The Ukon Express

Freeze warnings have been given a few times the last few weeks. It has been a very interesting spring. Richie's soccer games have been very cold, snowy and windy. Freeze warnings strike fear in gardeners trying to get an early jump on the rest of the competition (anyone anywhere that plants the same kinds of plants). We have used some interesting ways to protect our little plants.

Grandpa Hawkins gave me the little cold frame seen in the image above. We have had this for about 18 years. Lynne and Richie are attaching some plastic because the plants have grown so fast under the cold frame. We propped up one side to give the the needed room and attached some plastic on the raised side. We also put a about 5 gallons of water to help warm the space. The gallon jugs warmed by the sun give off heat throughout the night. This was Richie's idea so I give him props for this strategy.

After wrapping up the cold frame, we secured it with a heavy brick. All the tomato plants in this structure survived the cold. A few had some damage but they have grown back and look unscathed.

In the next design, we surround the plant with some jugs (the Richie method) and cover with plastic. Worked great, no damage was seen on the plants. We also had a few walla-water's that worked great on a few of the plants.

A closer look at the Richie method you can see the protected tomato plant from freezing temperatures. We outfitted these plants in the early evening with hot water in the jugs.

These tomatoes were planted inside large (6 feet high) tomato cages, so we had to try to cover and insulate them. This method did not work as well as the others, and unfortunately we lost a couple tomato plants. On the bright side, Rich and Grandpa G. has bought SO many tomato plants, that I think we will survive. (I believe they have actually purchased over 80 plants!!!)

Blossoms Galore

We have had a great bloom this year. These images were taken about 10 days ago in the midst of the pollinating efforts of many bees, wasp and flies. We had a short window for pollination before the weather turned bad. Luckily the temperature have not fallen to destructive levels (cross your fingers and toes).

Our two plum trees should be heavily laden with tasty fruits this Aug. Both are Japanese plum varieties. We planted our little orchard about 15 years ago.

In the foreground is one of my tastiest fruit tree varieties. I think it is called Alberta Queen. Very sweet like the July Alberta but larger and stays attached to the tree longer while ripening. The yellow bush in the background is a Forsythia.

Spring in Utah can give you flowers in the valley and winter in the mountains. In fact our mountains just got clobbered with a couple of feet of snow. Well enjoy your gardening

Starting the Garden

In the beginning there were ONIONS

Richie helped me till the garden and ready it for planting. We love onions and plant them very close so Grandpa can pick and eat fresh green onions with lunch and dinner. In mid summer they are spaced appropriately for large growth. I have found the perfect variety for our area. It's name is Super Star, an "All American Selection Winner". This onion is tasty at all stages of development. I usually try another new variety every year to compare. I started with Walla Walla and Super Star kicked onion butt if there is such a thing. This year the challenger is "Onion Candy" In a few months we will see if the challenger can dethrone the Super Star.
We use Grandpa's trench method for quick plantings. I like to buy onion starts instead of planting seeds.

Once the trench is made Richie lays the onion in the trench and I follow covering the developing bulb with soil. Heather was kind enough to take the image for us. This was one of our first warm days this spring (about 3 weeks ago)

A little soil in front and back and the tasty morsel has started its seasonal journey in our little garden.

Last week we planted beets in front of the onions and peas behind. With proper watering and fertilization I have been able to grow three little crops in this very small area (in between the chain linked fence and the brick retaining wall). I will share some images once they start to grow. I know some of you do not have much space but a small pot can help you grow some of your own healthy food.

Spirng Tournament at UVU

Rachel had her spring tournament today at UVU. We enjoyed watching her play a new position. lebro and defensive specialist. Her team struggled a little but one many games. They beat the University of Utah and other good teams.

Before serving, Rachel has a tradition of bouncing the ball as quickly and as low to the ground as she can.

She did amazing on her serve. I think she was the only one on her team who did not miss a serve. Good job Rachel!!

I am still getting used to seeing her pass the ball instead of setting the ball, but she is learning her new position well.

She is still her scrappy, aggressive self on the court.

and her bubbly, positive attitude is so contagious for all around her.

Rachel's team seem to really like playing together. I think they are also happy to get through the semester and pack up for New Zealand and Samoa.
Yes you heard me right, her team is going over seas to play volleyball and do some service projects-- Have fun girls.

This tournament was good for all the girls to get some time on the court and work on their skills.

Nice platform Rachel

You can see the concentration! Good pass Rachel.

UVU ended up in third position in this tournament, beating Utah, UNLV, Splitting with Utah State and finally losing to Southern Utah.

Congratulations and have a fun trip girls!

Happy Easter

Spring is a wonderful time of the year and Easter is a holiday I look forward to. When the kids were young we colored eggs and enjoyed many hunts in and out of the house (depending on weather). My thoughts about the resurrection and the examples that can be seen in nature gives me hope for all.

We only have these two little stinkers left but we continue with the traditional Easter basket hiding contest.

Both of them came to me requesting that I hide the baskets more effectively this year. I gave this much thought and came up with what Lynne and I both thought would be good locations.

Heather found her big basket within 5 minutes and was excited she beat Richie. Good job Heather.

Richie started looking upstairs without a lot of success.

Why do they always think I will put it in the oven. This is one of the first places they look. I don't recall ever hiding a basket in the oven.

After a few questions he went outside and without much success became discouraged so he went and found his lucky hat.

Within minutes he found his basket in a plastic bag sitting under the his tree. Good job Richie better luck next year.

