the land where everything's bigger

Bouldering at McKinney Falls State Park, Taven exploring a new hobby, San Antonio river walk, fire on the beach in Port Aranses and eating real Texas BBQ

We've had a crazy road trip- driven over 5500 miles (over half of I-10), ran from adverse weather and changed plans about a thousand times. Last night was this week's highlight of sleeping on cots next to a stone tub and an outdoor shower at eldorado hot springs in Tonopah, Arizona.

After spending time with friends and climbing in St. George and Las Vegas, we hurried to Santa Barbara to visit Matthew before the storms hit. The meteorologist camped next to us in Red Rocks warned us to hurry east as fast as we could. We camped outside matthew's house and spent the morning with him whilethe rain started to come and we decided to leave.

We drove and drove and eventually ended up in lockhart, Texas to spend some time with our friends, Nate and Steph Dutson and their cute son Taven. We had so much fun with them visiting areas surrounding Austin and san Antonio and even climbing at a few different limestone crags. We all camped on the beach one night and woke up to some crazy wind, keeping us from getting in the ocean. The game Bejeweled kept us entertained when it rained or when Taven was napping.

We are now finding our way back to the cold very slowly and figuring out what our future will look like. Pretty exciting time! I have figured out that I like the desert and I think I could be a nomad for a long time.

more to come...

Life on the road is grand.

somebody's piggy bank

People always ask me what the weirdest donation to come through the thrift store has been. I never have an awesome answer because the weird ones are usually things that I have no idea what they are, or something really disgusting. However yesterday I came across a noteworthy donation: a jar containing the pieces of a shattered piggy bank and a used bottle of super glue! Perhaps someone with some time on their hands needs a project...

I will miss my off and on again employment at this happy place and the people who work, shop, and volunteer their time there. I've learned a lot, not only about clothing brands and valuable antiques, but also about life.

p.s. this year Somebody's Attic was able to donate around $80,000 to abuse prevention in Cache Valley

(photo by dad: James Neeley)

Riding the bus

Every monday, wednesday and friday I get on the bus at 9:40 a.m. I put my bike on the rack so that I can ride down the hill and make it to work on time. Every monday, wednesday and friday at 9:40 Dave is on the bus on his way to work at McDonald's. He greets me with a smile and then asks me where my helmet is. When I tell him I left it at home, he shakes his head and says, "safety first, yes, yes, safety must be first." After a moment of silence we then talk about the ducks that live in the canal and Dave's basketball preparation for the Special Olympics. However, today our conversation was a little different. When he saw my lack of helmet he said, "safety first, you need to listen your mother." Yes I do. I will wear my helmet on Friday. Thanks mom and Dave for your consistency and caring. Why does it sometimes take so long to listen?

Happy Fall

colors at Indian Creek


newspaper rock


leading at the City


Nick on "the Gash" Indian Creek


my boys


Heather Feather


Sunset at the City


scouting

I don't know why these are blurry. If you click on them they are not. hmm

International Day of Climate Action

October 24, 2009 is coming up. That day, millions of people around the world will take action to spread the number 350, the safe level of CO2 in the atmosphere measured in parts per million, and make sure world leaders are on course to reach that target. Yay! Visit the website for ideas of what to do.