Our first day at El Matador beach--an amazing mixture of sand, water, caves and sealife. Thanks to Linda we have the proof that El Matador exists and it is a beautiful place. More photos to come.

A birthday beach photo from 1952. Just wanted you to see the "ridiculous" so you can enjoy the "sublime" beach photos from 2007. On Thursday, Jeff, Linda, Joy and I drove to see the much talked about El Matador Beach (remember my first picture on this blog). Then on Friday Mike drove down to join us--what a wonderful day for me. Hopefully I can post the "proof" of this beautiful beach soon. Thanks to all who made my day!

Many years ago while attending a class on "relaxation techniques" we were asked to close our eyes and picture ourselves in a place (real or imaginary) where we felt perfectly safe and happy and peaceful. Then when we experienced major stress (concerns, hurts, sadness, etc.) we could relax, close our eyes and go to this "perfect place." No surprise that my place was "the beach." You may not recognize it, but over the years whenever anyone in the family has been concerned or sad or hurt, I have gathered you up and taken you all here. We have had some great times being together, holding hands in the water, exploring the old ship on the beach, whatever made you happy.

p.s. This is a real place. The magazine caption read "A Greek Isle." (Amy can relate)

Another fun boating experience -- the paddleboats at the Young Family Herb Farm.

Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Jeffrey. Happy birthday to you--and many more! I tried to time this post at the exact time you were born, but I'm a bit early instead because my blog expert, Allyson, isn't here to coach me. I love you.

Along with loving beaches, I love riding in boats. That looks like "Captain Jack" (Amy) in the stern and Maddie in the bow, wisely wearing a life jacket in case those two "swabbies" in the middle capsize this boat while madly rowing around the lake at Wali World--what a fun memorable trip that was!

A significant Sunday at the beach for me was June 4, 1950. The occasion was my baptism in the Pacific Ocean into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Some of the members of the small Branch in Newport, Oregon.

Lake Mead has miles of shoreline and several "beaches" that have provided much joy when living in another land-locked state. I'm sure Nathan doesn't remember this fun day, but it was a great one for me.

Thanks to Jeff and his kayak, this is another great memory of a day at Lake Mead.

It worked--here is Matthew with beautiful wife, Kelly, and their "beach lover" daughter, Rachel!!

Surf's up!! When you live in a land-locked state like Utah, you have to "create" your own beach sometimes. Like turning up the heat, playing the Beach Boys, wearing your swimsuits and blowing up an inflatable canoe in your living room. Trying to create "beach lovers" among my grandchildren, David, Sarah, Allyson, Matthew, Amanda, Brian, and Sam--what good sports you all were.

Look what 50 years will do! Here are Mike's girls and wife Sandy with me on my first trip to Florida beaches. The sand was so white and soft, the water was warm and the shells were amazing.

Did I imagine it or did someone actually say "life is a beach?" Much of my life has included happy days spent at the beach with family members, walking barefoot through the sand or searching for rocks and shells. When we lived in Newport, Oregon we could see the ocean every day so why would Mike (age one year) need a sandbox when there was an entire beach to play on.

p.s. Behind Mike in the photo is my mother, if you look closely you can see her hands!

(to be continued) more beach photos and memories

new beginnings

This is my first attempt at a blog! Thanks to Allyson's computer expertise, I am "online."