To Manti, To Manti, JiggidyJjig...

Last week and this week Don had to go to Manti to do an installation for his job at the courts there. So guess who drove him? Yes, ME! I was nervous about it because I don't really like to drive, but the drive both times was pretty good. The scenery is amazing between here and there, and totally enjoyable. The first trip took about 1/2 longer than it should have, since we got stuck at an intersection where they stopped everybody so they could do some roadwork. On that day he worked at Juvinile Court. It was quite interesting to sit there and observe the goings-on. I got to see some people come in and talk about their cases, and a couple of probation officers at work. I almost dated a probation officer once, and then I met Don, and by the time the guy called me I was pretty serious with Don (yeah, he was slow to call). Now I'm sure glad I didn't marry him (his name was Jim) because I got to see their life up close and personal. Probation officers have to be available at any time of the day or night. Anyway, Don worked that day from 12:00 until 9 p.m. Then we went to stay at the Temple View Lodge, which does have a great view of the Manti Temple....if you go out your door and look to your left. The room was teeny but nicely decorated. Their continental breakfast the next morning was lame. I was the one who unlocked the door to our room (they still use real keys) and left the keys in the lock for the entire night! Shows you that Manti is a pretty safe place! Then we went back to Juvinile Court and he worked all morning. We got out of there around 2:00. Then this past Thursday I had to take him back to do essentially the same thing at the Courthouse, only this time it went much faster and we didn't even have to spend the night. We got home around 8:30 p.m.

So I got to learn how to use cruise control, which was fun, and got to experience how fast Utah drivers like to drive and how they like to tailgate...not so fun!

I liked Manti. It reminded me of what Cedar City was like when we lived there back in 1978, right around the time that Nanci and Roger died. Manti has one main street, with a few businesses, the courthouse, and a few greasy spoon restaurants on it. Otherwise there's nothing...no grocery stores, no Wal-Mart, no movies or anything else! It was like going back in history! But there are beautiful hanging baskets everywhere on main street filled with fragrant flowers. and water fountains that flow all the time, and tree lined streets. I also loved that there is hardly any traffic there, and this is in the middle of their tourist season. Very, very peaceful.

In other news....Don is doing well. He has regained his strength, but not his eyesight. Still, we are very grateful.

Christie and Travis seem really happy. They have adopted a kitty named Zorro (I may have mentioned that before) and they are crazy about him. I think he's bringing out the maternal and paternal instincts in them. Jesse is still looking for a new job. His old job has told them they can't get health insurance for them, so he has to. Mostly he is looking out of state. If anybody knows of a good job for a really talented programmer, please let me know...especially if it's in Utah!

Lilly is starting preschool next week! She is going to my school! I am so excited at the possibility of seeing her every Tuesday and Thursday. I can't believe she's old enough to go to school. I hope she loves it and is good for her teacher.

I start back to school next Wednesday with meetings for three days and then school officially starts on the 18th. This summer has been one of trials but in spite of that has flown by. I'm looking forward to school starting but not having to get out of the house early and not do Wii Fit until the afternoon!