tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45226677460011825992024-02-20T19:31:50.074-07:00Cache Valley UtahBrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-80047925418411426752009-06-14T22:37:00.010-06:002009-06-14T22:54:13.761-06:00Spinach Meals<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwabrl18a6lnEmlLGZU-Gf1PEqlsZ4bcp2_0fa3SHN_NZGNNyHaDKAeh_pyyACwHxG3WBW49lIxWhPfg0xYz1QuCcdss4q6RYztdVatNiKq8GzfU9m5atUVlInV7bUt0o7ZQ0ae88cF9l/s400/IMG_0184.JPG" /><br /><div>The spinach has been loving the rain. I harvested quite a bit yesterday and there's more still in the garden. Since I also went to the gardener's market yesterday and got some fresh eggs, I decided on a quiche. </div><br /><div>I've never made a quiche before, but figured it seems like a dish that would be very forgiving. I used the bacon that had been in my freezer since <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span>, a crust I had in the freezer from ages ago and fresh chives from my garden. </div><br /><div>5 fresh eggs</div><div>.75 cup low fat cottage cheese</div><div>4 strips bacon, cooked</div><div>a bunch of spinach, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sauteed</span> in the pan used for the bacon, chopped</div><div>a bunch of fresh chives</div><div>2 oz blue cheese</div><br /><div>I got over eager and took a sample before I took a picture. It might have been better to not cook the spinach in the bacon grease, but I was at first playing around with the idea of not putting in the bacon, just using it for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sauteing</span>. It tastes fine and it was a good experiment. </div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 426px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFFyrhK_c0OcFe3WOsA-ePMHY_tgjiyXvcc-AYlPcTaxGcrwDZSOpiY0PXgyrKpolApx30DjgTtDqWJCX8D71yReW4XPo-CL4cl1wL53qEo4tdgu4GWD1j-bG_mwzAnOiJUZHPhEnXLPo/s512/IMG_0206.JPG" /><br />I had some left over spinach and used it in soup.<br />chicken broth - homemade that I'd had in the freezer a little while<br />packaged cheese tortillini<br />fresh basil from the garden<br />garlic salt (since I didn't have any salt in the homemade broth, otherwise garlic powder)<br />pepper to taste<br />add spinach in the last few minutes of boiling.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-40970983570841685712009-06-13T12:45:00.002-06:002009-06-13T12:50:19.961-06:00Upcoming Events: JuneJune 19-20<br /><a href="http://www.logansummerfest.com/">Summerfest</a><br /><br />June 21<br /><a href="http://new2logan.ning.com/">Summer Solstice Hike with the Logan Social Club </a><br /><br />June 25<br /><a href="http://new2logan.ning.com/">Meet and Greet at the White Owl with the Logan Social Club </a>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-91918828735481092302009-06-13T10:53:00.000-06:002009-06-13T10:55:34.436-06:00The Weed PatchHere's a picture of my garden part way through the process of de-weeding:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 512px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 384px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwUS0Qiz7GC_ANO2TlhOyYDE4yVcJ3A7-YWc0W8VI5_X36pWCpsfEL4i9bkQilgz3fZBti_SM-W4dhokpZ07POpxDNQGNGXc_sBjuRh90M7YutEXBQuK88SNsszJcYWE0VHop1nx17oHm/s512/IMG_0132.JPG" /><br />Here it is now:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh06AIBQ_daU8nwITc-Q0M6p2EIOJX4m9cRSJXkjrkGE48cTkTMGraTsfxsNrO4JsP2vgFcwwZw6kt9o3PCLotRYkabEHXV8ttDdYrerDUgCsFPjWRtlCfsvGaQOKyGz6ut4lr0mbv7QZE/s512/IMG_0179.JPG"></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 512px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 384px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh06AIBQ_daU8nwITc-Q0M6p2EIOJX4m9cRSJXkjrkGE48cTkTMGraTsfxsNrO4JsP2vgFcwwZw6kt9o3PCLotRYkabEHXV8ttDdYrerDUgCsFPjWRtlCfsvGaQOKyGz6ut4lr0mbv7QZE/s512/IMG_0179.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I notice that I seem to have done some damage to the plaster on the side of my house in this process. Two steps forward, one step back. The after picture is from several weeks ago. Perhaps I should take a new one to show how well that squash plant is growing. It seems to love all the rain we've been having. I'm worried about the tomatoes though. It seems like it's rained pretty much every day the past couple of weeks.