BYU Football down South

We headed down South for the BYU vs Ole Miss football game in Oxford, Mississippi, then stayed over for the week in Liberty, Mississippi; next flying to Austin for the BYU vs Texas game. Ralph picked up his new BMW 328si hard top convertible the day before we left. It's a beauty but only got to drive home from dealer then park in garage while we traveled.

Ryan, Erin, Shari, Bert, Gay, Jocelyn, Ruben, Lenora, Sue, Ralph

Gay, Bert, Ruben, Lenora and Jocelyn with Ralph and I all drove up to Oxford from Liberty 4 1/2 hours early Saturday morning over Labor Day weekend to get there in time for a BYU Booster Club tailgate party. It was the first time ever for Gay and Bert to attend a tailgate party. They had a great time and Blalock's Grocery somehow survived without Bert. Shari, Erin and Ryan met us there with a couple friends. Ryan just enrolled at Ole Miss so he was rooting for the Rebels. There were twelve of us in all. BYU was scoreless in the first half but came back the second half to win by one point.

Sunday we attended the Red Star Ward near Brookhaven for the blessing of Lucy Caroline Britt, Amber and Blaine new daughter. Shari and Aaron families also joined us for church, then nice family dinner afterwards.We kept busy during the week picking and shelling butter beans. The best part was eating them fresh from the garden. Yum, my favorite! Kathy joined us as we drove down to Baton Rouge to visit Aunt Mary Shuckrow and Aunt Sadie Nickens. They were so pleased to see us. Aunt Sadie is very frail at age 89 weighing less than her age. Bert planned a special anniversary surprise for your dad and I with a jambalaya dinner and gospel music band across the street at their lake camp.

Ralph & Sue at Alamo, San Antonio, Texas

175th Alamo anniversary

Thursday evening, we flew from New Orleans over to Austin for the Texas game. Taking advantage of some free time on Friday, we drove the 80 miles down to San Antonio to visit the Alamo. It was very interesting plus we saw the Imax Alamo history movie. My 4th great grandfather John Clark with two of his daughter's families were part of Stephen F. Austin's first 300 settlers in the new Texas territory, then part of Mexico in 1827.  The Battle of the Alamo happened a few years later in 1836 where Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett met their deaths with less than 200 Alamo defenders while fighting for Texas freedom and independence from the greater 1500 man forces of the Mexican soldiers under Santa Anna. The siege lasted 13 days resulting in 500-600 Mexicans killed or seriously wounded. It also allowed Texans to rally under Sam Houston to the cry "Remember the Alamo" eventually capturing the Santa Anna army leading to Texas (territory included Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, California, etc) freedom.

Ralph, BYU Cosmo Cougar & Sue

We attended a booster club BBQ Friday evening at the famous Old Salt Lick. Jimmer Fredette attended. Coincidentally, Amy & Seth, Redmond friends of Melissa and JD sat at our table. So sad BYU lost by one point.

We visited Matt and JoAnne's new home in Austin. They are very much enjoying the area and good schools; not liking the 100 degree heat, scorpions and fire ants. They joined us at the game plus we attended their ward today before catching our return flight.

Grand Canyon and Cozy Earth Las Vegas Trade Show

Ralph and Sue enjoy panoramic Grand Canyon vistas.

Laura, Melissa, Ralph & Sue, and Aimee families.

Gabriella, Aimee, Michael, Jack w/ Nathan, Ben, Grace, Brooke.

I realized a lifelong dream to visit the Grand Canyon. Aimee and family included the Grand Canyon in their five week Sabbatical trek across the western US from Yellowstone to San Diego. I was delighted to tag along meeting up with them at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Excitement grew with Ralph, Laura with two girls, Melissa and family of five all joined us for the adventure. We just viewed from the top only taking a short hike to the arch. It was an amazing vista all enjoyed. Only two days but worth it. Aimee's family departed for Las Vegas and southern California while we drove back to Phoenix to catch flight to Salt Lake City with Laura. Ralph and I attended family history conference for our calling as Area Family History Advisors.

Tyler, Sue and Ralph at Las Vegas Trade Show.

