October Occurences

 Quite a bit has occurred this month in our country as well as in our home. I'm starting with what's happened in our country first.

As you all know, the Coronavirus Pandemic hit the USA in February of this year. Our whole country was shutdown for awhile and then the governance was turned over to the states to manage their own because each state had different circumstances. Our state allowed  each city to have some say in how they handled their circumstances. For quite some time our area has done quite well. Our area opened up more, but still took precautions. 

Well, the numbers of cases have started to go up pretty much all over our state. Some schools after starting had to shut down and go virtual because of too many kids or faculty out because of the virus. Confirmed infections per day rose in 47 states, and deaths were up in 34. The virus is blamed for more than 8.6 million confirmed infections and over 225,000 deaths in the U.S., the highest such totals anywhere in the world (taken from the KUTV News).

Our own President of the United States, Donald Trump, and his wife, Melania Trump, along with their son, Barron all contracted the virus as well as others in the White House. Luckily no one had it real bad and all pulled through. This happened 3 1/2 weeks before America votes again for a U.S. President in November. 

 US President Donald Trump has said he and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for coronavirus and are now self-isolating.

Pres Trump, aged 74 and therefore in a high-risk group, wrote on Twitter: "We will get through this together."

The president has "mild symptoms" of coronavirus, White House officials say.

Pres. Trump's announcement comes just over a month before the presidential elections on 3 November, where he faces Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

The development comes after Hope Hicks, one of  Pres Trump's closest aides, tested positive.

In our area at the end of the month, the state health department’s report of the latest COVID-19 indicators included 1,837 new coronavirus cases discovered in testing since Wednesday and another record high 317 patients now in Utah’s hospitals. Since the beginning of the outbreak there have been 5,391 hospitalizations in Utah.

Toward the end of the Bear River Health Department reported 93 new positive cases in northern Utah (68 in Cache County and 25 in Box Elder County.)

There have been 5,285  positive cases over the course of the pandemic in the Bear River District, 4,277 in Cache County, 986 in Box Elder County and 22 in Rich County.

Among the new positives in the district, 3,846 are considered “recovered”. Hospitalizations grew by four in northern Utah Wednesday. There are now 23 from the district in hospitals, 14 from Cache County and nine from Box Elder County.

Utah’s death toll reached 598 with the report of a second straight day of 10 COVID-19 deaths across the state.

Our state was visited by Vice President Mike Pence and Joe Biden's VP elect, Kamala Harris, that is running with him, for a debate that was held in Salt Lake City, UT in the Kingsbury Hall on the University of Utah's campus. Wow, this was a big deal for our area, and it appeared that all went well. Their has definitely been some divide among the Republicans and Democrats during these last four years. It will be interesting to see what happens come November. 

We also had snow fall that stuck to the ground and some pretty cold temps the week before Halloween. It was pretty chilly alright.

Now, sharing what occurred during the month with our family-- Dale and I pulled the trailer over the mountain and hooked up at Blue Water @ Bear Lake and spent the first weekend of the month listening to General Conference among the fall colors outside the trailer. 

It was different watching it on Dale's phone, but we were still touched by the messages and the music. I was even able to see one of my classmates that had sung in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir before his passing, Brent Allen. He's on the bottom row, to the left because for the music they used prior choir numbers because with COVID the real choir isn't present. Neither are many others, just the speakers sitting distantly, and the TV crew.

    

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Sunday the construction of six including one in Utah.

• Tarawa, Kiribati
• Port Vila, Vanuatu
• Lindon, Utah
• Greater Guatemala City, Guatemala
• Sao Paulo East, Brazil
• Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Nelson made the announcement during the last session of the Church's last session of their Semi-Annual General Conference session.

That was pretty exciting to hear that more temples will be built. The gospel is going forth to all nations.

Dale got in some fishing and grouse hunting while we were there. He came home with a fish, but no grouse. I was just glad he had a good time out in the hills.

I read, worked on journaling, and went on a walk. We both enjoyed our quiet weekend. The canyon sure is a blaze will all the fall colors.

               

After dinner we walked up the street and watched Pickleville Playhouse put on The Adams Family. My friend, Andrea Larsen Davis, who is the owner of the place was in the show with some of her kids and a grandson which made it even more fun. They always put on a great show that kicked off the Halloween season.

I ushered for  Dance Odyssey's Thriller at the Eccles Theater. They always draw a crowd, but we did have everyone in masks and their was staggered seating. It was a frightfully fun show to help kick off the Halloween holiday as well.

