Howdy from the Everlasting HIlls

September 24, 2008

I'm in Midway, Utah, and the title comes from a nickname I've heard for the mountains of Utah. I'm at the lovely home of my friend Lisa. My suitcase is lost, I slept in my clothes, haven't managed to snag a toothbrush yet and the Southwest folks are "puzzled" as to where my stuff might be. They said several times,"Wow, it really should be here by now." That is a helpful statement from a customer service rep, yes? In 32 years of flying, I've never lost a suitcase, so I won't complain, and I guess I am none too smart when it comes to putting emergency gear in a carry-on. My biggest heartbreak is not the clothes, I can figure that problem out, it's the 8 family reunion photo books that I had in there to take to my family in Arizona. I'll be really sad if I never see those again. I just couldn't fit those in my carry-on items because I brought all my camera gear and that HAS to be carried on. I don't have fancy enough cases to trust it to the baggage handlers. Anyway, this is one of those times when I'm glad to be fairly low-maintenance. Now the big adventure will be whether or not I get it before I leave tomorrow for Arizona. I have visions of Meet the Parents and it finding me just as I'm ready to head home.

In better news, we had a really fun night last night with a reunion of sorts for all the kids we know from church that are out here at BYU. It was great for Johnathan to have a memorable evening with his pals before he begins his missionary service. Lisa is a master of hospitality and making people feel welcome without any fuss or ostentation-just take-and-bake pizza (something the east coast needs, I think) and paper plates. I love seeing her house, too. It completely inspires me. She had told me the story when they were living in Maryland for a year (that's how I met her), and it makes me smile to see it in person. They bought a small house about 10 years ago and have completely remade it into a real dream home. I like the way they designed all the spaces to be cozy and livable and REAL, not just huge and impressive, like so many new homes are designed today. I love the work of Sarah Susanka, and this house fits her not-so-big principles perfectly. Add to the mix that another of Lisa's talents is decorating, and you end up with a place that really feels like a haven, not just a building with high ceilings and fancy details that don't have much purpose for a busy family. I'm so happy for their success in perservering over 8-10 years of gradual additions and working on it when they had the money, etc. It makes it seem doable for anyone.

Today we will have time to hang out on the campus of BYU, where the Missionary Training Center is located, drop Johnathan off and say goodbye, then maybe take a drive through the mountains. There is a Utah version of fall going on, with splashes of color against the desert and I want to see it. It is nothing like an Eastern autumn, but I wouldn't want it to be-it is beautiful in its own way. The light in the mountains, with the high elevations, is different and beautiful. It is stark out here, but so dramatic and BIG. I love the contrast between Maryland and here. Hopefully, we'll have pictures soon.

8 comments

  1. Can't wait to see the pictures of the canyon. It is so beautiful in the fall. Good luck at the MTC, such a day of mixed emotions. I sure hope you get your suit case! Have you seen Brain Regan's Lost luggage bit.... too funny.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHi4eiPAjZc

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  2. I am so sorry to hear about your luggage drama!! I can't believe it. I really hope it shows up soon. That is just the worst you pay them and they loose your suitcase. Good Luck. Glad you are having fun enjoy those Utah mountains for me.

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  3. Oh my!! A lost suitcase? That is insane. I am sure you'll find it. Good luck. Sounds like you're having fun anyway!

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  4. The way you described the Autums in Utah just brought back a huge flood of memories. I think Fall was my favorite season there. ESPECIALLY in the mountains! Just beautiful!

    And unless you plan on doing some water volleyball I think you are safe with the Meet the Parents comparison! :)

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  5. Real bummer about your luggage. I hope it catches up to you soon. I know what happened. I tried to sneak into your luggage, to take a trip to Arizona, and they threw it out.

    Have fun.

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  6. Oh I am so sorry about your suitcase!! I hope they find it!! That would make me so sad!! I love the way you described your friend's home - sounds so lovely!!

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  7. I have memories of golden sunlight filtering through yellow aspens against vivid blue skies. Also, the trickle of the color as it comes down the mountain from the cooler temps to the valley below. stunning in it's own right.

    re the lost luggage and the photobooks: I have a crazy fear that this will happen to me someday and am funny about always packing my journal(that never gets written in but I still bring it) in my carry-on. go figure....I hope it gets delivered to your door soon! I like your thoughts on the house but you already knew that. ;)

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  8. It's time to go shopping! What a great excuse to buy a new wardrobe -- it's a total necessity at this point. I do hope you get your pics back though. How exciting for your son! What a great time in your lives.

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