Celebration of Life

Moving beyond my pain and celebrating life.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Foot prints...

The 'buzz phrase" these days is "leaving a carbon footprint". Even though this is an important concept to talk about, it is not the subject of this post today.

I have often wondered how much of an impact or footprint I have left in the field of victim services in Wyoming. I began my servitude over 16 years ago when I became a volunteer for the Victim/Witness Program in the County in which I lived. Many of you know about the murders of my dear sister Beckie and that of her three boys. Unknowingly, that event launched me into victim services.

I can remember vividly, the names and faces of the hundreds of women and children I helped through the system. I can also remember my mother's encouraging words and sweet smile as I stood before the Senate committee and testified for the 'Life Without Parole" bill as if it were only yesterday. But, did I leave foot prints where someone else can follow? Did I do enough in that journey in which I have now veered from? Have I left people with hope or with despair? I guess I may never know for sure.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

One person's trash....




It is often said, "one person's trash is another's treasure." I do not generally go to yard sales. I have at time's participated and sold my unwanted treasures but I do not get excited about driving around town to other's houses and rummage through their stuff. I know many people like this hobby and have found wonderful priceless treasures; for me, I find no real pleasure in it. I am in no way judging it, I just don't normally participate in this summer event.

Any given weekend, there are 100+ yard sales listed in the daily paper. This weekend my daughter and her mother-in-law are going to host a yard sale. What am I going to do? I am going to keep Brooklyn for the day so she can get to know "Doh Doh" better. The other two girls are going to have a lemonade stand so they will be occupied.

I am looking forward to Saturday and playing with Brook. What are you doing this weekend?
Jo

Sunday, July 26, 2009

A "golden" time with GREAT people...

Wednesday, I drove to Casper to meet up with my two sisters, Rubye and Ellie; we were hosted by our mother's oldest sister, Aunt Goldie.

Aunt Goldie, 85 years young!

Nephew Monte

Monte's wife and daughters...M&M Family

Rubye, cousin Darrell and me

Ellie

Rubye and Aunt Goldie with one of the M&Ms.
It was so good to have good visits, lots of laughs and midnight giggles. I arrived home safely Friday evening to enjoy the weekend at home. There is no place like home but there is also nothing like spending time with those you love!
Have a good week!
Jo

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Saturday on Little Mountain...

Saturday, nine of us rode four-wheelers up Little Mountain in southern Wyoming. From afar, Little Mountain looks like little more than a large hill but as we climbed to the top the elevation was over 8,000 ft. Usually there are still snow drifts along the tree line this time of year but, not this year! Our round trip was 39.1 miles.


Darlene, Tom and their daughter Laura.

Lisa with Katie on the left and Tom & Darlene on the right.

The meadows were lush and green on top of Little Mountain.

A hidden cabin in the woods where we had lunch in the meadow.


An eagle's view from the rim of Little Mountain.

Looking north into Wyoming.





Looking south into Utah. If you look close you can see Flaming Gorge just above the dam.

We all had a marvelous day and hope to go out again before summer is over.

What did you do this weekend?

Jo

Friday, July 17, 2009

Life goes on...Celebrate it...


Friday, July 10, 2009

Blah, blah, blah...

I have the blahs; some call them the blues. I am between jobs and it seems my life is stagnent right now. The things that used to bring me joy and laughter have fallen into a pile of rubble. I have been searching for a kick-start, something that will put me back on track and back into the race but I haven't found it yet.... blah, blah, blah.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Overland Trail

A week ago, I was asking Gary about the Overland Trail which parallels much of I-80 and the the railroad tracks. Since Gary was born and raised in Wyoming and Rock Springs he knows many of the back roads and landmarks. We took a dirt road just south of Point of Rocks. I love Wyoming and history and find it thrilling when I can walk in the footprints of the past.


The Overland Trail was a pioneer trail beginning at several different points. Parts of it were based on traditional Native American trails, and it connected to the Great Trail which led back to the East Coast.

Beginning in Omaha, Nebraska, the Overland Trail followed the Great Platte River Road and the Sweetwater River in the Nebraska Territory across the plains to the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains. There it crossed the Continental Divide, eventually splitting near Fort Hall. Between 1840 and 1860 more than a quarter of a million immigrants used a variety of transportation, including stagecoaches and covered wagons, to make the trek.

The journey across Overland Trails took pioneers 2,000 miles and around seven months. Most groups traveled at a pace of fifteen miles a day. Few traveled the Overland Trails alone . Most of the settlers traveled with their families. Large groups of pioneers joined together to form "trains." Groups were usually led by "pilots" who were fur trappers or mountain men that would guide them on the trails. The journey over the trails usually began in the spring to avoid traveling in the winter. Many people died on the journey due to disease or accidents. Attacks by Native Americans were rare. Many made the journey to California and Oregon because they saw these new lands as a place of endless opportunity. Once the Transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, the wagon train era ended because settlers could now journey to the west coast safely in a fraction of the time.



Overland Trail marker and stage stop just south of Point of Rocks.


Remnants of the stagecoach stop just south of Point of Rocks, constructed from sandstone rock as seen in the background. These stops were placed about 12 miles apart along the trail. Inside this structure there is rubble from the fireplace and chimney.

Overland Trail marker out in the middle of nowhere.


Looking back at where we started on our trek following the Overland Trail.

We ended up about 40 miles south of the Interstate on Highway 480. It was a marvelous day!

Wildlife is abundant on the high desert.






We are heading for the mountains for a long weekend before Gary goes back to work and I continue my search for another job. Have a great week everyone!
Jo