This afternoon we had the following for dinner: Greg, Kim, Jaimie, Weston(Jaimie's friend), Stephanie, Jessica, Dan, Jacob, Derek, Jim, Rachel, Grandma H along with Richie, Heather, Lynne and myself. We had a fun, loud houseful. After some turkey, ham and trimmings we had a small Easter egg hunt. Jacob was the only little kid but there were many big kids that had to be managed.

Run Jacob ! Watch out for the big kids.

Jacob had fun collecting the toy eggs and looking inside for a surprise.

I think the little guy out ran most of the contenders.

Run Jacob Run!

Let me give you a hand. Just a few more inches little man.

After he got the candy from the tree, he wanted to put it back. It was more fun to take it down and put it back then it was to find more candy eggs.

Even Uncle Greg found a few eggs.

We also celebrated Rachel's birthday. Take a look at that cake. Heather made it with a little help from Mom and Jessica. I thought it tasted great! Rachel you're getting to be very mature. Rachel is turning 21 this Thurs., Happy Birthday Girl!

Little Derek looks on as we eat cake and socialize.
Thanks for coming over and spending Easter Sunday with us.

Spring is Approaching

We have not posted anything for a while, mostly because we have been under the weather, busy surviving school, and just getting old and tired at nights, but all in all this has been a different winter. Our greatest blessing this winter came with a new grandchild but also being able to spend time with family.

Jessica and Dan have had their hands full with baby Derek, Jacob and Jessica's health. I am so proud of how well they take care of each other and love each other. It looks like they are all finally getting well-- their last battle has been baby Derek batting RSV. It was very scary at times, Jessica and Dan had to take him to the hospital 2-3 times a day for treatments... but he is doing amazing as of Sunday! I can not believe their stamina.

Heather is definitely ready for graduation! She is having senior-i-tus already and we still have two months to go. Other than having a little cold, her health is doing really good and she is looking forward to painting her new room and moving back down stairs.

Richie is back into the High School Soccer season. He is playing in the forward position and is getting a lot of time on the field. I just love to watch him sprinting down the field and scoring a goal. (Proud Mom!) In the last game he played in, he scored twice and had one assist! Keep up the good work Richie!

Rachel and Jim are doing great at UVU. They are almost done with their winter semester and after that, Rachel is going to pack up and go on a volleyball trip to New Zealand and Samoa. She is really excited to play volleyball and her team is doing a service project and helping a village in Samoa get back on their feet after the tsunami that hit them.

Angie and Chad sound like they are doing great, getting ready to start another semester up in Washington, moving into a new apartment, and planning a wonderful trip to Canada to go whale watching-- I am totally jealous!

Rich and I have our health issues but are looking forward to spring, pruning trees, planting the garden and don't forget all the weeding! Somehow this really does sound fun! I am really looking forward to just being in the back yard relaxing with my family, playing badminton and volleyball, barbecuing and chasing grandchildren. Good times.

good night all!

Welcome To Mortality

This morning Jessica and Dan went to the hospital around 6:00 a.m. Jessica quickly had little Derek at about 9:00 a.m.

Both Jessica and Dan had a little breakfast waiting for Derek. Jessica's was liquid IV and Dan had a sandwich. I always had the cheese burger and fries.

Jessica did a great job and in a few pushes Derek begins his mortal journey. Jacob and Derek are very lucky to have two loving parents that are dedicated to their families. Lynne and I are so excited to have another grandchild.

Proud Papa! Holding his precious cargo. The life long commitment of raising kids truly is the only way we can understand our relationship with our earthly and Heavenly Parents. What a wonderful and challenging hands on laboratory experience. Don't forget that we are here for you when needed.

Whats up! Little Derek a wrapped up tight like a pupa !

Just a chilling !! Derek is taking a break from all the attention. He has beautiful color and unblemished skin. You did well Jessica !

Perhaps Derek has a little attitude. Ha!

Poor kids going to be poked and prodded for a little while and I am sure he will look forward to some peace and rest. Derek this is the first of many posts with you. Here is looking at you kid.

Sunday Dinner

Lynne and I wanted to barbecue so we decided on pork loin. My Dad is the master at this cut of meat but he is currently living with Lisa and Jim. So.... we are creating our own version of Grandpa G's pork loin.

We started by taking the loin and wrapping it in bacon. According to Dan "everything is better with bacon". The butcher at the store gave me some string to try our creation. It took us a while but teamwork prevailed and we put together what we call Smothered Pig.

We got a little carried away with the string. I have a habit of over doing it and this over the top in so many ways.

A little chilly outside but I can warm myself with the smoker when needed.

I put the coals and fire wood on the right side of the smoker and the meat on the left. There was no direct heat under the meat. It worked well but was a little difficult to add wood to the fire. I removed the far right grill section for easy access to the fire. I also could slip in wood through the intake vent to the left of the fire. Next time I would not use any coals just wood from the cabin.

Here is our final product wrapped in bacon. The bacon was crisp but I could have left it on just a little longer to equalize the crispness. The bacon remained on the loin after we took off the string.

Dan, Jessica and Jacob came over to test my dish but I think it got mixed reviews with the Astins. I still cannot cook meat that Jacob likes. Maybe in a few years. Jessica is definitely with child most likely does not want me to upload pictures of her. Just know she looks cute with her big belly.

Jacob is a young botanist at heart. He enjoys playing with pine cones in the mountains or in the house. If you check out this last years Pine Valley trip you can see him throwing pine cones into the stream.

If I can only get this seed.......almost.......just a few more....... darnit I can't get it.

I think Rachel or Heather took this image of Jacob. Great smile kid !

Hey Jimmy if we were going to flex you should have told me. Jimmy is supporting a new facial look with approval from Rachel. Looks good my friend.