Ultimate Cribbage

So I don't know if this is legal - but I've gone and done it anyway.  And I am assuming you all ready know how to play Cribbage.

A friend of mine were playing Cribbage one day during break at work and well, played the game the way we always wanted to.  Here is what we came up with.

We have changed just a few of the rules - like the rule that says if the crib has all spades and the turn up card isn't a spade you can't count it.  Dumb rule.  In my version of Ultimate crib - this rule does not exist.

Have you ever been dealt 6 of the most perfect cards and then had to figure out which two to get rid of?  Stupid question - of course you have - well in Ultimate Crib you get to keep those six perfect cards and play them.

So this is a game of cribbage - played the way you've always wanted to play it.  29 is no longer the highest score.  I really don't know what the highest score is but I've seen 42 hands.

All scoring rules are the same as regular crib.  15 - pairs - runs of 3 or more and all one suit and same Jack.

differences -  you deal 6 cards to every player - they can keep all six or change 2 or even just one card.  If you choose to change two - you put the two cards you don't want into the "crib" and take two more cards from the deck.  If you just want to change one card - you put your one card in the "crib" and take one card from the deck to your hand and one to the "crib".  If you choose to keep all 6 cards then two cards are taken from the deck and put into the "crib".

Now you just play as usual - scoring for 15 and runs and pairs as you lay down your cards.  At the end of the hand you score the same only now you might have a 12 point double run or a 24 point double double run hand.

Now this also makes the "crib"  not as exciting because it should only have 4 cards in it.

Now the other difference is the turn up card.  How many times have you cut the deck and looked on the bottom of the top cut wishing you could take that card?  Well, in Ultimate Crib you can.  Both the bottom card from the top cut and the top card from the bottom cut are exposed.  Each player can choose which card they want to use as their cut card.  You cannot use both cards.  After declaring which card they are using the cards are placed on or beside the deck and play begins.

Now these rules are for 2 players - for three and 4 players you would play with 5 cards and only exchange one card with the deck - making sure the crib only has 4 cards.

Now another option would be that the dealer who gets the crib scores his hand and then adds the crib to his hand and scores with 10 cards.  This score can get really high and the game goes quickly.  But we don't always use this option.  Another option we have played - for honest players - if you are dealt 6 cards and do not have any points at all in those 6 cards you can put them back in the deck and pick 6 new cards from anywhere in the deck.  Then that is it - those are the cards you play.

I think this is a fun way to play - but I have a true blue Cribbage fan friend who refuses to play this way.  Oh well...........

Forty-seven Construction sights

Matt and I have just gotten back from a two week road trip.  It has been planned for a few months now and the main reason we drove was so that Dad could change his mind at the last minute and join us. - He didn't.  But we ended up packing a bunch of boxes to bring to the kids - so it was good that we planned to drive.

First stop Mt. Rushmore - it was raining and felt great to be in cooler weather.  I didn't pack a sweat shirt - so I got my one and only souvenir - a pink Mr. Rushmore sweatshirt.

As you can see - it was raining - so they look like they are crying.  Figured it had been 46 years since the last time I was there - ouch!!!  We stayed there and the next morning woke up and went on to Crazy Horse

Went on a tour that took you right up to the mountain - for 135$ you could go up to the top by the face but I haven't won the sweepstakes yet.  This is going to be something in 75 years.

We continued south to some highway and drove through some park that had a bunch of Bison.  Walking and grazing all over the place.  It is funny to watch a bunch of people (myself included) get out of their safe car and get too close to these animals, just for a picture.

It was cool.  So now we are out of South Dakota  and in Nebraska.  I thought that South Dakota was very beautiful - Nebraska was not. 

Nebraska is flat and has very strange cows.  Yes you read me correctly - very strange cows.  I'm used to seeing cows out in the field.  Lived across from a dairy farm for 9 months.  Cows eat grass and fascinate little children. (that is a story for another day) But they spread out.  Twenty cows will spread out and fill up a couple acres.  Not in Nebraska - they will have twenty acres, full of lush green grass just waiting for the eating and there will be 25 cows standing shoulder to shoulder or shoulder to rump - just squeezed together in the corner - for what I could see - no reason at all.  Very strange cows!!!

Oh , Nebraska also has a few dead ducks.  On the freeway a family of ducks tried to cross the road and well - a few didn't make it.  I will say my eyes were closed and our car did not go thump thump - so we didn't kill any.

Iowa was next and still flat land and really how much corn do we need anyway?  They too have weird cows. They also grow wind mills in their corn

Into my home state of Illinois ( s is silent)  More corn and the worst roads we have seen.  I am also shocked to see casinos in Illinois.  Things have changed since I lived there - 42 years ago.

