4th of July

John and I just got back from spending the 4th of July weekend in Alta, Wyoming with Dick and Jean. We had a great time. We golfed all three days that we were there. We spend the 4th of July at a party hosted by the Dunns. They clearly know how to throw a great party. The party consisted of good food, great company, and a spectacular firework show. It was great to be able to escape the heat of the city and enjoy a little country life.

Segway

So...John and I just got back from playing golf. We played at a new course in Driggs, ID called Teton Reserve. It was a beautiful course and we actually played pretty well for once. We found something that every golf enthusiast needs! John came right home to see how he could get one. For a mere $5K, you can take one home today. Check out the picture. It actually is a really great invention.

Resident Graduation Dinner

Every , year, for the last 17 in a row, we have a celebration of the graduation of our Residents at the Country Club. Even before that, in 1986, I celebrated my own graduation from the University of Utah Orthopedic Residency Program. This is the night that culminates many years of study and challenges and gives you an admission ticket to the "real world" .



This year, the setting was especially special because it was the same setting where Melissa and I got married. Another beautiful evening with all of the ambience and warmth that Utah has to offer. The soft air of a setting sun with our spectacular mountains in the background. Jacques D'Astous took the picture as a near one year anniversary of that event. While much has happened during the last year (and most of you know about it....) I think that we make a pretty special couple!!!



Following our trip to the christening of the Stockdale in Maine, I have read some of the philosphical books of the Adrimal, a true American Philosopher and Hero and have developed an appreciation of his complete understanding of the Classics, and his study of the ancient (79 AD) philosopher Epictetus. He states, " no one can harm you without your permission". This philosophy carried him through a personal hell of torture and imprisonment in the Vietnam war and beyond. I think it applies to all aspects of our lives, past and present.



John and Mel

So, many of you may know that we are involved in building a house in Nicaguara. It is like Costa Rica about 20 years ago, where land prices are still reasonable and building costs work. These are some pictures of the house in progress and the views from the lot. There are three great surfing breaks inside the community (gated) alone, and many more to be discovered. This house will be our secret getaway. Four other guys are involved and we are looking for a 5th partner. Adios!!!

Snake Alert!

So...I am convinced that I have snake vision. I have a severe phobia of snakes, so needless to say, I don't think we live in the best location. I always make John go in front of me while mountain biking or trail running. He obviously doesn't have snake vision because he never seems to see them. This is a picture of what we found in the road right in front of our house. I guess it could have been worse and I could have come face to face with it while gardening.

Fathers day in Driggs

With the assistance of modern aviation technology, Melissa and I were able to fly up to our favorite airport (KDIJ) and spend an evening with MamaJean and Dick for fathers day. It was a beautiful day and the sites from the airplane were spectacular, like this view of Bear Lake. The view of the Grand Teton was amazing! We made a perfect landing in windy conditions.

The cabin is an incredibly peaceful place. It is quiet, with spectacular views, and a profound sense of quiet. Every sunset is amazing. We had a wonderful dinner of steaks, potatoes, and some special Kistler wines. Melissa and Jean worked on yet another puzzle! Sunday morning we has the special RTS omlet (reproduced nowhere else in the known culinary world!) and then proceeded to play 9 holes of local golf. Then, after a great lunch at the warbirds cafe, we hopped in the plane and made it back for the Smart family fathers day celebration.

It was a great to spend fathers day with both of our fathers (and mothers)...We are all blessed that we have these opportunities.

What do you do on your weekend?

John and I have been super busy battling the weeds. I think we are finally starting to take control. We should have taken some before pictures so that you could truly appreciate all of the hard work that we have put in to have a nice yard. But at the end of the day...you still need to put up your feet and enjoy the view!