hiking
My niece, Andrea Beach has always been an excellent cook-chef. The culinary arts have always been of interest to her, and she had held a number of positions as chef, with one of her favorite parts being baking. Many people have been blessed to eat the wonderful food she creates…myself included. While she was working at Rocky Mountain Assisted Living and at Elkhorn Rehabilitation Hospital, she was instrumental in creating foods that not only tasted great, but that were healthy and addressed the specific needs of the elderly and those in the various stages of rehabilitation for various illnesses and injuries. Andrea liked her culinary jobs, but after a long time in that industry, she decided that it was time for a change. That was when she took a job at Wyoming Machinery in the oil lab. While this is a complete change of careers for her, she really likes it. In some ways, a chef could be very qualified to work in a lab. Both are precision occupations. If you don’t follow the recipe or in the case of the lab, he procedures, the dish, or in this case test will not come out right. Andrea is very detail oriented, and that makes her a natural. The other nice thing about the new job is, of course, all 
the benefits. I am very happy for Andrea on her new job.
Over the past few years, Andrea has been working on her own health too. She has been working out and going hiking with her cousin, Jenny Spethman and their families. Like many of us, Andrea loves hiking. Getting out into nature and reaching the goal distance set is always rewarding. The other great part is that Andrea looks great. All her hard work has really paid off, and the health benefits will be hers for years to come. Of course, there is the added benefit of a close friendship with her cousin. Both of these girls have loved the close friendship they now have. They say that cousins are your first friends, and in this and many cases, your longest lasting friends.
Andrea and her son, Chris Spicer have been living in her mom and stepdad’s rental on their ranch, following their move from Rawlins, Wyoming to the Casper area. Now that they are settled, they are planning to make the move into town, which will be a much better fit for them. It is a long drive to work for them every day, and 
the move will save gas and time each day. In addition to the planned move, they have a pretty busy summer planned. They take an annual trip with her mom, Caryl Reed to the Black Hills each year, and this year, Andrea and Chris are going to take a trip to Seattle for a concert with some friends. They will also stay with her dad, Warren Beach and his wife, Diane for a couple days while they are there. All in all, it sounds like Andrea is going to be a very busy girl this summer, and beyond. Today is Andrea’s birthday. Happy birthday Andrea!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My nephew, Zack Spethman is such a sweet young man, who is so loving toward everyone. He has the kindest heart. Many young men don’t like to hug people much. They feel like they are just too macho, but not Zack. He has always been a hugger, and that makes his one special kind of guy. I have always felt so blessed to be his aunt. Zack graduated from high school last year and has decided to work for a while before deciding what he wants to do in his future. He has mentioned welding, or some other kind of trade, and because he is a hard worker, I know that he will do well in whatever he decides to pursue. Most recently, he is working at Walmart in the grocery pickup area, and very much enjoys his work.
Zack has always been a great brother to his brothers Xander and Isaac, and his sister Aleesia. They look up to him and admire him, because he is such a kindhearted person. He and his mom love going hiking together, and the mountain is a favorite destination for them. Zack really loves the outdoors, and pretty much about any kind of weather, or at least he will put a smile on his face and pretend he does for his mom’s many pictures. Maybe that is what makes me think he loves pretty much any kind of weather. Zack is such an easy-going kind of guy, that he is a blessing to everyone.
Zack loves to go shooting and hunting with his dad, Steve Spethman and brothers, and they are all very good at both. Zack has been shooting since he was old enough to hold a gun, and took hunting safety at an early age 
so he could go hunting and help supply the family with meat. Of course, his favorite meal isn’t wild game, but his dad’s chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes, which was cooked for him for his birthday, along with his favorite lemon cake. Zack is a pretty special guy, and his family does their best to make his feel special at all times, as they do with all of his siblings too. You might think Zack is spoiled, but you would be very wrong. He doesn’t have a spoiled bone in his body. He is just an all-around great guy. Today is Zack’s birthday. Happy birthday Zack!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
After spending the majority of her life as a Labor and Delivery nurse, my sister-in-law, Jennifer Parmely retired from Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming on Feb 23, 2023. Jennifer decided to keep her license until the next time it came up for renewal, and then let it go. She would no longer be a registered nurse. Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that she is still and always will be a nurse, but she wouldn’t be licenses to practice anymore. Still, she is available for her family is any of them need any nursing insight, but she couldn’t act in any official capacity. Her niece, my daughter Corrie Petersen decided to follow in her aunt’s footsteps and be a nurse too. Jennifer definitely inspired her.
