thankfully I’d taken a shot two nights before so it’s almost full.

Saturday afternoon everyone was supposed to go to the movies.  Everyone but me, still out of sorts.  The male adults and children went to see the new Star Wars movie.  I’ll probably wait until it comes out on DVD.  Unfortunately one of the guys had car keys for the vehicle blocking the needed mini van so the little kids didn’t go to the “$ movie”.  I’m rather oblivious about the rest of the day because I never left the camper.

Elf in Christmas tree Spanish Fork UtahEarly Sunday morning, D, W, B & H headed to their respective homes.  Around noon Bill & son J went to a mall.  I was invited along but don’t Do malls well and also figured it was a great time for them to get some one on one time.

Snowy view along SR89 UtahMonday afternoon under partly cloudy skies we headed back to Kanab.

Family Christmas eve Spanish Fork UtahI have to say this is one of the smoothest and most fun family Christmases I’ve been to in a very long time, maybe ever.  The kids entertained themselves, and us, very well with no scrapping or bickering.  Plus  C had many plans to entertain every age group.  I enjoyed them all immensely even though I was worn out.  It was also a challenge for me to photograph the celebration.  I definitely need more practice indoors with people.

Last light on snowy mts Spanish Fork UtahHope you had a Merry Christmas every bit as good as mine.

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22 December 2013

I don’t mean to sound like Scrooge, but….

Christmas display in RV Yarnell Arizona

I don’t mean to sound like scrooge, but…. I just don’t do Christmas. All the hype seems so out of place for a one day celebration. We should give and love every day of the year. So pardon me if I don’t get all gushy. I like decorations around all year so don’t add much to the mess for Christmas. When I buy a gift it has to be given right away not held for a ‘special’ occasion.  So lately when I hear “Only X more shopping days til Christmas.”  I think, YEA!  Only X+2 until it’s over.

Having said this…

Snow on the Weaver Mts Yarnell Arizona

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Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

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