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-27450993744463347792009-06-11T00:32:00.000-06:002009-06-11T00:38:17.925-06:00Wildflowers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuU3ET1fszsKOIrV5u6zoI-JpTilaw0lCa17F9JWpr1LeUf6xxEbJasAuoBuycgKYVLrjU9FBckDtXF22UNu2W9mF83XFylfxMFAp9nXlXNJebVujcIHaKJFSvGqvrgisapkJ1qxj7HTdB/s400/IMG_0177.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuU3ET1fszsKOIrV5u6zoI-JpTilaw0lCa17F9JWpr1LeUf6xxEbJasAuoBuycgKYVLrjU9FBckDtXF22UNu2W9mF83XFylfxMFAp9nXlXNJebVujcIHaKJFSvGqvrgisapkJ1qxj7HTdB/s400/IMG_0177.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I haven't been hiking this year except for the one to wind caves. I know I'm missing so much. Here's a sample a friend brought me from Cherry Peak a couple weeks ago. They were all wilty by the time I got them, but perked up well in water.</div><div></div><br /><div></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-50044828155619670282009-06-11T00:13:00.003-06:002009-06-11T00:25:14.089-06:00First Annual Beaver Mountain Music FestivalSeptember 12, 2009<br />3:00 pm to 10:00 pm<br /><br />Tickets $25<br /><br />Live Music from by:<br />Shaky Tree<br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thelegendaryporchpounders">The Legendary Porch Pounders</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKA2cperYPY">Arsen Gang</a><br />Orjazm<br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/conscioushonesty">Conscious Honesty</a><br /><br /><br />This is all the information I've run into. It's from a flyer posted on the <a href="http://www.skithebeav.com/">SkiTheBeav.com</a> website. There's more on the flyer, but it's blurry.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-10649043998201440492009-05-17T16:05:00.003-06:002009-05-17T17:26:16.622-06:00First HarvestI arrived from Alaska this morning. The first thing I did was take a stroll back to the garden. I was happy to see that my tomato plants had survived my abandonment. The next thing I noticed was the weeds trying to reclaim their old stomping grounds. 10 days and they'd nearly taken over the spinach bed.<br /><br />The spinach was fighting back though. I hadn't gotten around to thinning it before I left, not being ready to pick winners and losers yet. Today that couldn't be put off any longer - if for no other reason than to make it easier to weed. The result is a much neater looking row of spinach, with plenty of room to allow growth. AND a bowl of baby spinach leaves - enough for a handsome dinner salad.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-83130740648511096442009-05-06T16:01:00.004-06:002009-05-18T08:01:53.613-06:00Logan City Online Utility Bill PayFor some reason, Logan City isn't including the website for online billing on their bills anymore. The web site is: <a href="https://secure.loganutah.org/UtilBillPay.cfm">https://secure.loganutah.org/UtilBillPay.cfm</a>. You'll need your account number handy and amount of the current bill.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-602454283987470092009-05-05T21:58:00.002-06:002009-05-05T22:00:18.602-06:00Crimson Trail Hike on SundayMeet at 10 at the ranger station to carpool with members of the Logan Social/NewComers club. Deatils <a href="http://new2logan.ning.com/events/sunday-hike-may-10-crimson">here</a>.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-32312249527413137052009-05-05T21:36:00.005-06:002009-05-05T22:01:45.221-06:00Veggies in the GroundOn the Sunday hike, someone mentioned that we were at the 50% frost date - there was a 50% chance that there wouldn't be any more frosts. Then I looked at the 10 day weather forcast and there's not going to be a frost for another 10 days. I took a chance and started throwing plants int he ground as quick as I could. <div><br /></div><div>I didn't drive home immediately after the hike, but made a beeline to Lowes where I bought a bunch of herbs. I torn out a bit of sod near one of my new pear trees, not far from the weed patch and threw in an herb garden. Yesterday, I went nuts at Home Depot and bought 11 tomato plants, 3 peppers, 2 cantalopes, a zuchinni, a yellow squash, a tomatillo and a water melon. They're all in the former weed patch. I'm a little obsessed with tomatoes. <div><br /><div>Tomorrow I'm headed to Alaska. I feel like I'm abandoning my children. I got a babysitter, but these aren't toddlers. They're infants. The kind that you don't leave with a stranger. Probably they're biggest threat is still frost, but I'm feeling lucky. There's no frost predicted out to May 14th and the <a href="http://cdo.ncdc.noaa.gov/climatenormals/clim20supp1/states/UT.pdf">10% frost date is May 20</a>. If the forecast is right, surely there can't be more than a 20% chance of frost now. Here's hoping...