I also went to lunch with my friends, Kathy Bullen and Teresa Maughan. It's been a while since we've been together so it was great to catch up and visit. Dale and I were able to see Jaxson and Kennlyn play their last soccer games as well. Both did well and have reason to hold their heads high.

We had those that could join us, over for dinner to celebrate Grandma Hansen's 89th birthday. We ate dinner at our house and then met up with those that could from his siblings and we sang and visited with Grandma through the window at Maple Springs where she's living. She looked great and was in good spirits. Nancy, Dale's sister made the Hansen's famous coquets for those there. It was a bit chilly, but we all caught up and got to visit with the birthday girl for a bit. Happy Birthday Grandma!!

The schools in our area had their fall break so we took advantage of it and had Andrew, Lindsay and their kids join us for a little trip to Island Park and Yellowstone. Day 1:  We loaded up the Razor and Grizzly (4-wheeler) and stopped at Bear World to make sure we would see bears on the way there. The kids loved watching the cubs, petting the deer and pig, and feeding the fish. We saw moose, baby bear cubs, swans, and big trout. 

We stayed in a house we rented through VRBO. It was in a great area, close to trails and not far from Yellowstone. Day 2: We headed to Yellowstone National Park to see some animals out in the wild, and we saw that and a lot more of the wonders of Yellowstone. We sure live in a beautiful world.

          

Day 3: We got up, bundled up, and took the Razor and Grizzly for a ride to the top of Sawtell Peak above Island Park after breakfast. It was cold and WAY windy up on top which made it REALLY cold, but the view all around was awesome. I wish we could of taken the view in more, but it was just too windy and freezing cold. Once we got lower it wasn't as bad, but it took me awhile to truly warm up. 

Dale and Andrew took the kids out on the Razor and Grizzly to Warm Springs to see the big fish and area there, but it was still pretty cold, so they didn't stay long. 

After lunch we played some games and then headed out to West Yellowstone and went to see "Yellowstone" in the IMAX theatre and to do some souvenir shopping for the kids. Day 4: After breakfast we cleaned up, packed up, and headed home. It was still cold and rainy so we didn't make any stops, but came home with some pretty fond memories. Thanks Andrew and Lindsay for spending a few days with us.

Matt and Amie went to a couples retreat in St. George for 5 days and asked us to watch the kids so after a night in my bed, I was manning the Mallory crew.

All the kids but Mazin are in school, so he and I became pretty good buddies. 

I took the kids to see the famous Pumpkin Walk in North Logan and we met Dale there, but he showed up after we'd seen most of it, so we quickly saw it again with him. With COVID-19 still around they didn't have any witches so I didn't get to dress up and help this year. It was a little smaller and we had to wear masks, but it was still pretty awesome to see the creativity and talent we have among us. The last scene was a pumpkin wizard which kind of made up for having no witch, but the real deal would of been better. Hopefully next year.

I took Mazin to his soccer, helped him with his Pre-school things, and he helped me around the house. We played games, read stories, did some shopping, had lunch with Grandpa, and went to Jaxson and Kennlyn's soccer games. Jaxson, Kennlyn, and Langston all ended their soccer season this month.

Dale and I took advantage of some of the warmer days and finished getting the yard ready for winter just in time because the day after we got all done, it snowed and turned cold again. A tender mercy in my eyes.

It warmed up enough for us to do a family Halloween party however, yeah! We had everyone wear a costume, games and activities for the kids, broke a pinata, had some fun with food, and ate chili or soup, cinnamon rolls, and a pumpkin vegetable tray.

We had all the guys carve a pumpkin and the family voted on a winner. Andrew, who did the howling wolves pumpkin came in first, Matt's (which sadly isn't pictured) but he did a Halloween scene, came in second, Garrett's guy from the Simpson's came in third. Dale's cat and Jaxson's great pumpkin face came in as a tie at fourth. I'd say we have some pretty artistic carvers. Next year we'll see who wins. 

The Mallory's and Andrew & Lindsay's crew headed home to go trick-or treat in their neighborhoods and Garrett & Zandra, Jorie & Luke went out trick-or-treating around our neighborhood with Dale or I in the Razor.

We all had fun, and wore the kids right out. I think we wore all of us out really, but we did stay up and visit with Garrett and Zandra for awhile after the kids went to bed. It was a great day weather wise too, just a bit chilly in the evening. Happy Halloween!

Dale's niece, Hallie Hansen, returned home from her 18 months of service in the Long Beach-Anaheim California (Spanish speaking) mission, and reported her mission in their ward. I donned a mask and went and heard her talk in their ward. What a beautiful young woman she is and what some wonderful experiences she had. The spirit was strongly felt as she spoke. Welcome Home Hallie!

