the whittaker cacophony

Breakfast

2010-03-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

OK, bottom row Right to left:
Kimchi, dired fish, seaweed, cheese mystery meat, hot dog, hmmmm, eggs, bread
Top row, left to right:
pruple potatos, hot dogs! watermelon, rice.

bone crusher

2010-03-04T20:57:00.000-08:00

turn your speakers UP

Razzmataz

2009-07-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

Behold:

My first razzmataz game at the official Razzer. Well, at least my first succesful game, in which no one cried or was injured.

Priceless ...

2009-06-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

After being rejected by another groomer we found Becky at The Dog Show in Salt Lake City. She didn't fall for his wild act.

Grooming: $26
Tip: $10
Parking Ticket: $25
Happy Kitty: Priceless!

2009-05-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

Recent trip to AZ

Most photos are from our hike to the wilderness camps. Amazing scenary!

Three Canyon

2009-05-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my friend Andrew Cavanagh and I (Jed) did a couple of slot canyons about 30 miles south of Green River, Utah. I've broken them up into two posts because it's easier for my mediocre blogging skills to handle. We did one canyon on Friday, and the second one on Saturday. They were both pretty cool canyons, better than I expected. Here is the mouth of the first canyon, Three Canyon, which ends up at a bend in the Green River about 5 miles down canyon.
Here is Andrew doing the 1st rappel:
After the 1st rappel and a few hundred yards of narrows the canyon opens up to be nice and green with a trickle of water running through it. It reminded me a lot of Lake Powell side canyons.
We hiked about 3 1/2 miles of the main canyon, then turned up the Northwest spur to exit. We found a nice shady spot below a couple of dry falls to eat lunch. The exit was a little dicey with some easy but exposed free soloing. Fortunately there were some heavy duty bolts we could use for anchors at the top.
Up on the canyon rim, and everywhere this weekend, we saw lots of cacti in bloom.
After exiting the side of the Northwest spur I rode a mountain bike down to the truck and brought it back. We took a quick refueling break and then did the top of the Northwest spur, exiting the same way we had before. We were excited to get back in the canyon not just to do more exploring, but also because it was dang hot in the open desert sun. I didn't take a picture of the first rappel, but here is Andrew on the second rappel.
The Northwest spur had nice echos; single syllable words came back very clear. "Fart" worked especially well. Andrew cooked up a groovy dinner after we found a campsite next to Saturday's canyon. As soon as it was dark we were out cold.

Moonshine Wash

2009-05-11T13:47:00.001-07:00

On Saturday Andrew and I did Moonshine wash. We were able to just walk into this canyon. Here is the start of the slot:
There is a sweet bridge over the narrows where shepherds used to cross. I've seen sheep walk, and this doesn't look like a great idea:
Here is a view showing how far up it is (about 100 feet):
Instead of hiking the rest of the wash in the blazing sun, we exited through a short slot canyon spur. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of the cement tanks that were part of the prohibition-era distillery from which the wash gets its name, but we did see them. Here is a picture looking down into the wash from the side canyon. You can see a little bit of green from the wash.
Andrew and I are the best of friends. We do everything together.

time to get back into posting...

2009-04-21T21:08:00.001-07:00

Ann at Point Reyes:

some guy in upper Mill B

me and Has sporting "preppy j-crew " and "midnight in Venice" at camp
Mt Shasta (above and below)

trinity chutes Mt Shasta

Has and Tyler

mean cat:

Matt and I skiing the Heart of Darkness

Big Cottonwood Canyon:
photo of me by Garrett Smith/HammersInc

California:
HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA! Roller blades, spandex, AND a fanny pack?
It just doesn't get any better than this.

In Honor of Ann and David

2009-02-18T10:00:00.001-08:00

Tempe Fun

2009-02-18T08:17:00.001-08:00

Our visit to Tempe, AZ: Scottsdale shopping & Arabic food, Talesin West & Mexican food, Mexico, Thai food and an encounter with President Jimmy Carter - especially his security detail, Golfing & Indian food. The best was spending time with SCOTT!

Jed's Fashion Show

2009-01-31T15:04:00.000-08:00

Squat Rockers

2009-01-23T17:18:00.000-08:00

David Christmas 1988

2009-01-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

Scott Christmas 1988

2009-01-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

Jed and churchball

2009-01-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

So I played churchball this morning for the first time since I was a teenager (I think). I still don't like it. Here's to Whittaker basketball skills.

