Grandma's Birthday Celebration in St. George

I took a few days off work and went to St. George over last week.  Everyone was converging in St. George for various reasons so we decided to celebrate Grandma's 97th Birthday early.  Others came into town earlier but I woke up bright and early on Thursday and hit the road.  It sounds god awful but I like it.  When I leave, it is still dark.  The  roads aren't crowded.  The countryside is still dewy from the night and everything looks fresh.  I can make it to Fillmore for my standard "bio break" before the sun comes up.  I sat and watched it rise over the mountains as I checked into the office before I hit the road again.   While driving, I take advantage of modern technology of my satellite radio and iPod and listen to music.  Not any music but the music that makes me happy...makes me sing at the top of  my lungs...music that reminds me of different events of my life.  I sang almost the entire 4 hours and arrived in Toquerville promptly at 10:15 with a hoarse voice and a smile on my face.

Our plan was to head up to Oscars by Zions.  I promised Nola next time I went, I would dissect the chicken enchiladas to see if we could figure out how to copy them.  Everything I've had there has been excellent.  It is fresh and flavorful.  It took me awhile to dissect and determine the best description of what I see, smell and taste.  I'm anxious to give it a try.  I don't think I will make it quite as spicy but I suspect I can make a great copy with some intended adjustments.

 

The weather was beautiful in Springdale.  It wasn't very crowded.  I suspect because the government shutdown had just ended...and it was a Thursday morning.  We sat on the patio and I was in heaven.

 

After lunch, we went to Marsha's to visit a bit.  Marsha, Dan, Shirley, Stanley, and John were in town.  It was nice to catch up.  After some visiting, we headed into St. George to have dinner with Grandma.  Grandma was alert and so excited to see everyone.  She enjoyed her gifts.  We ended up eating in the private dining room at the center.  It was actually pretty nice and the food wasn't too bad.  We sang Happy Birthday.  Grandma even asked questions and enjoyed hearing each person's reports.  After our visit, we headed to Marsha's house again for a little visit before we all went our own ways.  Everyone was leaving early in the morning for their own locations.

 

 

I stayed in the Holiday Inn (Zion's North location).  I love this hotel and it is the best available close to everyone.  The beds are comfortable and they have a decent breakfast.  I enjoyed pancakes, sausage, fruit, and milk and juice.  Then I headed over to pick up John at Marsha's house.  One of my goals of going down there was to drive John home.  He brought his Subaru down to sell to Shirley and Stanley.

 

John has a reputation for being a leisurely driver so I was a little concerned that I might move us along too fast.  I did offer to stop as much as he wanted.  I really had no agenda for the day.  Much to  my surprise, I was the one asking for the first stop...and we didn't stop again until we were home.  I used my cruise control to make sure we stayed at speed limit.  There were lots of police out so I wanted to drive careful and not get a ticket.  John is a great storyteller and I always enjoy talking with him.  We chatted the entire 4 hours home.  We laughed and had a great time the entire drive.  I would happily drive John any time.  Not sure he would like my quick trips but it is a great way to make a trip with limited time.  I dropped him off at the U of U in time to have lunch with Mars.

 

It was great to be home Friday afternoon and still have the weekend before me.  It was also fabulous because I forgot my work Blackberry so I could not check in with work.  It was great to see everyone too.