Nate was back on the trails just 2 weeks after he had run his 100 miler in Utah. That guy is a goer. He explored a new Oregon volcano, by running around it. After he was done he said his legs were feeling a bit sore the last 5 miles. Wow! I would of only made it 5 miles if that! Pretty run though.

He also climbed in the Vantage in the Frenchman Coulee Recreation area in WA. and he got out on the water to go sailing with his friend Diana, but it got real windy so they decided to turn back. You don't mess with a strong wind while you're on the ocean water. Bailing is the right choice sometimes. 

 

He's still showing us that he works on peoples feet and also posts informative, and sometimes pretty gross looking stuff on You Tube. I'm just glad that he knows what he's doing and I'm sure his clients are too. if you want to see Dr. Hansen help a client with a toenail removal procedure check it out on You Tube.

Amie's coaching days of soccer came to an end. She'll be back on the hardwood coaching basketball soon though.

To make the Halloween holiday fun for the kids the Mallory's met up with the Hassell's and went to Frightmares at Lagoon Amusement Park. They also went to Sea Quest and let the kids get touchy and feely with things that live in the sea.  The kids also carved pumpkins. They know how to have fun.

They also know how to cheer up others. They, along with Andrew & Lindsay's family went and participated in a drive-by Trick-or Treat event that Maple Springs held for the residents families. Grandma Hansen was all smiles. I'm sure it made their day. Thank you to the Maple Springs staff for giving us these fun opportunities to get to see Grandma outside of the building instead of through the glass.

Langston and Mazin overcame their fear on Halloween by going to the dentist on Halloween. They both wore their costumes and the treat was that they had no cavities! Way to go guys, keep brushing and flossing and smiling!

Andrew got home from his work tour and was able to get a glimpse of the fully finished look of the newly remodeled Salt Lake City Airport. With Concourse B all done they held an Open House to show it off. Andrew said the airport looks really awesome. 

With October being World Cerebral Palsy Day we couldn't pass on highlighting our dear Nora. We love her determination, grit, smile, and excitement to live life to the fullest. Lindsay said this on her Facebook post: "It’s World Cerebral Palsy Day. We sure do love you Nora! Thanks for teaching us to never give up. You are the strongest girl I know and Mom and Dad are always proud of you".  We love you!

Titan showed his dad that he's smarter than him by conquering the Rubix cube. By doing so he got $10. Way to go Titan! 

They all got into the Halloween spirit and dressed up and went Trick-or-Treating for Halloween.  I'd probably give this cute group a few extra treats if they showed up at my door, wouldn't you?

Garrett's family got out on the water as much as they could until it turned cold. That boat purchase has definitely been work it. 

They took a trip back to Zandra's roots and were able to spend some time with family and friends in Washington state. The original plan was to have Garrett go fishing for salmon with Johnny, Zandra's brother, but the fish just weren't biting so they had more time with him, Zandra's friend, Grace, and on the beach.

From there they drove over to Seabrook, WA and spent time with some friends that own a bike and surf shop and they were taught how to surf. Jorie and Garrett both really took to the surfing. They loved their time in Seabrook.

They were also able to meet up with Uncle Nate and his girlfriend Diana for dinner before they had to head back home. Those family and friends trips are the best.

 Jorie celebrated her birthday and turned 5 years old!! Kindergarten, watch out, here she comes!! She loves to draw, color, write notes, and give hugs among many things. Dale and I were able to share part of her day with them and get a taste of her cool Rice Krispie Cake. Happy Birthday Jorie!! 

Garrett, Zandra and the kids debuted their Halloween costumes a little early by going to a Trunk-or Treat event sponsored by a Realty group that Garrett works with. Can't get enough of that "Hero" feel can you?

Jason and Danica spent a whole month of Halloween in a costume it seemed.  Celebrating. Danica's birthday started it off on the first day of the month! They held a big part to celebrate her 27 years of awesome with family and friends. Happy Birthday Danica!! They also had a lot of family members with birthdays to celebrate as well.

Jason surprised Danica with a horseback ride through Beaver Creek rides in Logan Canyon on their way to Bear Lake as a Birthday gift. He made her dream come true. It looks like it was a beautiful ride. 

They also got out on their bikes and took advantage of the breaks in the weather to enjoy the great outdoors. 

For Halloween they donned new costumes and spent some time with Jason's family as well as with friends celebrating. It occurs to me that family and friends are a big part of their lives, which is key in my book. 

Go team!! (Notice their outfits)

It also occurs to me that the pumpkin knows how to make it in this life. After it's seed is planted and it's watered and cared for, picked and then carved it allows it's light to shine.