Indiana has big beautiful trees along the highway.  Covering the billboards.  You either can't read the billboards because half of it is covered (and some important road signs too)  or they are in a pocket clearing and only have enough time to realize that a billboard was there.  Then there is one - out in the open - no obstruction and you have know idea what it means.  Guess you have to live there.

Ohio- almost to Grant's house.  But these people don't stop at stop signs.  They shouldn't be called a California stop but an Ohio almost slow down stop. But then here is one of the main reasons for this trip.

I finally get to meet Malcolm.  Big Mac for almost short. A total cutie!!!!!

Now we are going to pause here for a bit an discuss Maps vs. GPS. So, Grant and well, most of my kids laughed at Matt and I when they found out that we used an Atlas.  A big book of maps of the different states, to find our way.  I was informed that my iphone had GPS and that I didn't need the Atlas.  Well, I say you better know how to read a map because the battery doesn't go out on an Atlas and we are never in a dead zone.  But Matt and I agree that the GPS was nice in the city.  Much easier to punch in an address and be guided to the place then call and ask for directions.  So I say - use both.

So now we're at Grants in Cincinnati.  First time to see the house and I like it very much.  We were greeted by Hallie and Ez, Hallie giving us a picture she drew.  It is now up on my wall in the office.  Dinner is next, Cincinnati chili spaghetti, and then ice cream.  In the morning we are off to Chattanooga.

We arrive at "the cabin".  I'll call it that because I don't know what else to call this great house Cristy found for us to stay at.  It was perfect for the 5 families.  Grant pulled in with Matt and I right behind them and then Darren and Laura just a few seconds later.  Damon and Nikki and the kids with all the food for the two days came shortly after.  Cristy and Nathaniel got there last and they had the shortest drive.  All the cousins were glad to see each other again and all settled into a nice crazy renewal of love and family.

 Carter and Ez are the first into the hot tub.  Don't know why with it being 98 degrees out.

 Everyone say cheese!!!

After staying up way too late talking and playing games, we head off to some cave.  Rudy cave?  It's hot out.  Eastern hot - 102 degrees with humidity and a heat index of 115.  But we are brave and wait in line to go into the mountain.

You share shade if you find it.  Now I took a bunch of pictures in the cave and well these are the ones I am sharing.

 The next two are of the waterfall, end of the tour and well, what we went to see.

While at the cave they took our picture - easiest family picture I ever took.

Back to the cabin for dinner and a almost surprise birthday party for Matt.

The next day we went into Chattanooga to a children's museum.  The kids had a blast and I had a blast watching them.  Found out I wasn't that strong, after holding Malcolm for 10 minutes I needed a nap.

 Lucas

 So .....you want to go up there...or ......

 Jack

 So I lost the feeling in my arm 5 minutes ago.  Big mac is bored with Nana

Home to the cabin and our last night together.  It was quick but it was worth the trip.  These cousins really know each other and have a good time together.  I had a list of things I was going to do and pictures I was going to take and did none of them.  Oh well.....

Next morning up and out... Matt and I say good-by and head off to St. Louis. Driving through Tennessee we saw what I consider unique road kill.  Armadillos.  They also have a unique road sign that reads "Milled Surface"  What does that mean?

We get to St. Louis fairly early and decide to see the arch.  Well, I think the whole down town area is under construction.  This is another example of GPS uselessness.  My phone would tell us to go one way and well we couldn't because the street was closed and construction arrows pointing another way.  Well, we managed  to find a parking spot and headed off on foot.  Following signs saying this way to the trolley for the arch.  Till the signs quit and well, I felt trapped on a corner with nothing but highway all around.  So I took a picture and told Matt "lets go".  And we did

Driving through Missouri we find the one and only Stucky's left in this country.  I don't know if that is true but it was the only one we saw.  Most of you are saying - So????  But growing up and on a road trip Stucky's was our Cracker Barrel. Every exit had one.

On the other side of Missouri we stop at Liberty Jail.  A church history spot.  The prophet Joseph Smith was held there for 4 months during the winter.  There is a visitors center there with a short tour and missionaries to answer all your questions.  Wonderful spirit there.

The prophet along with the other men were held in the basement with very little light and no heat.  Conditions were really bad and the food, if they got any was worse.  But during this bad time Joseph received revelation that became section 121, 122 and 123 in the Doctrine and Covenants.

 Walls of Jail was two feet thick rock with loose rock placed between inside wall of logs and outer rock wall.  Built this way so no one could escape.  It was  a very interesting tour.