That makes no difference, really, because these days her life revolves around her physical activities, such as 
activities such as hiking, skiing, biking, and any number of other sports. She and her partner, Brian Cratty own a cabin on Casper Mountain, and they love to spend time in the solitude of their land. There are a number of trails on the mountain that she enjoys hiking on, an d it keeps her in tip top shape.
But her physical activities aren’t the only things Jennifer loves to do. She is Oma to four beautiful grandchildren…three girls and one boy. They and her children are truly her world. Each year on their birthdays, they get to have a special day with Oma, just them. They get to pick out the kind of birthday cake she will make for them, and the often get to spend the night with her too. She always makes their day a super special one. They are all getting so grown up these days, and I suppose those days might one day come to an end, but I think Jennifer will keep up the tradition for as long as she can.
Jennifer and her daughter-in-law, Kelli Schulenberg both like to hike, and love spending time on the mountain in the summer walking the trails. Sometimes the grandchildren, her boys, and her other daughter-in-law, might join them too, but often it’s Brian who has been her hiking partner, as well as her life partner. They also like to bike the trails, and so they make use of the trails that way too. I know that while she doesn’t mind the Winter season, Jennifer always looks forward to the Summer’s warmth and the many hours she will spend on the mountain. Today is Jennifer’s birthday. Happy birthday Jennifer, Have a great day!! We love you!!
My niece, Gaby Beach has been a serious athlete since before joining the Navy, years ago. Now that she is discharged from the Navy, she has made the commitment to her health, and she has never looked back. Gaby love many kinds of sports, including hiking, weightlifting, and running. When it comes to her workouts, Gaby is fierce!! She doesn’t give up, and she doesn’t slack off. She is a very determined woman, with the mindset of being the very best she can possibly be. I have no doubt that she will meet every goal and make every dream come true.
Gaby loves to run, and while I don’t know how many marathons and half-marathons she has participated in, I would not be surprised to find that the number is a dozen or more. If she is not competing, she is training. Her workouts are rigorous, and her runs are done with determination. I think the one thing that surprises me, an avid walker, who only runs from a bear (just 
kidding), is that even in the middle of a long run, Gaby still has the energy to kick up her heels with a big smile on her face. I’m doing my best just to breathe in a run.
Gaby and my nephew, Allen Beach moved from Casper to Washington a couple of years ago, and they have been doing quite a bit of exploring and hiking the trails in the area. They have taken a couple of trips up the coast, to Utah, and to Arizona. Part of those were for runs, but the trips were amazing too. Gaby is a social girl who makes friends easily. She works as a nurse at the Veteran’s Hospital in Eugene, Oregon, and she absolutely loves her job. Being a veteran herself, Gaby has a heart for veterans. In her work, she deals with 
various ailments, disabilities, and emotional needs of the veterans. While any nurse could care for the needs of the veterans at hospital, it occurs to me that a nurse who is also a veteran would have a unique connection to the needs of the men and women themselves, not just their bodies. I believe this is what makes Gaby perhaps the best nurse they could have at that hospital. Today is Gaby’s birthday. Happy birthday Gaby!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
This year has been one of great change and excitement for my grandniece, Siara Kirk. Just after her last birthday, her son Nathan was born, and while she still misses her first son, Alec Olsen, who passed away at three months old, in 2020, she has been so excited to have spent such a wonderful year with Nathan. Siara and her husband, Chris Kirk spent several months before Nathan’s arrival remodeling their newly purchased house so that everything would be perfect for their new little bundle of joy. And Nathan has not disappointed them. He has kept them laughing, hugging, and smothering him with kisses.