<br /></div></div></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-48247880988740468032009-05-04T12:35:00.006-06:002009-05-05T21:54:06.345-06:00Envision Cache Valley Town Hall Meetings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Arial;font-size:12;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Join your neighbors at an upcoming town hall meeting. Get involved today!</span></strong></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">At the</span><a href="http://www.envisioncachevalley.com/index.php?id=5"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Envision Cache Valley Town Hall Meetings</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;">, Cache Valley residents will learn about the four growth scenarios developed from ideas explored by the public at the workshops. Residents will weigh their potential impacts on air quality, infrastructure costs, water consumption, housing affordability, and other measures that affect quality of life. Participants should plan to attend the entire 75 minute event, so they have time to review the scenarios, hear the presentation, and express their preferences through wireless technology. Feedback will be used as the basis for the draft Cache Valley Vision, a set of principles and implementation suggestions to serve as a voluntary guide for long-term growth decisions.</span></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Envision Cache Valley Town Hall Meetings</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">Tuesday, May 19:</span></strong></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Hyrum 2:00 p.m. - Hyrum City Building, 83 West Main Street, Hyrum</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Smithfield 5:30 p.m. - Senior Citizen Center, 315 East 600 South, Smithfield </span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Preston 5:30 p.m. - Robinson Building, 186 West 2nd North, Preston</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">North Logan 7:30 p.m. - North Logan Library, 475 East 2500 North, North Logan</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Clarkston 7:30 p.m. - Clarkston City Hall, 50 South Main, Clarkston</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">Wednesday, May 20:</span></strong></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Richmond 2:00 p.m. - Pepperidge Farm, 901 North 201 West, Richmond</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Dayton 5:00 p.m. - Westside High School, 775 N. West Side Hwy., Dayton</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Nibley 5:30 p.m. - Nibley City Council Room, 625 West 3200 South, Nibley</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Providence 7:30 p.m. - Elementary School, 91 East Center Street, Providence</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Cache County 7:45 p.m. - Historic Courthouse, 199 N. Main, Logan </span></li></ul><p><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">Thursday, May 21:</span></strong></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Wellsville 5:30 p.m. - Tabernacle Theatre, 75 South 100 East, Wellsville</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Millville 5:30 p.m. - The Pavilion (Providence S. Stake Center), 360 East 450 North, Millville</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Mendon 7:30 p.m. - Mountainside Elementary School, 235 East 125 North, Mendon</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Logan 7:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers, 255 North Main Street, Logan</span></li></ul></span>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-68409370108355694462009-05-04T10:46:00.002-06:002009-05-05T21:54:20.630-06:00Trail ReportThe <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/uwc/about/districts/logan/Rec_Update.pdf">trail report</a> at the Logan Ranger District hasn't been updated in a while, but I imagine as the season progresses, you'll find it updated more often (check the date at the top). The trails are listed near the end of the report. Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-79325021996669493532009-05-03T21:30:00.018-06:002009-05-05T22:00:36.491-06:00First Hike of the Season<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZFE7yu7DizcJMCQ82iJvySf41rR3eNpTc5P9gNgJ4iEZ5GjNYaHNL2n6Y54GDEvy4hzWt9YCFcv-H2y4g54sbc8ZkbHd1-9dhduBYteUJ4zmKa51xknCR3_xNlKL0ogb7ciyQa6tWW5s/s640/IMG_0173.JPG"></a><br /><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOzd6jkUpliOJzn0Rw8CYGOM_5wWGnmQA3w1nWe7FD8ytnE5lqg4TvIHVf-GTGn7TVqDbXNdfw-_PbFltfPbRoUgaDnCUJlktGHaMf1SMG8FnxRah9f9mpRS8yACnLlGWBBBdnDFti8uX/s640/IMG_0162.JPG" border="0" /><br />For some reason I want to blog about all the hikes I do this season. Mostly, I want to get to some of the hikes that you can't easily get information on and provide some record of them. <a href="http://www.logancanyon.com/index.php?id=21">Wind Caves</a> is not one of those. It's one of the most well known in the canyon.<br /><br /><div>The trail was muddy from all of the rain we've had recently. In places it was hard to get traction to walk up and/or get down without sliding. The weather was drizzly when we started, but cleared up about the time we reached the caves. I was happy to have my ankle high gortex boots for the one stream crossing we had to do. It's always easiest to stomp through rather than trying to balance from one rock to the next.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was all in all a good first hike of the season. I thought the rain might make us cold. But I think everyone - including myself wore enough clothes to keep warm. Typical me in Utah: I prepared for the cold and ended up hot - so the rain was actually refreshing. The rain let up just in time for the hike down. The clouds were particularly neat, quickly moving through the canyon, building up in pockets against the mountains and then dissapating. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA-gf3OymodaP87Ov-I6tu4uoLs8Nid1No6scRG1XfxeU_W2kCqKLBrln2hb-a5tIHmpfiC4Jo5Rzv2dRBHkfHx1tFJmJnIhy5yM_sBbEg248Ic5_OyUx28QsT3j8cII_SogqI9m4VCpW/s640/IMG_0153.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div>There's plenty of green, but not too much is blooming. There were lots of these little yellow buds around though.</div><div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rza2nyf3-HzP0bgRcw75GSMpbNH21r-JqqTP7_KVr3YKgBi-VQNTlnhFQ9CN8MSh8JGYyGoUBL3ZS1X_yXAkdR6cL8vXzdXAYcTf2Nst9zlRCug2_i3DYckIXK_HKGSItQtPIjUB-BNZ/s512/IMG_0168.JPG" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I also learned a new bit of information today. There is also a trail called Wind Cave Way. The split off for it is at the brown verticle "Wind Caves" that's about 1/2 the way to the caves: go right at the split. It was built by Cache Valley Hikers and goes to the ridge. My guess is that it probably meets up with the Preston Valley trail that comes out of Green Canyon to the same ridge. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238)"> <img style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyLYUa0YGhnNpGIScxz3SRZhyphenhyphenZQhxW_IvFB-xWxFfrComgRyl28trLYzJWdBNYIGWyeBBamxRhGOYSLdQj2WnYb64mxO7lNfW8LzKAP6s85fLyomhgZKsvFZYBs2iAnh4oGqQtepm4UPL/" border="0" /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">A fellow hiker also mentioned a hike that goes up a ridge, starting on the north side of the mouth of green canyon. I'm assuming it's from the parking area directly to the left of the Shoreline trail as you enter the canyon. He said there's a picnic bench a little bit up the trail and the trail continues at least 4 mi up. You can probably follow the ridge a ways further and perhaps meet up with Cherry Peak. </div><div></div></div></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-57963701879479739402009-04-30T16:40:00.007-06:002009-04-30T17:27:22.817-06:00No Swine Flu in Cache Valley...YetI might have thought Utah would be protected more than other states, particularly out of ski season. But I guess the locals have been high tailing it to Mexico for mudseason and they've brought back pandemic flu. Swell. The <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12264228">Salt Lake Tribune </a>is reporting that there are 5 cases in the state. Here in Cache Valley, we take our threats seriously. A coworker just went out to grab some hand sanitizer and it's getting hard to come by.