Tyler and Elaine working the crowd.

Next, we flew to Las Vegas to assist Tyler Howells and Elaine Layosa with the Cozy Earth Trade Show. It was very interesting with many international vendors stopping by expressing interest from far away places like Dubai and Tokyo. It was the first retail show as previous ones were geared more to personal sales. Many positive comments and much interest expressed. In general we're avoiding the national chains but Bed, Bath & Beyond did stop by to check us out. There were a few sales, but most will require follow up after the show. Our new shipment from China of bamboo sheets, silk and bamboo comforters finally arrived this week after delay from back order on fabric. These are great products with many benefits like thermal regulating and hypoallergenic plus cozy soft. Check out the website www.cozyearth.com.

Down South

We visited Mississippi/Louisiana for several days this past week. I took the direct route flying through New Orleans. Your dad took the long way driving 2300 miles cross country from Orinda to Liberty, Mississippi. He encountered heavy rain storms and lightning across New Mexico and Texas. Fortunately the dust storms in Phoenix did not reach him in Flagstaff. Bert Blalock was thrilled to become the new owner of his dream car, BMW 3M convertible.This should provide more comfort and class transportation than his truck, to/from stake meetings in Denham Springs, Louisiana sixty miles each way. A little mishap occurred when Bert's big truck backed into my tiny Yaris rental car bumper.

Jocelyn, Carolyn, Gay & Lenora

Gay and I "found our thrill on blueberry hill" as Fats Domino would say. Three mornings, Gay woke me up at 6 am (note 4 am CA time), to help her pick blueberries from commercial grower in Liberty she met on her mail route. They have about fifteen acres, so we did not even make a dent with our about forty gallons. Everyone's freezer is now filled to capacity for years supply of yummy smoothies, pies, etc. I opted to bring home the butter beans from garden instead. We spent mornings picking berries, afternoon shelling beans and evenings picking more beans. Bert's large garden suffering from lack of rain. Unfortunately, the red bugs (chiggers) enjoyed dining on me! Both legs were covered with too-many-to-count itchy bites. I resorted to buying some Listerine mouthwash from airport store to swab on legs to calm the itch while flying home. Not much selection in the airport medicine department. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention.


Nice to visit with Aunt Dorothy, Uncle Carl, Ruben, Kathy and other family members for Sunday dinner. Nice to overflow into Gay's new enclosed patio family room off kitchen.

Sue, Carl, Dorothy, Gay, Ruben, Kathy

Kellyn and I are teaming up for summer shape up challenge by working out with trainer at local fitness place. Must begin with losing several extra pounds gained on trip to South. I have a long way to go from the measured (calipers) 29% body fat. Ugh! For the first time since college, I donated blood for the Red Cross Interfaith Blood Drive. I barely passed the requirement of 12.5 hematocrit by one tenth at 12.6.  The LDS Church is partnering with Catholic Diocese of Oakland plus other denominations for largest blood drive with goal of 1500 units. My rare AB+ will hopefully be blessing to someone.

4th of July Celebration 2011

We arrived home late Friday night from Washington, DC in time to host annual A's baseball game tailgate party with pyro-spectacular after game. About thirty Severson family members joined us for fun.

Monday morning was the annual Orinda 4th of July Parade and festivities. All city council members were in town riding in the classic 1924 Packard convertible provided by community member. Candy helpers were Josh, Abby, Meg and friend Samatha Bowen.

Orinda 4th July Parade, City Council members

Wednesday was another day of celebration as we witnessed Pam being sworn in as a US citizen! Chris with Blake, Abby and Megan joined your dad and I at the historic Paramount theater in Oakland for the very nice ceremony, including message from President Obama and Lee Greenwood's Proud to be an American.