Siara works at Platte Valley Bank in Casper, and since they bought the house next door to her parents, Chantel and Dave Balcerzak, she has an easy childcare situation that is a blessing to her and Chris, as well as the 
grandparents. Siara and Chris are wonderful parents, and Nathan is such a goofy, happy little boy. These days he is keeping them on their toes, because he is everywhere all at once…typical of little one year old boys. Siara doesn’t mind that one bit, she is just enjoying the thrill of motherhood…and it keeps her in great shape…a win-win!!
Siara and Chris have always been active people. They love to be outdoors and go hiking. They have also been going snowboarding. This is a new sport for Siara, and she is enjoying it very much. They also love going to the lake and hanging out in the sun. I know that little Nathan will be an outdoor baby too, because he will want to be just like his parents. Siara and Chris love to attend concerts and football games too…often with her parents. 
They are avid Wyoming Cowboys fans, as is most of our family, and they try to get to as many games as they can. Siara has always been a football fan, or at least since her cheerleading days at Kelly Walsh High School and the University of Great Falls. Siara is a National Champion Cheerleader from her days at Kelly Walsh, and that is an honor that will always be with her. Being athletic is such an important thing. It keeps us healthy, and that is a great thing to pass on to our kids. Siara will leave a great legacy for her kids. Today is Siara’s birthday. Happy birthday Siara!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
It so hard for me to believe that my niece, Jessi Sawdon is celebrating her 40th birthday. I remember the day she was born. She was such a cutie, and as he grew, her personality shown through. Jessi is the firstborn of my sister, Allyn Hadlock and her husband, Chris Hadlock’s four children. Jessi is a very social person, and for her, every day is a celebration…and Jessi does love to celebrate!! Her sister, Lindsay says, “She’s a good aunt. Mackenzie always has fun when we go over there or if she goes to stay the night. She’s has really settled in Cheyenne…finding a great church, making some new friends, and getting into a rhythm. She’s gotten really involved in her church and her family has been growing spiritually.” Lindsay and her family live in Laramie, Wyoming, which is a little over half an hour drive from Jessi and her family in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The closeness has made it possible for Lindsay’s daughter, Mackenzie and Jessi’s daughter, Adelaide to be really good friends, and for Jessi and Lindsay to be close sisters too.
For my sister, Allyn, this birthday has been one of reflection. Allyn says, “Jessi celebrated her 40th this year!! 
Looking back over the years, I see how fun and smart and strong she is!! ‘Girls just wanna have fun’ really describes her!! She is a good wife and a terrific mother. She loves to be on the move, going camping, to museums, hiking, any downtown activities, she’s all about it. This year she wanted to celebrate as much as she could so her, and a bunch of friends went out to Napa California and toured some wineries, stayed in an air BNB, and really had a great time. They sat in the hot tub, toured the golden gate bridge area, and one of the girls had an aunt and uncle who live out there and they gave the girls the royal treatment with an all-day cruise around San Francisco Bay in their yacht! They fed them breakfast and lunch on the boat and Jessi says it was definitely a highlight of their trip. They were so kind and really made it special for the girls!!”
Then, her husband, Jason threw her 40th birthday party out at the Hangar, in Casper, Wyoming, and we celebrated her all evening. Allyn and Chris helped him plan the party, and it really turned out nice. Last Thursday, they were back in town for Jessi’s company Christmas party, and we gave her a birthday dinner here on Friday night with grilled steak, potatoes, and roasted veggies. Allyn really hopes she had the 40th year of her dreams, and she knows the fun will continue because “she just wants to have fun!!” Truer words were never spoken. Jessi is a fun-loving person and always put a smile on your face. Today is Jessi’s 40th birthday!! Happy birthday Jessi!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
I have never been to the top of Mount Washington in New Hampshire, but I am intrigued by it, and by everything I have heard about it. Mount Washington is notorious for its erratic weather. On the afternoon of April 12, 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory recorded a windspeed of 231 miles per hour at the summit, the world record from 1934 until 1996. Mount Washington still holds the record for highest measured wind speed not associated with a tornado or tropical cyclone. Can you just imagine trying to stand outside in that wind? I can’t imagine trying to stand out in that wind, especially in winter, but I can imagine seeing that place…maybe not on a really windy day, but just to see the top would be very cool.