Kansas was next and well, I like my mountains.  Kansas doesn't have any.  FLAT and HOT.  And billboards that are very proud to tell you that Eisenhower was born there.  More fields of windmills and a surprise of oil wells.

Colorado east of Denver looks like Kansas but when you hit Denver - it gets pretty.  By the way I did give a shout out to the Hess family as we drove through Denver.  (My daughter-in-laws family)
The mountains past Denver are beautiful.

I do wonder though - if the people of Colorado know what a speed limit is.  We were getting passed like we were standing still and I don't think 85 mph is standing still.

Now we are in Utah, we gotta come back and spend a few days in southern Utah.  Pretty country. I get a big Hello from my Mom  (read next post) and love the view.

End up in Salt lake and after a dinner at Sizzler, we have our second to  last night in a hotel.  We get up the next morning and dress for the Temple.  We are only staying a few blocks from the Temple so it is a short drive there and a big disappointment when we read the Temple Closed sign.  UGH!!!!  OK - check the temple schedule on my phone and find out my great idea of going on to Idaho Falls and going to the temple there is also a bust cause it too is closed.  My mind is racing and can't think of another temple except Provo so we go back to Provo and attend a session there.  Big Temples are different then small ones.  But it was great to be there.  :)

On to Idaho Falls.  After another Sizzler dinner we go and look at the Falls.  It is a beautiful place.

I took way too many pictures but it is a pretty place.
Then we went home.  HOME - your own bed, own bathroom, and home cooking.  It was so nice to see the kids, wish it was longer.....next time. 

We made it - through all 47 construction sights safely.

One year later - Mom says Hi !!!

Yes, sometimes we just see what we want to see and sometimes we make things into what we want to see and sometimes its just there steering you in the face.

A week ago I'm on a road trip going through southern Utah.  Totally enjoying the red sandstone hills and all the beauty.  Matt is driving and we are not in any hurry at all.  Although he is enjoying the 80mph speed limit.  We pass one "view spot" and then another - I see one coming up and say - "hey - lets pull over and look"  Matt quickly agrees and we pull over and park.  I grab my camera and head out.  I'm walking along and I just randomly stop and happen to look down.  I notice a name has been scratched into the sandstone - "Lorna"   What are the odds?

Hi Mom - yea I miss you too!!!!

Mom

Hardest post ever.  Why?  Cause every time I start this I start crying.

My Mom died, July 23 2014.  Life is hard without your Mom.  I'm old - 57 - I am luck in that I have had my Mom this long but right now I don't feel lucky.  I just miss her.

OK enough of the self pity - Mom was a great lady.  And like most great ladies she was a quiet giant.

I don't want this to be a post about when she was born or when she got married but more about the kind of Mom she was.  Which, in my opinion, was the best ever.

Growing up, Mom was always there.  Dad didn't want her to work, that is have a job out side of the house, so she didn't.  I grew up in Oak Park, IL, My first 13 years were spent in the same house.  The school I went to was Whittier Grade school and for lunch everyone went home.  No busing, no lunch room - you went home.  It was great to be able to go home, have Mom make your favorite sandwich, give you a hug and then go back to school to face the rest of the day.  It was a simple thing but to a kid it was everything.

Mom always made birthdays special and the holidays fun.  Mom was a quiet woman - a woman in the back ground making sure everything went smooth and that everyone was happy.  She cooked all the meals, cleaned the house, took care of three children and at the end of the day scooped up the ice cream for dessert.  We were to be home when the street lights came on or when the whistle blew.  She never got mad but if you did anything wrong she "had a bone to pick with you".  I hated disappointing her.

My Mom taught me how to be a Mom.  I guess that is true for most people.  We raise our children the way we were raised.  I yell more than my Mom did but she taught me how to hold on to my children with open arms.  Let us be kids - all the while guiding us to make better choices.

Mom supported me in my few activities.  I was involved with the city park and rec theater group.  Grade school kids putting on plays for our parents.  Mom dragged my Dad to my first one.  She knew how important it was to me.  After that Dad came willingly.  We weren't that bad.  She helped me memorize my lines and made sure I was at every practice.  When we moved away she suggested I get involved with the local theater group but I was too scared.  That was the end of that part of my life - it was ok - Mom didn't push.  She knew when to back off and let us find our way.

