The Blanding Bugle

Volume 16 Issue 9

September 2007

50 MILE Hike or Climb

by Kray Blanding

Fifty miles is a long way no matter how you do it, but try it with a 30 pound pack on and up hill most of the way. That is what I had to do this summer for our Teacher’s super activity. Now don’t get me wrong this was one of the most fun things I have ever done but still if I had to do it again I would request a flat hike or even better down hill with flat every once and awhile. 

Most people think the first day is the hardest, but that was not so on our hike, although we thought so on the first day. The hardest day was the second to last. That day we had to hike up a total of about 1,100 feet in two big climbs. The first was along 400 feet but the second was a short 600 (if we hadn’t been doing switch backs we would have been climbing straight up). At the top there was a glacier which we all laid on and cooled down (it was a scorching 80 degrees). After that we had to climb a another 100 feet. In between the first and second climb we hiked over a river and through stinging nettle that was up to our necks. All in all it was a very fun day.  Man what a great view from the top of the last climb!

pictures here

August Birthdays & other Happenings

Matt is now officially TWO handfuls as he turned 10 on August 2nd.  He is so happy to be a WEBELOS. He has been counting the days until his first meeting since about mid April. 

Jessie is 7 and is counting the days until she is 8 and gets a chance to be baptized like her brothers.  Jessie got a game boy game for her birthday--just like her brothers.  Steve and Doreen were in Utah attending Nadine's funeral for Jessie's birthday, but we got home late that night and had a small celebration at the Peart home.

In other news, the three older boys were able to help our friend the Pearts with the slaughter of some chickens as part of their youth groups service project. It was a very interesting activity and we learned a great deal.  I'm glad we were able to participate in helping them de-feather their chickens as well as weed and milk their cow.  pictures here

We also made our way to Jetty Island again for a day of fun in the sun and sand.  We went with the same youth group, LYTTS, but this was an event for the whole family.  pictures here

Nadine, My Wonderful Sister
 July 8, 1956 ~ August 15, 2007

After a courageous five plus year battle with brain cancer, Nadine finally succumbed in the morning of August 15, 2007.  She leaves behind her nine gorgeous children, one handsome son-in-law, two beautiful grand daughters, one fabulous husband, six brothers, one sister, both her parents and many nieces, nephews, aunt, uncles and other loved ones.  We rejoice that she is reunited with Calvin, her first born son who died shortly after birth, and is finally at peace, but we miss her.

Nadine's funeral happened to be on the weekend that Doreen had already booked a flight to go and visit Nadine as well as participate in the LDS-NHA yearly conference.  In quick order Steve had a flight booked (miracles of miracles--the same "full" flights as Doreen which was booked a month plus before) and the children were all shipped out to Doreen's best-friend's home.  We aren't sure Julie Peart will still be Doreen's best friend after the weekend.

Doreen as able to be there in time to help her daughter's dress Nadine in her temple clothing. "Word can not express the gratitude I give to my Heavenly Father for granting me this one pleasure of serving my sister and her daughters.  Nadine was my hero, my idol, my friend.  I miss her dearly and will love her forever. A day won't go by that I won't think of her unselfish example of service and love to those less fortunate and especially to those within the walls of your home." 

The funeral was of course wonderful and a celebration of a life well lived and a person well loved.  The support from her ward and stake was excellent. Her children sang beautifully, the talks were perfect.  Lee gave one of the best "life sketches" that could have been written and her brothers sang together again. It was truly a celebration of her life and hope in the Resurrection and Atonement. 

As with all funerals, it was a gathering of family and friends.  Doreen met her Uncle Eugene whom she had never seen in her almost 38 years on this earth.  Aunt MeriLee made the trip from Colorado.  Uncle Don and Aunt Carmen were also among those who showed up.  Mark's family was there in number as well and it was great to say hi to old ward families.  (Nadine's husband, Mark grew up in Doreen's home town so she knew many of his siblings.) 

For these sweet meetings and reunions it was a great day, but it was a sad day as a dear sister was lost.  "Nadine will be held in our hearts for years to come and I will miss her daily." Thank goodness we believe in the Savior's Atonement and Resurrection.  There is hope that we will see her again.

Duane, Doreen, Lee, Mike Scott, Dale,
Mom, Dad
Lorien
(Anne's little girl who was in every picture)