There are basically three ways to get to the top of Mount Washington. The first is to drive up on the Mount Washington Auto Road. If you choose this one, you can get one of the This Car Climbed Mount Washington 
bumper stickers that are common throughout New England following your trip up the mountain, but to me that rather defeats the purpose reaching the summit. Now, if a person is an experienced hiker, there is a hiking trail to the top. And if you are really fanatical, you can hike it in Winter, taking the Snow Coach halfway up. Now, I like to hike, but definitely not in the Winter. One of the shortest, most scenic, and most popular trails to the summit is the 4.2-mile class 2 Tuckerman Ravine Trail that starts at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center (2050′). While 4.2 miles is doable, the class 2 part, meaning “more difficult hiking that may be off-trail. You may also have to put your hands down occasionally to keep your balance. May include easy snow climbs or hiking on talus/scree. Class 2 includes a wide range of hiking, and a route may have exposure, loose rock, steep scree, etc” is a little more off-putting for me.
That leaves the final, and for me, most intriguing way to make the summit…the Mount Washington Cog Railway. While the other ways to reach the summit are very cool, the Cog is special!! This is basically a mountain climbing train. It’s a unique journey that is as much of a fun retro adventure as it is an impressive engineering 
marvel. The track of the Cog Railway is approximately 3 miles long, and it ascends up Mount Washington’s western slope, beginning at an elevation of approximately 2,700 feet above sea level and ending just short of the mountain’s summit peak of 6,288 feet. The Cog is the second-steepest rack railway in the world to this day. It is second only to the Pitalus Railway in Switzerland.
My nephew, Shannon Moore married my niece, Lindsay (Hadlock) Moore, on Valentine’s Day of 2014. This year marked their tenth anniversary, and every day has been a great blessing to Lindsay. Lindsay tells me that “Shannon is an amazing husband and dad!! God made him for this role. He is so patient, so kind, and so loving!!” I agree. Anyone who has seen these two together, will attest to that fact. Life has not always been easy for Shannon and Lindsay, but together, they have worked their way through it, supporting each other all the way. Their love is beautiful.
Lindsay can’t say enough good things about her husband. She tells me, “Shannon has been growing spiritually…and a lot over the last year. I’ve loved watching him grow and lead our family.” Having a husband that encourages the family to attend church is so important. The reality is that there are moments every day, when we need to draw closer to God, and learn to lean on Him. There is gladness, for which we can rejoice in Him; and sadness, in which we can draw our strength from Him…but only if we know Him. Shannon knows his God, and that has been a great source of strength and leading for him.
Shannon is such a fun-loving guy, and very adventurous. Among his favorite things is planning adventures for his family. This year, they went to Houston and Galveston. They also made a trip across South Dakota and Minnesota. They went camping in Casper, and in the Snowy Mountains, and Saratoga!! Lindsay tells me, “He loves to take care of us and show us something fun.” I can certainly see that in Shannon. They got on hikes to some of the most beautiful places, and their daughter, Mackenzie, their pride and joy, is so blessed to be introduced to these fun activities.
Shannon is the assistant coach for the Wyoming Cowboys football team. He is also their tight ends coach and helps with special teams too. Not only does Shannon’s family benefit from the kind of loving person Shannon is, but his players do too. Shannon and Lindsay are always doing special gatherings with the guys, many of whom 
are far from home. Shannon and Lindsay really aren’t old enough, to be parental figures for the guys, but they definitely serve in the role of mentors, and the guys really appreciate that about them.