<br /><br />It's hard to know what to make of it. But 20 people here, 6 people there, surely there are more people with flu than that on a typical day anyways. I sat in a pandemic flu preparedness workshop when avian flu was going to strike about 3 years ago. The worst case scenario is bad...way bad. Just what we need to follow the subprime crisis. <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12265483">Shutting down schools</a>, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/30/swine-flu-mexico-government-lockdown">businesses</a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/01/health/01travel.html?ref=business">airtravel</a> (part of the typical worse case scenario) is sure to do us in if the flu doesn't. It did make me think what's worse, the flu or our reaction to it? That's actually what I'm most worried about. Everyone freaks out - won't travel -won't go outside - service industries have no one serve - maybe no employees - recession becomes depression.<br /><br />Since I figured I couldn't in good conscious not be prepared for pandemic flu after spending a whole day learning about it, I each went so far as to get an N-95 respirator mask at the time. Two actually. I used one just last week when sawing (before the threat of pandemic flu reared it's ugly head again). Thank goodness I have one stored in a safe place. I wonder if I should use it on my flight next week.<br /><p>Economic observation: I give it two days before someone says that pandemic flu is going to have a positive impact on the economy (just like WW-II and the great depression!). Then perchance the economy turns around some time within the next year. For the next 75 years people will speculate about how disease or natural disasters are just what you need in an economic downturn (since war isn't working as well as it used to). </p>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-75101386155791146452009-04-29T23:32:00.010-06:002009-05-05T21:54:51.347-06:00Mountainous CakeMy friend Becky made a very cool cake for her boyfriend for his birthday. It was a volcano, errupting raspberry sauce, with dinosaurs all around. For some reason when <a href="http://bryandcare.blogspot.com/">Carrie</a> started talking about what to do for Scott's birthday cake, the inspiration came back. Here's what happened:<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330354524678959106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCcYVBXPr498XJsim2M54Mv3XDAP6QdH32yl_Ox179O5M7oVdlmuqm3GvlT_umcCiFQ_bo9saDuhohZcJ8ndyYFd7nx6vOb4DkQymlT3gqt4jNg8jMwTIJCwVr9KJUI-mWzIy7c_boVrt/s320/IMG_0134.JPG" /><br />It's a 9x13 cake, with cake in a bread loaf pan on top as the base of the mountain range, then a large cupcake and a mini cupcake for each peak. It's all covered in chocolate frosting, a drizzle of ganache at the peaks, coconut for snow, food coloring and coconut for grass, and swedish fish.<br /><br />Scott likes to fly fish, among his many outdoor activities. Carrie looked and couldn't find a biker or skier. Good thing, because we would have run out of room on the cake.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330354746773296274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QBeEkrZtlKRVKBaTlt1lDqW0VZtqI5qaUfOwzWEusrmvCMgf-cWNIF1dvMNgziOVQEbnXdLRCDe_Pi7ZfiXqSeq8BAtnW8DC-7D8sUtUCxv92mfYctLn7qEiVd8Xm4JH14H7tl1VEd-H/s320/IMG_0136.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-53216505315890021162009-04-28T07:50:00.005-06:002009-05-05T21:55:04.397-06:00Sprouting Spinach!<div><div>A little over a week ago, I planted some spinach. Sunday I noticed a little sprout, but thought there was a good chance it was just grass creeping into my spinach bed. The test for sprouting spinach is many little sprouts that look basically the same. Yesterday afternoon, they were there. They each look like two little sprigs of grass growing together. Less than 40 days left until I have my own home grown spinach.</div></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-34867339356704495142009-04-10T18:14:00.002-06:002009-05-05T21:55:21.161-06:00Upcoming NewComers Events and New WebsiteLogan NewComers has a new <a href="http://www.blogger.com/new2logan.ning.com">website</a>. You can check out upcoming events and join the club through the website and RSVP for events. This actually gives members the functionality that we've been asking for a while.<br /><br />In gearing up for the NewComers' season (most people move in during the summer) - there are a couple Meet & Greats coming up. If you're new to the area, this is a great way to get linked up with people of similar interest. If you've been around for a while, and would just like to meet some new people, you're also welcome.