Mom taught me how to sew.  I love to sew.  She would just help me through each project.  I hated zippers and she would just put them in for me.  Later she told me she hated collars, so I put those in for her. When I moved away, I finally got the zippers down but Mom quit sewing.  She tried to teach me how to knit.  She was very good at it.  Her mother taught her.  But I was too tense.  I would get the yarn so tight on the needle that you couldn't put the other needle through.  I would give it to her and she would have to unravel a couple rows to fix it.  She gave me the love of crafting.

l

When I was 16 I became acquainted with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I wanted to join the church at that time by Mom said no.  She wanted me to explore other churches first.  Make sure this was right for me.  I could see her wisdom - I was only 16.  But when I was 18 and still wanted to join the church, she didn't stand in my way.  If fact, she supported me all the way.  Allowing me to have meetings in her house and even learning my beliefs.  Mom had lots of faith.

After I got married, Mom is who i called.  "How do you know your in labor?"  My first big question - she told me to get to the hospital.  How do you cook a roast?  How do you get spaghetti stains out of curtains?  What is the recipe for....?   We talked at least once a week.  That was before cell phones and it cost to call long distance.  She was the first person I called when my husband left me.  Who else do you call when your heart is broken?  She was my rock.

 She was there when each one of my kids were born.  Helping with the other kids, spoiling them rotten and then leaving.  After Darren was born and on the way to the airport we had to stop at the local store.  We went to the candy aisle and she told the other 4 children that they could pick out any candy bar they wanted.  Oh, they got so excited and even took their time deciding - they had to get just the right one.  She had so much fun watch them, that after they all made their choice she told them to pick another.  After the forth pick I started to stare at her and she just smiled and said I couldn't say no because she didn't get to see her grand children that often.  She truly loved watching the smiles and excitement on my children's faces.  Then she got on the plane and went home.  Leaving me with four very hyper children and a baby.  She taught me how to be a grandma!!!!

The last four years of her life, I helped take care of her.  Dad did most of the work but I pitched in when I wasn't at work.  She suffered from dementia and well, old age.  She had her good and bad days.  I think more good then bad.  She didn't like having to have people help her but she didn't fight with you.  She tried to make things easy for the other person.  Once again always thinking of others, above herself.

Thank-you Mom for teaching me - everything.

I love you and Miss you a lot!!!

BABY GIRL POTEET IS HERE

I'm a Grandma - again.  That is 13 times a grandma.  This grandma thing never gets old.  My latest was born this morning at 5:40 am.  After a long and hard labor our beautiful little girl Poteet is here.  She has no name at this her 14th hour of life but that will come.  She weighed in at 7pounds 12 ounces and 20 3/4 inches long.  But lets face it all you really want are the pictures - so here she is.

 This picture was taken a week ago - hiking Tubbs hill - trying to get baby to come - didn't work

 All that hair - it is dark with some red highlights as the light shines on it.

 I think Mandy looks pretty good here - she has not slept in 36 hours

New family photo - she is a good baby with a most adorable little cry.  Welcome to the family.

Some Summer Fun

So I have been out of work since June 10.  I took on a project that has taken me close to two months to do.  I started in one corner of  the house and moved to the opposite corner - cleaning and throwing out or putting in the "yard sale" pile.  I did both the up stairs and basement  of the house and then moved to the shop.  I took 4 pick-up loads to the dump and we donated 4 pick-up loads to the boy scout yard sale.  I have lots of room now for more Junk.  :) 

But that is really not FUN now is it?  Satisfying but not fun. 

My fun was with Grayam and Georgey.  I took them to Triple Play. The videos from my phone won't download to this so you have to put up with these snap shots.

I took them one at a time.  First Grayam - we  did Lazer Tag, Grayam beat me - then he climbed the wall, a little panning for Gold or rather pretty rocks, and bowling.  Now it has been 10 years at least since I have bowled and I still got a score of 132 - I about pulled my arm out of my socket and talk about sore but I did it.  We had fun.   Then Georgey and I did about the same except we did 18 holes of miniture golf instead of bowling.  And Georgey panned for arrow heads instead of rocks.  We were going to drive the go-carts but Georgey was 1/4 inch too short.  Totally unfair but next year we are going to drive.  Back to Mandy's for some Gibby time and dinner.  Was a fun day.

Then Matt and I took a really long trip.  All the way to Wallace, Idaho.  We didn't want to be in the car all day and we only had Friday night to Sunday night.  We toured the silver mines, went up the Gondola in Kellog and hiked around.  Been a long time since we have been able to get away for a week-end.

 Learned a lot on this tour.

 Only critters we saw.

 One view

 Another view

And still another.

I do like the view from on top of the mountain but sometimes I don't like the trip to the top.

Was a fun few days - tomorrow is surgery on the knee - not so much fun.