Washington, DC Whirlwind Visit

Gay, Brian Gregory & Bert Blalock

Brian Gregory, Sue, Tammy, Shari & Lenora

Our quick trip to Washington, DC began early Wednesday morning out of SFO arriving in time for dinner with John and Margaret Dalton at the Army-Navy Club. All day Thursday was filled with the promotion ceremony and celebration of Brian Gregory Blalock swearing in as lieutenant colonel in Air Force. We stayed in boutique hotel in Alexandria, VA near Brian's apartment. Everyone gathered there late morning to meet limousine to chauffeur us around all day. In attendance were his parents Bert and Gay Blalock plus sisters Shari, Tammy and Lenora. Noel came for part of the festivities. Opening ceremonies was visit to Vietnam Memorial to honor cousin John Hilton Blalock killed in Vietnam War. We next did brief visit to Capitol building before joining Montana Senator Testor who did official swearing in. That evening was party with family, friends and co-workers. Bert made his wonderful jambalaya, Gay some salads and Tammy pecan tassies. Friday was more relaxing with all agreeing to take double decker bus tour of Washington, DC. 

Brian Gregory, Ralph & Bert

US Congresswoman Barbara Lee of Oakland has come to Oakland Family History Library several times to explore her family history. She is fortunate to have her mother, plus two aunts, one age 100, who has provided valuable information. Doing Black family research is always a challenge. Barbara has been pleased with the progress including identifying her great grandfather who is decorated Civil War colonel plus Jewish great grandfather of Spanish origin. Your dad has focused on her maternal line and engaged me to follow up on paternal line. We met Barbara in Washington, DC just as she returned from Bay Area and we were departing.

Thanks to Kellyn who was co-hostess of the bridal shower for Heather McDonald in my absence. Barbara McDonald had fortunately recovered enough from her stroke to attend. It was good to see Tammy and Jason Hafener at church. We helped them with family history in our Sunday School class.

Salt Lake City Tourist and other Utah Fun

Ali, Bodie, Elaine, Tommy, Caymin & Gay

Not exactly the adventure that comes to mind...but you can always have fun wherever you are with family and friends. I met Gay in Utah for Caymin's BYU soccer camp. Caymin had fabulous time, met new friends and her team, the Corn Nuts, took first place in the tournament. Before and after the camp, we fit in some fun off the field. Jeff Logan rewarded us with personal tour of his Granny B cookie factory in Orem as thanks for me helping him with family history. Yum! We even gave opinions on new flavors being considered. Friday night was new experience for some as we joined Kellyn and Glen's family for rodeo in Pleasant Grove. His brother's team took first place in Wild Cow Milking Contest. This was a new competition to me despite all my many rodeo days. The object is for your team to capture a wild cow, pin her down, and milk her hoping to get some in the bucket to show judges. Needless to say this was a challenge and provided some laughs for the audience. Gay and I also finished up on the Blalock Reunion booklet project printed by BYU bookstore.
      Highlights of our tours were downtown Salt Lake City Temple Square, Conference Center, Brigham Young house, lunch at Lion House, Church History Museum (see video at end of post), Bridal Veil Falls, Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point, etc. Elaine with grandkids Tommy, Ali and Bodie joined us for most of outings.

Tommy, Ali, Bodie, Elaine, Sue, Gay & Caymin

      Kellyn is home for summer as Deloitte intern. So nice to have her back as my exercise task master, cooking enthusiast, and mindless TV series companion. Sad to report Star passed away this past week after short battle with cancer. Fortunately, Kellyn was home and able to visit with her last few days. Star always recognized Kellyn, acknowledging her as "mother."
      Mitt Romney with wife Ann was in town fundraising for his US Presidential campaign. Your dad and I joined him for breakfast with about 50 people at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. Nice to hear from him in person in intimate setting giving update, shake his hand and hear him answering direct questions. We are already max donors. He's trying to get more donations before June 30 reporting, so if you're considering supporting his campaign now is good time to donate. I was very pleased he signed my copy of his book No Apology just purchased on sale the week before at Deseret Book. No worries, I removed the deep discount sales sticker before hand. We even saw several people we know from church and Goldman, Sachs.

