Helium---Up, Up and Away

When I was reading this month's National Geographic, I was surprised to come across a little article that said that helium is disappearing fast. Helium? The second most abundant element in the universe, that accounts for 24% of the elemental mass of our galaxy? Really?

It turns out that although helium is abundant in the galaxy and universe, it's mostly evaporated from our earth due to its "lighter than air" properties. The largest amount was found under the Great Plains states, where it was retrieved in conjunction with natural gas. The U.S. began stockpiling it in the 1960s, becoming the world's largest supplier of helium.

Helium's biggest use is for cryogenics--freezing, due to its very low freezing temperature. It's also used in MRI technology, for keeping flying ships aloft, for welding, and for various space and military applications.

By 1995, the helium reserve was $1.4 billion in debt. So Congress passed the Helium Privatization Act of 1996, which aims to sell off the helium reserve by 2015. What this means is that there's not going to be much helium left in the U.S., and we'll have to rely more on producers in Russia, Algeria, and Qatar for our helium.

Some experts are calling for much higher prices--for example saying that a helium balloon should cost $100.
So when I was in the store last week and saw that a helium balloon was $1, I couldn't resist buying it. If they're going the way of the ivory-billed woodpecker, I want to be in on one of the last helium balloons. It's hard to imagine a world without balloons bobbing on little kids' wrists as they walk through the zoo. And how will kids ever learn how to hold on tight if they don't have the experience of their helium balloon dancing off to the heavens?

We hear about all the changes that we should be expecting in this new millenium. I guess this is one of them. Sometimes it seems like we're getting more high-tech. But I don't think I'll be investing in cryogenics anytime soon.

p.s. If you want to learn lots more about helium, click here.

p.p.s. Do you think it was wrong of me to go buy a helium balloon just because I want some of the last cheap helium?

p.p.s.s. (or whatever the acronym should be): Tell the truth, do you want to go buy a helium balloon now?

Desert Girl's Party

Well, you only turn one once, so I couldn't resist and we had a big first birthday party for Desert Girl. (Yes, you only turn each age only once, but that first year of life may be the year with the most changes!) And although I knew Desert Girl wouldn't remember the birthday, we took photos so we could show her all the fun.

She started off the afternoon in some new duds. She is cute in about everything (this coming from the totally unbiased mother.) She likes that piano, a lot. She plays it almost every day. Or perhaps I should say pounds the keys every day.

The kids and young-at-heart went upstairs and had fun playing with trains, legos, and more.

Desert Boy had a conversation with Nicole. I'm not sure what he was telling her about, but he was animated!

Downstairs, Emma had managed to lose a shoe on her way to find some food. Uncle Dave was accommodating, and she hung out by him until his food was gone. I have a very smart daughter (of course!). In the background you can get a glimpse of the fun to come.

I had some masks for the kids, and they did a quick parade through the house showing off the masks.

Then it was pinata time! It had started snowing outside, so we made some space in the living room and everyone lived in fear for their body parts for a few minutes while the wild swings took place.

Finally the pinata was broken and the kids rushed in for the candy.

Then it was cake time. I had made a separate cupcake for Emma, and Desert Boy insisted that we put the candle into a little plastic airplane on her cupcake.

We lit the candle, sang happy birthday, and told Emma to blow out the candle.

She didn't know what to think about the candle. Desert Boy was at her side, ready to blow it out.

Desert Girl did know what to do with the cake and frosting. It disappeared quickly!

Here she is in the living room with her little friend Stacia, who's just a couple months younger. I wanted to get a photo of all the little ones. That was much easier said than done!

And Caleb managed to sneak into the photo when I wasn't looking! I didn't even know he was there until I looked at the photos later! This is Juliet, Isaac, Emma, and Stacia. What cuties!

We never could get them all to cooperate at the same time, but it still was precious to see them all squirming all over each other and looking in all directions. They will be so much different in just a year!
Next was some chaotic gift-opening, with the slightly older kids more than ready to help. Emma is so lucky to have so many people in her life.

We are really grateful to everyone who came and everyone who thought of Emma on her special day. It's true that it takes a village...

Now Desert Boy keeps reminding us EVERY DAY that his birthday is coming up. He even knows the date (although he doesn't know what the date means and that it's three months away). Birthdays with kids are sure a lot of fun!

Happy Day!

Oh my, how fast a year passes! It's been great. Happy Birthday, Emma!

Ballet West

We got a real treat a couple weeks ago. Ballet West from Salt Lake City ventured out into the boonies to put on a ballet presentation for the school kids. Since I have never seen a ballet and was feeling culturally destitute, I jumped at the chance to attend.

They started with a warm up at the bar, with an announcer describing what they were doing. The kids (and adults) were entranced. We just don't see stuff like that around here!

Desert Boy was really good for the whole performance, sitting on his cousin's lap. Desert Girl wasn't so good, but I still managed to take some photos.

Part of their presentation was getting the kids to come up and participate. There was no shortage of volunteers!

Here the boys are turning their feet to the side and getting ready to jump.

Caleb says, "I did it!" And in snow boots, no less.

Then one of the ballerinas came out in costume. You should have heard all the little girls ooh and ahh.

She showed off her toe shoes and explained all the practice that is involved in being a ballerina-about 6 hours a day.

Then the other performers came out and did some scenes.

The kids loved the scary man. I have to admit I don't know the character!



The dancing was great. Even the boys were fascinated; they really liked all the jumps.

It was great, and everyone wished it would have lasted longer. It was so nice to get a taste of culture, and hopefully we can have another program like that someday! Thanks to Ballet West and to Mrs. Phillips who helped arrange for them to come!

2011 Old Sheepherders' Party

Last weekend we were fortunate to be able to attend the 2011 Sheepherders' Party, celebrating a way-of-life that is fascinating to me. It was held at the Border Inn and attracted a full house. Friday evening was open mike, and we heard some great stories of life out on the range, some risque jokes, super singing, and much more.

The next day we missed the sourdough pancake breakfast and range tour, but we were able to make it to the afternoon program featuring Sid Hausman.

Sid Hausman is a real treat. A talented musician, songwriter, and artist, he had something for everyone in the program. I was in awe of his musical ability, he made it seem so easy!

He switched to a banjo, giving a perfect twang for his Southwest-themed music.

Emma was having a ball. She loves music, and she spent nearly the entire program on her feet, wiggling along to the beat. Here she graces Denys with some of her moves.

Little Desert Girl could really move!

She took a liking to the gentleman sitting across the row from us and took her first step on her own without coaxing to go over to him. I didn't get a chance to tell him afterwards what a momentous occasion it was.

Ukelele? You bet. He made it sound good, too!

Then it was time to get the kids to Grandma and Grandpa's so my hubby and I could go enjoy the Basque-style dinner. It was wonderful not trying to entertain kids for two hours and just be able to enjoy conversing with our tablemates.

The food was delicious: soup, salad, lamb, beef, chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, wine, punch, and ice cream and cookie for dessert.

The cafe was packed, and everyone was having a good time.

I love this photo of Sam rushing off to do something important. He looks great in his cowboy hat!

Afterwards it was time to visit with friends and then get the kids so they could enjoy some dancing to the music of the Silver Sage Band. What a great party. We can't wait till next year!

(If you want to see more about sheep on this blog, click the little blue word sheep below.)