Shannon is well known for his servant’s heart. He serves his family, his friends and colleagues, and church with a glad and generous heart. That is one of Lindsay’s favorite things about him. Shannon has loved Lindsay since he first laid eyes on her, and his love for her grows deeper and deeper with each passing day. Shannon has a huge capacity for love, and his family is very blessed to have him. Today is Shannon’s birthday. Happy birthday Shannon!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
Since my daughter, Amy Royce’s family moved to Washington state, my grandson, Caalab Royce has really enjoyed exploring the area. When he first moved up there, he would go out walking the trails for hours, and on the visits we have made to see them, he has often hiked with us. Of course, he isn’t the only one that hiked, but he does enjoy doing it what he can. Caalab also likes to go on drives and listen to music. That isn’t surprising, since Caalab and his dad, Travis Royce “jam” with a group of friends every week. Their band is something they really enjoy. Personally, I think they are very good.
Another thing Caalab shares with his dad is woodworking. They both like building things, especially with wood. The two are really best friends, and they are always doing 
“some kind of man stuff” according to Caalab’s sister, Shai Royce. Caalab also helps with Travis’ backyard projects. Recently, the part of the fence blew down, so they built a new fence on that whole side. Travis and Amy love having a beautiful backyard oasis, and Caalab has been a big help to his dad in that respect. Caalab helped dig the ponds and lay the patio bricks.
Travis holds a monthly poker night that Caalab always goes to. He likes to play poker and enjoys getting together to play. The whole family likes to visit the local casinos, and I don’t know how, but they win a lot!! I haven’t really asked they how much money they spent or lost, but I’ve seen the wins, and they are impressive. The family likes to attend the Bellingham Bells baseball games. They often go with friends, but Travis and Caalab are always “two of a kind” there, as are they in most ways. They are both so funny. They love a good joke…and a good prank, and while Shai 
doesn’t always appreciate Caalab’s antics, she forgives him for being a pest, because she loves her brother.
Shai often dog sits for some friends, and Walter, one of the dogs absolutely loves Caalab. Walter waits for Caalab to come home or to get up in the morning. Caalab is Walter’s best friend. Hahahaha!! It’s not surprising, because Caalab has always loved dogs and they have all loved him. I think Caalab likes that Shai dog sits as much as she does. Today is Caalab’s birthday. Happy birthday Caalab!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My grandnephew, Zack Spethman is such a sweet young man. He always has been. Since he was a little boy, Zack was a hugger. It’s a rare trait in a boy, especially as they get to the teenage years, to always hug the people they love. So many boys are embarrassed by aunts, uncles, and even parents who want to give them a hug. These boys are coming into manhood, after all. They have to act macho, or so many of them think, but not Zack. He is so confident in himself, that he feels totally comfortable hugging the people he loves. It really makes you feel special to know that this boy, now a man, seeks you out to tell you that he loves you. Zack is a very social person, and loves hanging out with all of his family and friends.
Zack has grown into a tall man now. He towers over the short women in our family, which is most of us. His mom, Jenny Spethman tells me that he is a momma’s boy, but she doesn’t mean that in a negative way. He and Jenny share a number of interests like hiking and climbing. 
Zack is always up for a hike with his mom, and she likes it, because not everyone wants to go. Nevertheless, Zack will always go climbing and hiking with her. He is also very good to his little sister, Aleesia, helping her with whatever she needs help with, and helping her with climbing to make sure she is safe. While he likes hanging out with his mom, Zack also like the guy things…especially hunting with his dad, Steve Spethman, and his brothers, Xander and Isaac. The guys are very good hunters, and always get enough to supply the family with meat for the next year. The hunts are great financial blessings to their family.
Zack is a smart kid. He was on the honor roll every quarter this year. With all the things Zack is good at, Trivia would not be something I would expect. In fact, Jenny says he has surprised everyone at how good he was at trivia. There is a lot more to Zack than sports and activities. He is a deep thinker too. He likes to reason things out, and he likes learning. I don’t know what his future plans are, but Zack can do anything he wants to do. Today is Zack’s 19th birthday. Happy birthday Zack!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