The Party

2009-01-07T17:42:00.001-08:00

I think the above photo proves that Lane is God's chosen one.

Family Home Videos. Yup.

The devil himself.

Happy Karate Chop birthday, CJ

2008-11-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a sweet karate chop to celebrate CJ from Jed.

Jed's Landcruiser bodywork extravaganza

2008-11-04T09:14:00.001-08:00

I tried my hand at body work during October, and here are the results. I attacked a spot on the driver's side quarter panel, and another spot on the passenger side rocker panel. I poked most of the quarter panel hole with my hand; it was pretty rusted out. I had previously tried to clean up and paint the rocker panel hole before deciding to fill it in. Here are the before pictures:

Here are the holes with most of the rust ground out and shaped to make fitting a plate in easier:

Here is with a plate welded into the support behind the quarter panel and a plate welded into the rocker panel hole. The welding was a real pain because the body steel was so thin due to corrosion. I had to cut it back a lot to get to the thicker steel.

Here is the initial paint job (I forgot to take a picture of the outer quarter panel weld job before painting it):
Then I threw on some bondo for smoothness. The bondo instructions wanted me to put it on bare steel, but I don't trust it to keep the rust out, so I put it on top of the paint. Hopefully it won't fall off when I hit a bump.
Here is the final paint job on the quarter panel. I forgot to take a picture of the rocker panel paint job, but you can just imagine how swell it is.

So now I know how to do low quality body work. If I get around to it I might put the black stripe back on the quarterpanel bottom, but I don't know if I've got it in me. Next up is making the spare tire not rattle around.

Jed's Lab

2008-11-02T19:55:00.000-08:00

We visited Jed in October to celebrate his 31st birthday. These photos are from his NIST lab. One is a photo of the fridge running experiments and the other photo is of the software Jed created to take data from the cubits in the fridge. On this tour we had photo id's and more security than during previous visits. It was fun to see his physics friends again. They were all working hard to prepare for a site inspection which included reports from each member of the team.

It was rainy and cold in Boulder; this weather was followed by warm weather the day we flew home.

Jed's birthday dinner was ribs, salad and cheesecake. Guests included Cory and Nate (roommate).

We saw Eagle Eye (the movie) and Jed bought new black cowboy boots with his birthday money.

Fall

2008-11-02T09:16:00.001-08:00

Ok - I couln't resist. Here are the rest of the potatoes and more tomatoes. Our tomatoes are still ripening on the vine. The weather is getting bad today so this week may be the end of the garden. Oh how I hate winter and the dark - we went on standard time last night.

Halloween was great - the kids are so hyper they could hardly wait while we handed out our candy and the Coomb's candy. On tiny tot said "Do you have treats" in the cutest sweetest voice I could hardly stand it. We had three bags of 50 pieces each and that was gone by the end of the night. John did help devour some of the candy.

Oh yeah ... and we won the ward chili cook-off. Jed won his chili cook-off last year with the same recipe. Since my business is dying maybe I should go in to the chili canning business.

End of Summer

2008-10-17T16:43:00.001-07:00

It was beautiful today! Last week's snow took a toll on the garden and these eggplants seemed not to care. Thanks to David for keeping everything covered up at night.. Its sad that summer is coming to an end. The garden was PLENTIFUL this year. First time we've actually had eggplants produce anything. Tomorrow we will harvest the remaining produce and take out the plants.

Mom

Scott's new home

2008-10-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Last month we helped Scott move to Mesa, AZ to start his new job. Here are some photos of Scott and his new home. I tried to line up the photos and text but for some reason this simple task escapes me!

Scott's simple bed.

Nice 5-bedroom home - Scott's room is the one over the garage with the window box.

With Scott out front.

Bedroom view 1 - the prior tenant painted the concentric rectangles on the wall

We are looking forward to hearing about Scott's first trail walking expedition. We wish him well and know the clients are lucky to have an insightful leader.

Mom

Jed uses a chamois

2008-10-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right, no more towels. Shammies all the way from here on out. I highly suggest using a couple of shammies next time we go to Powell, and not bringing anymore towels. They're compact, are designed to be used wet, and don't require drying space. I've been using one for the last few weeks on the lake and am converted. Here is a photo demonstration of how they work; notice how fun it is. First, this is my shammy:
The fishermen behind me love it because it's a durable synthetic available from most auto parts stores. The first step is to dry yourself off with the shammy. Note that the shammy is damp before using.
When your dryness is satisfactory, ring out the excess water:
Finally, roll up the shammy and stow it in the compact carrying case:
All done, all dry, and no more stupid towels. Only $9.95 for all this convenience. We use one shammy for everyone on the boat, and since it doesn't need to be dry it always works. Seriously, they're sweet.