<br /><br />For the latest upcoming events check out the club's new webpage at:<a href="http://new2logan.ning.com/events">http://new2logan.ning.com/events</a><br /><br />April 11 Saturday Settlers of Catan Cache Valley Championship<br />April 12 Sunday Vegetarian Potluck<br />April 14 Tuesday Yoga<br />April 16 Thursday Meet and Greet - Firehouse Pizzeria<br />April 22 Wednesday Book Club<br />April 23 Thursday This American Life - Live! (Radio Movie)<br />May 2 Saturday Girls Night Out - Spa Day<br />May 12 Tuesday Meet and Greet - Black PearlBrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-6958580892198550052009-04-10T17:51:00.001-06:002009-04-10T14:54:10.382-06:00Logan Canyon - Sites and SpotsGoogling around to update a link, I ran into this nice <a href="http://www.logancanyon.com/index.php?id=14">overview of Logan Canyon</a>. It provides 31 "sites and stops", including campgrounds and trails. It's useful for play in the canyon if you're not familiar with all the typical landmarks and place names.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-43887341737328654582009-04-10T14:32:00.004-06:002009-04-10T14:38:39.522-06:00Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Fundraiser in SLCIf you're going to be in Salt Lake on this Saturday, April 11th, check out the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraiser at <a href="http://www.piperdownpub.com/">Piper Down</a>. 1492 South State St., SLC.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs3DnNgs59hT384w55hRQy67A8E22SNDpiwjpV6rfZZgQM0o_j7pDfw5gXv9MUG7GMH3Ec5cXvywOW7YluYvJR7eCyCUrZIkq6cfg6WMajtViioQwzgWqWRhl8aESOzmsBhEHdCqn-mB2/s1600-h/fundraiser3_copy%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323163725340852978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs3DnNgs59hT384w55hRQy67A8E22SNDpiwjpV6rfZZgQM0o_j7pDfw5gXv9MUG7GMH3Ec5cXvywOW7YluYvJR7eCyCUrZIkq6cfg6WMajtViioQwzgWqWRhl8aESOzmsBhEHdCqn-mB2/s400/fundraiser3_copy%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-59370041842839985152009-04-06T20:07:00.018-06:002009-04-07T12:48:39.267-06:00Flocks of Phlox?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321767798349396962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2pcpqi2FEh80T0XAt7bQoJMPg6pZVUuToCJdR2Qd65dZ5hsNMt-NDLr_CTgbRa9alqW-nw87vddgSpddXbZPKc5nP_NZ9BZ6u11sQjGmLh5XD5TXi8_xc8_WIXM49UEsOnGfngOycZzl/s320/IMG_0114.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>The first bulb plants are starting to poke out. As yards are filling with the early signs of spring, I'm kicking myself for not being able to commit to a location for hyacinth, crocuses and irises last fall. </div><br /><div>In the mean time, I'm wandering around my yard, inspecting the apple trees for signs of budding and wondering if the daphne has just gone off and died. I'm also inspecting everyone else's plants to see if mine are keeping pace. Or perhaps someone else has planted a hydrangea, so I can safely plant the one I've been nursing inside for a month.<br /><br />In a welcome sign that spring is finally here for me as well as everyone else, this morning I happened upon these little babes.<br /></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321768037420896386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVwMQxwmsnqh86Mn5pGRYYIJT-4r4KpQmb6ctDNPARBTisC9bau2jWMczl0Hylc30BhLyFNJ49CUm4v8C-z-Io7eI5YQP2iBhaJMpE9ly8KdUvhbx21eAS2hblT3-nUN5w_U3HLwUVX4u/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>There are in fact two clumps of them, right where I planted perennial phlox last autumn. In fact, that's the only reason I have for believing that it is phlox. I wouldn't be at all surprised if it's not a clever weed, tricking me into watering and feeding it. </div><br />It had also somehow escaped my attention that the coral bell has been underway for quite sometime, camoflauged against the mulch. Sneaky little bugger.<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321770073072082850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxnAIjA3Y6hb119QgUHfln_R-VGZkKucYLpMaYcK3pYgoV_RvsmqIb5vGtUTi5HgKUN6gFgtixlIKZoaNOMZfaAhVi41n71REITUHGgLymTpvkj_VFZ68aYaa-_f-t8mKOTghP8iWdAQ3/s320/IMG_0122.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2awjLPPDeX1L5zQ1A_6AUm5C-ztn1snj-KTjIzJdZ5ggEEnAiU-PXHQ6l_vAe3GidFR-P1cCaynuGI9_H9N8iJTn43gc0pIvfrh59JPYrfOATUORHlyDCjHmz4x8El839yvL-y7E1ZDD/s1600-h/IMG_0113.JPG"></a>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-46919719444836928822009-03-04T10:16:00.005-07:002009-05-05T21:55:41.040-06:00Envision Cache ValleyEnvision Cache Valley is a project to collect public opinion and feedback about future development of hte valley. Check out the website to learn more about the project. By taking the online survey you can learn a lot about the project and give your feedback.<br /><br />Attend a workshop to have a great voice in the process. You can attend any of the workshops regardless of where you live. Light refreshments provided. RSVP to Mary at mdavies@envisionutah.org or (801) 303-1462. Workshops will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.<br /><br />The ones remaining:<br /><br />Mar. 4th<br />Hyrum - City Hall, 83 West Main<br />Wellsville - Wellsville Elementary School, 90 East 100 South<br /><br />Mar. 5th<br />Logan - Mt. Logan Middle School, 875 North 200 East<br />Hyde Park - City Hall, 113 E. Center StreetBrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-60000112771250503962009-02-19T21:34:00.003-07:002009-05-05T21:56:03.973-06:00Firehouse Pizzeria FundraiserTeam in Training is having i's second annual fundraiser at the Firehouse Pizzeria. This one promises to be an even bigger success and more fun than last year's. We have four live bands playing<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bruce Moulton, Jacob Davidson,<br />Jan Reed Summerhays, and American Attic</span></span><br /></div><br />There will also be a raffle, silent auction, cash bar and all you can eat pizza and salad buffet. And it supports a great cause.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Location: </span>Firehouse Pizzeria, 880 South Main, Logan, Utah<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Time: </span>4:30 pm - 9:00 pm<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cost: </span>$20/person, $15 w/student ID, $6 for kids under 10.<br /><br />To see more about the event, Team and Training, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, check out <a href="http://logantnt.blogspot.com/">logantnt.blogspot.com</a>.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-73439885063185111922009-01-14T14:46:00.002-07:002009-05-05T22:05:25.098-06:00Word of the Day: Yard SaleYardsale: A wipeout so serious that the person is sprawled on the ground with all their equipment spread around them. - From Bart King's <em>The Pocket Guide to Mischief</em>.<br /><br />Usage: The collision with the rental rodent resulted in a double yard sale.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/olRW3y4GSC4&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/olRW3y4GSC4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-37579327906958398132008-12-28T15:06:00.001-07:002009-05-05T22:05:38.063-06:00Word of the Day: Rental RodentRental Rodent: A kid on a rented snowboard or skiis. From Bart King's <em>The Pocket Guide to Mischief<br /></em><br />Usage: You can't seriously be going to Park City this today, the mountain will be overrun with rental rodents.<br /><br />Confession: I've never heard this before, but thought it still might be a fun word of the day. We don't have so many rental rodents at Beaver. You're more likely to have a tike zoom past you on his/her older siblings' gear.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1lSDoxr2bDY&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1lSDoxr2bDY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><em></em>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-20687452870784254452008-12-28T10:51:00.003-07:002009-05-05T21:56:19.530-06:00Yule Log!! December's Daring Baker's ChallengeThis month's challenge is brought to us by the adventurous Hilda from Saffron and Blueberry and Marion from Il en Faut Peu Pour Etre Heureux.They have chosen a French Yule Log by Flore from Florilege Gourmand.<br /><br />The challenge it to make a log that includes ALL 6 of these elements<br />1) Dacquoise Biscuit<br />2) Mousse<br />3) Ganache Insert<br />4) Praline (Crisp) Insert<br />5) Creme Brulee Insert<br />6) Icing<br /><br />The hosts have made all sorts of recommendations for using different flavors for the layers. I may have to make two so I can try out my favorites. I'm thinking of making one following the hostesses' first choice flavors and one with alternative flavors, leaning toward the tropical.