      Your dad, Kellyn and I had the pleasure of attending the open house for Brett Candland and new wife Victoria at the Candland home on Saturday. Again ran into many people we know around the Bay Area.
      Not all adventures involve travel. Our most recent is helping US Congresswoman Barbara Lee from Oakland with her family history. Your dad has focused on her mother's side and turned over the research for father's side to me. We've made good progress including the "Irish Connection" in her black family, at least we are pretty confidant with findings indicating Lt. Colonel Pointer, decorated Civil War veteran, fathered two daughters by his family's maid in late 1800s. One of the girls is Barbara's grandmother. Interesting to find his photo in full military uniform plus photos of both parents. This line goes back to early founding of Virginia in contrast to the non-white lines that tend to stop with 1870 census after Civil War.

Memorial Day Weekend at Burney Falls

Bryn, Talyn, Michael, Ansel and Levi enjoy Burney Falls

The highlight of the week was the annual Memorial Day weekend camping at Burney Falls State Park in northern California. The Floyd and Frances Severson began vacationing as a young family at Burney in 1953. The story goes they were actually headed to another campground but the the roads were so bad and impassable for their 1947 Ford "woodie" station wagon they were redirected to Burney Falls as better location and the rest is history.  Every summer they spent two weeks fishing and enjoying nature. Floyd had to return to Bay Area job at Texaco midway through by bus then return to drive family back home. Larry and Cheryl have long established tradition bringing their family here for Memorial Day weekend, now expanded to all other interested families.

Michael, Sue, Gabriella

Ralph and Sue prefer gentile camping at the Charm Hotel in downtown Burney, then drive to park each day to enjoy family and nature. A must see is the Burney Falls and short loop hike over the top of the 193 foot falls. There has been so much rain and snow this year that the water volume coming over the falls was most we've ever seen. Unfortunately, experienced some rain and cold weather while there this year. Not enough to dampen spirits or prevent kids from creative woodland adventures. There were about 70 people in attendance including newcomers Jon Koberstein's parents and two brothers, plus Cami sister Remy with a Japanese friend enjoying respite from tsunami.

Floyd and Ralph eying trout metal sculpture

Sunday afternoon, most visited the fish farm to feed the trout plants. Along the way, we saw the interesting metal sculptures created from cast off scraps. Also browsed an historical museum of local history. We should include this next year for all as there were several authentic building like jail in addition to regular museum.

Let's Plan Another Family Adventure

     Responses to my recent query about where to go for next Severson Family Adventure all enthusiastically support Hawaii. So mark your calendars for late January/early February 2012 to lounge on the Waikiki Beach, visit WWII Pearl Harbor and battle ship, Polynesian Cultural Center, etc. This is not a command performance; I understand busy schedules, work, school and so on. We will let you know details as we get closer.
     Sun has finally returned to the Bay Area after much rain and cold this spring. I was pleased my first A's game of the season on Wednesday evening was not too cold. Nice catching up with our guests Larry and Cheryl. All their children are doing well. Becca and Paul have new daughter named Zoey. They have family gathering planned at Brandt's Idaho house in July although not all able to attend.

Orinda Community Foundation

     My city meetings in addition to City Council this week included tour of new Wilder development, Joachin Moraga Adobe development near Del Rey, road committee trying to find solution to $75 million infrastructure repair needs (Steve Glazer and I co-chair), and first annual Orinda Connects, community services faire. I suggested we have the faire when I was mayor 2009 (government wheels grind slowly) to allow citizens, especially new move ins connect with city departments, nonprofit organizations and clubs. By the way did you see the article in last week Wall Street Journal about terrible condition of Orinda roads? This is the second major article about Orinda in WSJ; the first about retiring fire chief at age 55 making more than he earned while working plus guaranteed health care and automatic 3% salary escalator for life. The unsustainable pensions and health care are driving California and the nation to bankruptcy.

BYU NAC Boston Conference 2011

     Early in the week, I took tour of the new Orinda Wilder development. Some of the roads are in plus new ball fields, swim club, park and model homes. Hopefully some will start selling despite the current recession.The views are breathtaking and miles of hiking trails should make for lovely neighborhood.

