Foot Frenzy

There comes a time,when a desert survivor looks for a little culture...

...a place to learn something new...

...a challenge that will help focus the mind...

...a group of wonderful women with whom to share some time...

...and that is called tap class!

Once a week we gather to click our heels and tap our toes, and it is a real treat.

We are preparing for a performance to the tune of Footloose. Here are the first four seconds. It just keeps getting better after that!


"I grew up with six brothers. That's how I learned to dance - waiting for the bathroom." -Bob Hope.

Winter Carnival 2013

Last Friday night we headed out for a school fundraiser called the Winter Carnival. The kids absolutely adore it. Now that we have a munchkin in school, that means we not only attend, we also get to help out. The theme was March Madness and we had a little basketball hoop game. The kids did lots better than me at it! My husband was able to run the booth for a bit so I could get a few photos, do the cake walk (one of my favorites!), and help Desert Girl with a few of the other booths. Desert Boy just came back to ask for tickets every few minutes. He was happy being self-sufficient and winning lots of little trinkets. It was a great night. To see more, check out my other blog.

Sheepherder's Party 2013

I had the opportunity to hear Sourdough Slim last weekend as part of the Sheepherder's Party. He sure is entertaining! He performed for the school kids earlier in the day, and Desert Boy enjoyed it so much. When he saw Sourdough Slim at the dinner, he went up to him and told him how much he liked the performance.

I was inspired enough to get out my old accordion and play a few tunes. It was fun, and I'll try and do it again soon.

For more about the Sheepherder's Party, check out my other blog.

Christmas Nativity Play

 The kids were able to participate in the annual Nativity play this year, something my budding actors really enjoy. This year Desert Girl was an angel and Desert Boy was the innkeeper/priest. I managed to get them to stand together before the start so I could get a photo.

 Then Desert Girl promptly went and tickled her cousin, who was trying to get in a quick nap on shepherd's hill.

 The play is led by the magnificent Sharon, who manages to pull the whole production together despite kids missing practices, limited rehearsal time, and difficulties learning lines. I'm amazed at how she does it all. Thanks, Sharon!!

 After a quick run through of the songs with the piano, it was time to take their places.

 The angels crack me up every year, and this time was no exception.

 They sit center stage for most of the production, and it's just a little hard to sit still and look angelic that whole time.

 Hmmm...

 The audience got a good laugh when an obviously pregnant Mary came out to announce to Joseph that she was with child. Where had he been that he hadn't noticed?

 Soon Mary and Joseph were looking for a room, and the Innkeeper told them loudly, "All my rooms are full!" Desert Boy really got into his part and said his lines with a lot of emotion. He always learns his lines faster than I do.

 Then the baby was born and wrapped in swaddling cloths.

 Meanwhile the shepherds out on shepherd hill were learning the exciting news.

 The angels went over too, and one little angel couldn't help but give a look at her shepherd friend.

 Before long, Three Wise Men were on their way to the Newborn King, with a stop at King Herod's palace, with the guard and priest in attendance. The size discrepancy made the Three Wise Men seem even more impressive!

 The angels were still up on center stage, and Desert Girl was having a mighty hard time sitting still.

 I'm not sure what she was looking at, but it had to be interesting.

 It was almost See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil!

 The older angels were cracking up.

 Then it was time for the grand finale, Joy to the World, and bows. Well done!

 Isaac and Desert Girl were mighty proud of themselves.

It was a really enjoyable production. Again, I don't know how Sharon manages to do such a good job with such limited time. We're so grateful she organizes it, as the kids have such a good time and it is so fun watching them.

Following the play, we attended the candlelight service, which was beautiful and helped us get ready to celebrate Christ's birthday and the bringing of light into the world.

Merry Christmas!

Medical Helicopter Orientation

 Great Basin National Park sponsored a medical helicopter orientation today. The first helicopter that arrived was Mercy Air from Mesquite, Nevada.

 As it set down, anything that was loose started blowing.

Folks that wore hats had to hold on tight to them.
 
 Then came a Lifeflight helicopter from St. George, Utah.

Both companies gave presentations that were open to the public about the services they provide. They both have a pilot, flight nurse, and flight paramedic on board when they respond to an incident.
How long does it take to respond? For both, they said it was about 55 minutes to get out here.

 The kindergarten class finished early enough to be able to check out the helicopters.

 I don't know if they had ever seen the inside of a helicopter, so they were eager to peer in.

 The flight paramedic asked if any of the kids wanted to get on the stretcher. Ava volunteered. Then he said they were going to go to the hospital. She hopped out of there right quick.

 Next it was time to check out the cockpit. Desert Boy was impressed with all the screens.

 Then came the really fun part--trying on the flight helmet.

 Ernesto

 Charlie

 Ava

 Desert Boy

 Meanwhile, at the other helicopter they were showing how to load the patient, stressing not to go anywhere near the tail rotor, and recommending tips for helping secure a landing zone.

 This helicopter is a Bell 222.

 Neither of the helicopters had been out here before, so it's really nice for them to get acquainted with the area.

 The inside looks cramped, but they said they actually have quite a bit of room to work.

We hope we won't need the helicopters, but it's nice to know that they may be available if necessary.

Cookhouse Cleanup

 We had a cleanup at the cookhouse this morning to get ready for the Snake Valley Days Barbeque. This is a fundraiser that benefits the local fire department. It's also a long-time event, and lots of folks return to Snake Valley to visit friends and family.

 The place looked lots better with all the grass cut. The recent monsoons and some irrigating have helped green up the grass.

 The cleanup included some fence paint retouching.

 Janille hefted the 50 pound boxes of potatoes. She is strong!

Next Saturday will be a full day of food prep beginning at 9 am. All volunteers are welcome!

 We had to change a couple of the signs that had last year's date on them.

 Dave went up on the roof to reattach some of the aluminum that had blown off. In the past, the cookhouse has been used six days a week during the summer for feeding lunch to they hay crews. During the past couple of summers, the hay crew has been smaller and they've been on their own for lunch. That means the cookhouse doesn't have the regular use and care, so we have more cleanup to do.

 Kayli doesn't look too thrilled with painting.

 The little kids, however, were thrilled to have a chance to help paint.

 I took off Desert Girl's pants and socks and shoes as I didn't want her to paint her clothes.

 Brian and Desert Girl had a little discussion over the brownies.

Desert Girl's painted look. She was proud of all her painting. I love her chubby little thighs. She's lost a lot of her rolls and sometimes I look at her and can't believe how big she is!

 Then Uncle Tom brought out something that had all the kids running close. I went over to take a look.

 It's a praying mantis!

Sam wanted to get a closer look.

 Sam looked a little unsure of what he's getting into, while Desert Girl gave advice. She likes giving advice.

 The transfer.

 What a cool insect!

 Desert Girl agrees!

 The praying mantis climbs onto Sam's finger.

 He shows it off.

 What a fun way to end the morning.