<br />Chocolate<br />1. Almond Dacquoise Biscuit<br />2. Dark Chocolate Mousse<br />3. Dark Chocolate Ganache<br />4. Praline Feuillete<br />5.Vanilla Creme Brulee<br />6. Dark Chocolate Icing<br /><br />1.Coconut Dacquoise Biscuit<br />2. Mango Mousse<br />3.Dark Chocoalate Ganache<br />4. Coconut Crisp<br />5. Chocolate Creme Brulee<br />6. Dark Chocolate Icing<br /><br />This month, I am not going to make the mistake of trying to write the entire blog in 15 minutes sitting in a friend's kitchen. I throghoughly enjoyed last month's and I'm not sure if that came across. This months' looks like quite the challenge. So many parts! Luckily I have family coming at the end of the month, so I'll have someone to share it with.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522667746001182599.post-9192732103584844102008-12-22T18:13:00.005-07:002009-05-05T22:05:53.542-06:00Ruby PipelineAn <a href="http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=9554405&nav=menu554_2_3">Idaho ABC affiliate</a> is reporting that the Cache County Council has taken a neutral position on running the Ruby Pipeline through the county. This reverses an <a href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_/ai_n25167746">earlier decision</a> by the council to no allow the pipeline. The buried line will run from Wyoming to Oregon and serve California and Oregon.<br /><br />I attended a Cache County Council meeting several months ago in which a representative from a local government in Wyoming gave advice to our County Council members on making decisions regarding the pipeline. The major message of this gentleman was that the county could position itself to gain from the pipeline, but that it would have to be well organized to do so. The impression I was left with was that the pipeline company could be quite forceful. If the county isn't careful, we could end up with a pipeline that served no one but the citizens of California and Oregon. If the pipeline company is able to get federal approval for a route and a private landowner along the route will not sell, it will be able to use federal laws to condemn the land.<br /><br />It seems that the Cache Cache route was considered after several obstacles arose for a route through Idaho. The reasons cited at the Council meeting for considering the Cache route were a prohibition of locating the pipeline too close to (within eyesight of) the Oregon trail and cost savings. The BLM doesn't want the pipeline going through national forest with out road access as would happen on the northern route. Additionally, it sounds like there are many pipelines in a cooridor along the norther route, so it may be getting a bit crowded.<br /><br />The original reasons cited for the "no" vote on the pipeline were environmental impacts and a disrespect for the private landowners. The reason for the reversal seems to be that no one spoke against the pipeline in an October public hearing. If you've ever had to follow an issue through the county council, you'll know how difficult it is to find out whether your issue is going to be on the agenda. The agendas are not published in advance. The most recent <a href="http://www.cachecounty.org/council/agendas.php">agenda published on the website </a>is currently from September. You basically have to subscribe to the Herald Journal where I assume they publish at least the public hearings. Or you can call every two weeks on the day of the meeting and ask what's on the agenda.<br /><br />I do hope the county saw to resident's concerns regarding preservation of the national forest, private landowner rights, and reduced natural gas expense for the area before reversing their decision. But I am skeptical that this has occured. The <a href="http://www.cachecounty.org/docs/council/minutes/2008//December%2002%202008.pdf">minutes</a> from the December 2nd County Council meeting don't reveal much.<br /><br />The proposed route is through the Cache National Forest, southwest of Hardware Ranch, North of Porcupine Reservoir, near Avon, then north of of Mantua, over to Brigham City. You can see the topo maps (and perhaps make more sense of them than me) at the <a href="https://www.stoprubypipeline.org/Home_Page.html">Stop the Ruby Pipeline Coalition website</a>. A <a href="http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/pdf/Archive/Talk/talk.politics.libertarian/2008-06/msg00021.pdf">newsgroup ariticle</a> explains the case against the proposed route.<br /><br />Since it seems that these pipelines seem to be constructed in utility cooridors, I wonder if this is the first step in establishing a new cooridor.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01109123390968681784noreply@blogger.com0