Last pull of the season

2008-10-01T17:55:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I went waterskiing for the last time this year. It was a little sad, but mostly cold.

Jed and Dave in Egypt

2008-10-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

About a month ago Dave and I went down to Escalante with some friends to hike the Egypt 3 slots. I've finally got around to publishing photos, so here they are. The first picture is us heading into slot: Here is our first pothole: Mud can be used as a scroll for recording important things:
Dave is amazed at this little natural bridge. Look at the amazement on his face. Astonishing.
Here is a nice tight slot:
Weathertop. Beware of the Ring Wraiths.
We got a sweet lightning show at night:
Then it rained and we went home:
THE END.

Happy Birthday, Dave!

2008-09-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Happy 26th! I hope you get a Soap-Box Derby party. And a silver suit too.

-Ann

Jed found the Whittakers in print

2008-09-02T10:16:00.001-07:00

Remember when we met Michael Kelsey while hiking up a canyon at Lake Powell a couple of years ago? Well he thought so highly of our canyoneering skills that he has put us in his newest edition (5th, March 2008) of the Boater's Guide to Lake Powell. Look, we're famous canyoneers!

Jed's Lake Powell pictures

2008-08-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my Lake Powell pictures. This is our sweet spot up Crystal Springs canyon. Note the cooler and chairs that deturred others from crowding our bay. Suckers.
This is the morning glass by the boat:
Here's Dave beating the tar out of that glass:
And Mom skiing like there's no tomorrow:
Other adventures without photo documentation: Dave and I explored the slot at the end of the canyon, which is the first time I can remember it being accessible. Man, it was cool; we didn't bring a camera because we really didn't think we'd get that far. It took us about 45 minutes to get up to the wash. Dave, Korri, Scott, and I explored the next slot over a couple of days later. It was pretty cool too, though a lot more sketchy. We went 30 minutes, then got to a point that was pretty dicey and turned around. Dave, Korri, and I found a nice little 3-piece crack, hand size, about 5.6-5.7. Dave tried to venture higher, but things were too sketchy so we returned to the houseboat for recandyfication.
A really good Powell trip, in my book. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Photos From Hayden Lake - Diane

2008-07-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

2008-07-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

Photos From Grandma Vivian's Funeral

Ann and CJ got bikes

2008-07-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

Ann and I just fixed our awesome new/old Schwinn World Sports.

That's pretty much it.

OK, no pictures this time but someday...

Jed's favorite picture from Hayden Lake

2008-07-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

Here it is.

Quilts for the Mid West

2008-06-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Our first service project as the new RS presidency was to make quilts for the humanitarian service. The humanitarian center gives the (ugly) fabric, we supplied the batting, yarn and labor. We tied two quilts on Tuesday. I've got to remember to take photos. We'll have another session in a while.

The humanitarian center quilt inventory is 'thousands' of quilts behind demand. There are many disasters in the world and quilts are always needed.

Mom

We Are the Caretakers of the Earth

2008-06-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

My roommates and I have acquired a (free) gardening plot at the new community garden down the street. We are planting lettuce, lavender, tomatoes, watermelon (so we suspect... we got the starts for free, unlabeled), marigolds, and whatever else we find a long the way. Yesterday we tilled the hard, chunky dirt, mixed in compost, watered it, and let it sit over night. It felt good to revive the hard, dry earth, and make room for life. Today we are going to mix in another bag of compost and plant the starts. I'm excited about this chance to get close to the earth and step into becoming a caretaker of the Earth. We live in the Garden of Edan. We have cast ourselves out by creating the world we live in with a mentality that we have fallen from grace (we love our stories of victim hood). We believe and succumb to the story of us being separate from God, forgetting that He speaks in the wind blowing through the trees, the sun bathing the earth in light, or as the still small voice". My intent in our gardening project is to gain a deeper connection with the divine so I may realize in my heart my responsibility to become a creator and a steward of the Earth.