Segway Tour Boston

     We departed Wednesday morning for Boston to attend the BYU National Advisory Council spring conference. After long flight, our adventure began with water taxi ride (small boat) from airport to Marriott Long Wharf hotel where we stayed and conference took place. Mornings were filled with business meetings or chosen lectures; afternoons more fun. Thursday afternoon, we opted in for the Segway Tour of Freedom Trail historic Boston. I was a bit anxious at the beginning but zipped around like a pro by the end of the three hour tour. We passed several all terrain Duck Tours but did not do one as would be repeat from earlier trip with Kellyn. Friday evening highlight was tour of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Socks baseball team. They were on the road of course. Even your dad had not done behind the scenes guided tour before, down onto the field, sitting on top of the "green monster", and into the press box. All received special gift of Red Sox sweat shirt and hat. Tagg Romney, son of Mitt Romney, helped arrange the evening and participated in the conference. While on the field, we were treated to Mormon Tabernacle Choir on the big screen singing Take me out to the Ball Game. Elder L. Tom Perry was part of our group. It was pointed out that he threw out the first pitch in 2004 for Mormon Night and the Red Sox eventually won the World Series that year. Always a blessing to have the Lord on your side.  

Red Sox Stadium Tour

     Friday afternoon, we opted for the guided history tour by bus around Boston and out to Lexington and Concord where the first shots of the Revolutionary War were "heard around the world." Other more hardy souls met us there who rode bikes 25 miles along the Paul Revere Ride to Freedom. Also passed up the opportunity to sail in a harbor regatta. Another treat was impromptu choir directed by Craig Jessop, formerly of Tabernacle Choir. Your dad was asked to accompany the group, only problem was no piano was available so he had to make do on an electronic organ. I was the honorary page turner. All were amazed how wonderful the performance turned out. We took yacht from hotel to JFK Presidential Museum for private tour, dinner, choir performance and Brother Jessop fascinating choir stories. He began career as head of the Air Force choir and band. The final speakers on Saturday morning were question and answer with Elder Perry and insightful presentation by Clayton Christensen, Harvard business school professor who told how innovation theories can be applied to growing the LDS Church. They announced the next NAC tour for mid May 2012 to Adriatic Sea cruise from Venice, Italy to Croatia, Montenegro, Sicily and Rome.

Minute Man Statue, Concord, MA

     Long flight back home in time for our ward conference today. Cameron Bell gave mission farewell talk as he departs for Russia. We received wedding invitations from Brett Candland to Victoria McCloskey of San Diego. Also Daniel Coates engaged to Olesya Gol of New York. Kellyn just finishing up BYU Asia tour in Nagoya, Japan departing for Seoul, South Korea mid week.
     Check out the Cozy Earth website (www.cozyearth.com)...now up and checkout working finally. Send comments for improvements as there are still some content updates needed, etc. We have 30 days for corrections.

Cinco de Mayo 2011

Highlight of the week was joining Chris' family for Cinco de Mayo celebration at local Cecilia Mexican restaurant in Lafayette. The had a Marachi band to add to festivities and Kate was dancing to the beat as you can see in the background. There is a rumor that new Mexican restaurant going into Orinda Theatre Square soon. We heard fireside by Richard Bushman, Mormon historian, on Friday evening. He is helping establish a Mormon studies chair at UC Berkeley campus. Jana Rains has started a ladies discussion group once a month. I attended for first time this week. Always nice to visit informally as little time on Sundays. Our first simulated earthquake drill on Saturday morning for the Oakland Stake where we initiated our ward phone tree.  Hopefully can invite group over soon to discuss more preparedness. Some inactive families have even agreed to join us. Your dad gave me the most gorgeous bouquet of pink roses for Mother's Day. These were added to the two roses Kellyn gave me in Utah last week as early honor of motherhood. Wishing you all a lovely day. Kellyn departed early this morning for Asia with BYU business school. She plans to update her blog when possible. I've been thinking it's time for another family adventure, but needs to be family friendly that can accommodate Natalie and Melissa new one due September. Let me know what you think of February 2012 choices of Oahu, Hawaii; Disneyland, Disney World; or western Caribbean cruise departing New Orleans? An adult only to more far away places like China or Peru will have to wait for a while.