"We aren't only here to grow corn, we are here to grow Gods." -Don Antonio Morales

I hope to take some picture of our garden plot and our planter in the front yard (its finally full of life!) and "pot" the pictures here for your viewing pleasure.

Thank you CJ for creating this space! Weee!

Love,
Scott

Jed and the 69 cruiser

2008-06-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

I took ol' Bess up to Big Elk Meadows with some friends on Saturday for some exercise. Unfortunately I forgot to bring a camera. I got briefly high centered on my front diff in a mud pit, but a tow strap and a little gas got me off. About 2 hours in we stopped to enjoy the view and one of my friends noticed that the front driver's side leaf spring shackle was busted. The top bolt was sheared on one side and looked to have been broken for awhile. It was a nervous ride back home, but the other side of the bolt held out and I made it home without any problem. So now I've got to either make or buy a new shackle before the cruiser leaves my garage.

Which brings me to my next point: I blew a bunch of money on a welder this week so I can waste a bunch of time in my garage. It's a nice 120 V MIG that is supposed to weld up to 5/16" steel. I'm sure Ann is jealous. The welder came with a free 4 hour welding class, which is good because I don't really know what I'm doing. I tried welding some scrap together on Saturday, and I was successful, but my welds were UGLY. I'm sure the welding class will really help. Maybe when I'm home for the Powell trip dad and I can weld together a cage for Brutus because we need to contain such a ferocious animal.

Brutus Got Shaved

2008-06-23T08:35:00.001-07:00

like a lion. He had to be drugged which lasted about two days. The Doctor said he needs to diet and exercise. He got his shots. A bid was presented to have his teeth cleaned for about ~$550; needless to say, John did not go for that. The vet's technician thinks Brutus is gorgeous!

His mane is lopsided because he has a two puncture wounds on his neck - looks like another animal was trying to have him for lunch. We give him antibiotics twice a day (which he hates). Honestly, what have we become without children to look after! Diane

CJ & Ann's farewell party - Post by Diane

2008-06-23T08:32:00.001-07:00

Slackline!

Christian and Jeremy being charmed by Jake's baby.

Portland in May

2008-06-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

Portland was lovely in May. This shot is of Abra and Scott one of the beaches we visited. Diane

Ann and CJ, CA and stuff....

2008-06-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Ann and I have been exploring Sacramento and CA as much as we can. We went to the Northern Coast and backpacked a little ways up the beaches (Ann and co-worker Mark @ the Lost Coast):

The smell of the sweet forest and the salty ocean were a great scent.

I've been skiing at Kirkwood and Mt. Tallac (my co-worker John @ Tallac below):We like Sacramento, though I miss the summer skiing in SLC and the cabin. But the job is fun and I'm way busy. I am at work now and will be going home to celebrate the summer solstice with a few ancient rituals. I'll brog that later.

Waterskiing

2008-06-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture from my first day of waterskiing, this morning. It was pretty sweet until the starter on the boat went out and we had to paddle in.

2008-06-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hey CJ - thanks for making this blog. My first post! I was put in as Relief Society president yesterday - life never stays the same! John got an MP3 player for father's day. Here we are - finally in the 21st century!

We had a father's day dinner with David and calls from CJ, Jed & Scott.

Notes on D.C. trip with Jed, John and I (sorry, it was too hot to take photos). The FOOD on King Street in Alexandria was the best, Thai, Cuban, Crab, Bilboa Baggins, Italian and homemade ice cream every day. The HEAT and humidity was the worst. The company was GREAT - Nick & Nancy Ward, Bryce, Lisa and George Whittaker, Jerry & Sue Rapin, Jana Valentiner all shared meals and great conversation with us. We saw the Newsuem, Spy Museum and Mt Vernon. I visited National Art Galleries, Botanical Gardens and the American Indian museum. Did a 6.7 mile run along the Potomic River and met with a ChiRunning coach. Its good to be home where it is a cool 90 degrees and little humidity.

This post is long so it pushes Patrick below the fold!

LOVE YOU ALL!

first post: instructions.

2008-06-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone who sees this will read it as if #5 from Short Circut would read it: in robot voice. Or, as Davey Crockette would read it. Etherway, you'll get a better feel for things. Now, post your events, expiriences, thoughts, photos, what if's, notes, etc. on this site. You know, for keeping in touch and stuff. One example might be, if we were a movie who would play us? I don't know. Maybe Jed would be Patrick Swazey: