HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR EDDIE. It was almost the end of the day and very blustery and cold in Lansdale Pennsylvania. I was vacuuming and needing to pause every now and then just to get through the contractions. You were due about a week earlier so I was good and ready to welcome you into our family. Angie had been with us about a week so it was almost time for her to go home...and still no baby. Well, at 11:35 you made your grand entrance and all of our lives will never be the same...only better. Happy Birthday dear boy and know that you are loved. mom

For a guy that claims complete neutrality in matters concerning organized sports, I have sure spent my fair share of time watching the teams I'd like to support blow it. Now that the Cubbies and Red Sox are gone, my baseball season is more or less over. I guess I should be happy that the Cubs didn't stink this year like most other years.

www.firecrowton.com is great. I got on there and entered a bogus name and email address, and made all sorts of senseless comparisons and allegations in my bid for Crowton's removal. Of course I don't know what I'm talking about, but maybe someone will start a petition, and just maybe we'll have another fun-filled recall election. If it comes to that, I'll be voting for Robert Redford as BYU's new Head Coach. At least Bob votes.

* * *

Color is slow to leave the mountains in October this year. Olympus was fire this morning as sunlight lit its ridges from the south. The day framed the essence of fall, and I needed to wet a line. Dad and I found the Provo alive as the memories that seem to live there, and we fished along the cabins. I caught two rainbows and a brown. All were healthy, and all were beautiful. Only a breath ago, I caught my first Provo brown this time of year in 1994. The date was September 14. Exactly one week before I left for the MTC. I thumped him on the head and wrapped him in grass. That evening, I cooked him on a grill at a cabin at Sundance. DK, DJ and a bunch of girls watched as I ate every last bite. I offered to share, but there seemed to be something wrong with eating something with its head still attached. The white eyeballs didn't help either. I remember how that trout tasted for some reason. I wonder now if it was really the taste of a great childhood about to end.

Dad caught two fish, and we both had an unfortunate encounter with a jerk. All in all, it was about as good as it gets on a Saturday on the Provo. I'm sure the other guy is writing about his encounter with two jerks, so I can rest at ease knowing that my day was better than his.

Twas one day in seven. Five others are still being spent at QSI. Just two weeks ago, the new dog took a dump right outside my door. She's a chocolate lab, and she didn't even have the decency to keep it in one place. Makes me wonder what's so darned important that causes an animal to deficate on the run. The negative air pressure in my office sucked the stench in and held it hostage for about an hour. If there is an animal with less self respect than a dog, tell me about it, but keep it at bay. I believe more than ever that there will be plenty of dogs in hell.

Well, back to Perry Mason with Eddie. He says it's a "great show," and I'm curious to find out how he came up with that.

S

When Pedro Martinez walked off the mound in the eighth inning with the game tied, I knew the Red Sox were going to lose. There went the best pitcher in baseball, succumbing like so many Red Sox who have gone before to the Curse of the Great Bambino, this time in the very House that Ruth Built. What a game.

Visited with my Dad (and mom) tonight. Had many laughs with my Dad and hopefully cheered him up a little. It's good I got there when I did. My mother was feeding him dinner, and had that irritated look on her face. She was mad at him for leaning over too far, making it difficult for her to feed him (he winked at me once as he did it). He said she had just threatened to walk out of there and go home unless he stopped it. He didn't stop, and she didn't go home.

The cameras focused repeatedly on the stunned, muted fans after the eigth inning. Some were muttering under their breath, others were hanging their heads and covering their faces.

"The best of healers is good cheer."

-Pindar

Awwww...those Cubbies! And as for the Sox, maybe they are yet beset with The Curse after all.

Well, it was a week ago today that I called Mom in tears about my first helping at school experience. Each Wednesday a friend and I trade kids and take turns helping at school, so every other week I have the opportunity of helping in Abby's class. Everything went well in the classroom. I was impressed with those kids. They have to really listen and pay attention, I found myself asking one of the students what was supposed to be happening. It wasn't until class was dismissed for recess that I got my first big blow as a Mom who thinks their kid is absolutely wonderful. I watched from the window as Abby went up to a group of kids to play and they all walked away. She then went up to two other girls to play with them and they ran away from her, she ran to catch up and they ran away again. I watched her just stand there with her arms folded while the teacher asked me if Abby was having trouble at recess. I said that it looked like she was having trouble finding someone to play with. Abby came in and got her teacher for help. It didn't seem to affect her too much, but I hurriedly left the school with tears running down my face. It was a much harder day for me than it was for her. When she came home I asked her about her day, and she began telling me how great it was, and never once mentioned this playground episode. I hope she can always keep her confidence and happy disposition. I remember when I was having social trouble in 6th grade, Mom telling me just wait till something like this happens to your kids - it's way harder for the mom. That's for sure. Katie and Melissa - treasure these days when you have your kids to yourself all day long. I find myself watching the clock for Abby to come home just to find that she wants to leave and play right when she gets home. I love you all and hope all is going well in your homes.

The perfect period on a conference weekend for me was "Our Town", by Thornton Wilder on PBS last night. Cristie and I, Sam, Dave, and Lizzie watched it together (Ed and Valerie watched a little, and Joe was in and out).

It's one of my favorite American plays, familiar to me from my college days. Paul Newman did an excellent job as Stage Manager, and the other actors were equally up to the task.

Dave said he thought it was a little strange, but he stuck with it. And when I asked him about it today, he admitted he has thought about it several times, which for me is an indication it made some kind of an impression.

Because of the play, I have lived today more completely and fully than most. My day was nothing special; the usual phone calls (four hour teleconference), e-mail, etc., but I took notice of some of the little things. The beautiful color in the mountains, the crisp, cool morning, and the friendly afternoon. I actually really looked at a few faces of both strangers and those I love. I listened and felt more than I usually feel. And I plan on doing more of the same tomorrow.

I havent written on the blog for ever. I am so excited for halloween its gonna be fun. well yesterday mom and I got all of the halloween decorations out and then while the boys were gone we went to wood we ever and let be tell ya mom baught quite a bit of stuff she baugt a halloween witch, a bee pillow , a cool santa and this pot sort of a thing.
and then we went to GAP but they didnt really have much cute stuff. and then we went to the childrens place (all that stuff is for little kids) and then we took a peek into Gyboree(little kid stuff)

Well, today is your dad's big day! He's off to Montana to fish and Spencer Kirk is the pilot. As you can imagine...he was more than just a little bit excited. It looks as if six or seven guys were invited to a one day fishing trip so let's hope they catch the big one.

Little Carter came to our house yesterday afternoon while Ali and Doug host some business people downtown last night through this evening. Our little guest has been delightful and Liz has been quite the helper. She is crazy about the little ones that come and I love her help.

It's hard to believe that another weekend is here. I bought a case of peaches last week and we are all out so I will be at the farmers market tomorrow morning to load up with some more fruit. I don't know when I have ever enjoyed the produce as much as I have this season. I have a pumpkin spice candle burning down in the kitchen and it really has the smell of the harvest season.

Kate I can certainly identify with the early to bed theory when the day gets a little long. Keep up the good work dearie you are "laying the foundation of a great work, and out of small things proceedeth that which is great." I am so proud of you girls and wonderful mothers that you are. Always I am inspired as I watch you mother your little ones. Heavely Father is ever ready to give you a boost. That fact I have experienced many times over.

My love to you all. I received a postcard from your uncle Nate yesterday and he was on his way home from London. The front of the postcard had an ariel view of Picadilly Square. Amazing. He is anxious to get home to his own bed. There's no place like home:)

Bob Hook is in the hospital in Reno with a left coronary artery that is almost completely blocked. I had a business trip to Reno planned for Monday and Tuesday that he knew about, so he called me Sunday Night to say he was too busy for us to get together while I was there. He then told me he had been having chest pains. I told him to get in to see a doctor the first thing Monday morning, and made him promise to do it.

The doctor did an EKG on him, which was not normal, so after conferring with a cardiologist in Reno, they took him up there by ambulance to the hospital last night. They planned to do angioplasty on him this morning and put a device in his artery to open it up. I was able to give him a blessing last night in the hospital, but haven't yet heard from Donna on how things went. I'll keep you all posted.

Now, to change subjects, I hope some of you have had the pleasure of catching some of the PBS films on "The Blues" the last few nights. I saw one last night and was absorbed, not only in the music, but in the filmmaking. I highly recommend you all see as much of these specials as you can. Creative insight into truly american music.

Danny--- happy to hear your Stipula is working better. It must be the higher humidity. I still haven't received back my re-worked pen. The Stpulas are too beautiful to give up on!

Happy Belated Birthday Alison and Carter! Hope it was a glorious one!!
Love You All and Miss Ya Too!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISON AND CARTER!

Greetings all:

Danny, I am excited (and a tad bit jealous) for your experiences. Katie, if you can manage to find a movie that shows a Harry Potter character getting eaten by a monster, you may get your Isaac back again. I’ve yet to meet a kid that wants to be called Lord Farquaad.

Just a few words to keep everyone on the same page regarding my travels of the past week. As most of you know, I had an interview with Pfizer on Wednesday. If you haven’t heard yet, you now know firsthand that it could have gone better. I would feel much worse if Des Moines had impressed me with its endless beauty. I flew into St. Paul/Minneapolis airport just as the sun edged over the horizon. From the air, I observed countless lakes, trees, and farmland as far as the eye could see. I was pleasantly surprised. I thought Iowa and Minnesota could not be much different, but as I flew south, I watched as the landscape grew uglier and uglier. From thirty thousand feet, it really looked like they had to try to keep the lakes in Iowa from creeping (or leaking, or whatever lakes to do relocate) north to Minnesota. When the lakes are trying to get out, one questions the wisdom of moving in.

As I landed at the Des Moines airstrip and walked across the tarmac, I remembered my single instruction: “Look for the silver Intrepid.” In any other major airport, this could be a challenge. In Des Moines, there were about six cars waiting in the loading area, and a dozen or so people milling about. If it hadn’t been for the occasional roar of a jet engine, I would have thought I was at a train station in Sleepyville. I know, I was only there for seven hours. How can one justly judge a town with so little time? I soon spotted the silver Intrepid, and off we went to lunch.

The interview was OK. Sure, I like college basketball fine when there’s absolutely nothing else to do. Mark seemed to live for it. Throughout the interview, he spoke of players, teams and coaches I should have known. He has a son that plays college ball in Montana. I had a difficult time connecting, and there was little “synergy” throughout our discussions. After all, if he only had one trophy in his cabinet, at least he has one! I guess I have one too, but I failed to mention that my experience with the Padres (and organized sports in general) taught me that one can thoroughly stink at a sport and still take first place. As I said, the interview was no better than fine. Dad said I could have read it wrong, and that would be entirely possible. If I get called to go back, you will all know.

Mark dropped me off, and told me that he would let me know about the position after he reviews some other candidates. I will continue to put my best foot forward. I must be doing something right if I managed to make an unusually favorable impression with his boss. Either way, I am fine with how things have turned out. To tell you the truth, those lakes made me nervous.

I arranged a climbing outing in Big Cottonwood Canyon this morning. This year’s outing was far better than last year’s. It was cool and beautiful. On some days, it seems that the sun just shines a little brighter on me than anyone else. Today was one of those days. We climbed three routes, and I did not have the feeling of impending doom that I had last year. Believe me, feeling like you’re going to fall to your death at any moment will ruin any chance of fun. Today was different. I climbed well, and felt light. So light, I realized at the end of the day that I had left my climbing shoes somewhere along the trail. Just when I concluded that it was time for new shoes anyway, the old ones turned up, and the three of us rode home together like old friends.

Will I really be able to leave these mountains?

Sam

Dear Hearts:

I have loved hearing about the steins, Tarzan and the boys in Las Vegas. (I thought for sure you boys knew that you would both be there at the same time; otherwise I would have mentioned it.) Girls, I am so happy that conference is tomorrow evening and we get to spend some real quality time together. Let's get together at my house at 5 and then we can go to Barbacoa for dinner.

I had my hour of power with Counting Crows today so 'paved paradise to put up a parking lot' is running through my head. I'm headed down to the RS building in SL hoping to get a clue about what I should be doing. Tonight we are taking Bob and Audree out for Bob's big 60th birthday celebration. Audree called to say he is pooped, but she plans to talk him into it. I have a reservation on the patio of Frescos at 6:30.

Danny you painted such a neat picture of your orientation...I loved hearing about the seating chart stuff. Oh, I hate to be the one to say the dumb stuff!:) I love you all and feel honored to know and love such fine people.

love, mom

Danny, I'm happy for you that you got both the Steins. Do they both wear ill fitting, non matching, hopelessly out of style clothes or is that too much stereotyping?

I'm in Sin City (Las Vegas) tonight. Imagine my surprise as I was standing waiting to board my flight in SLC this morning to see Ed walking up to me. He was on my same flight, and is also down here on business for the auto auction. We sat together on the flight, and hooked up tonight for a nice steak dinner here in town. It's been fun for me to spend some time with my son when I'm usually so bereft of family on my business trips.

95 degrees today here. I enjoyed my work, gaining strength of attitude and energy as the day progressed (my usual pattern). I wish I could bound out of bed ready to go in the morning like Cristie does!

Watched a bit of the USA women's soccer team beat Nigeria with Ed early this evening. Go USA!

hey katie...hows harry?! you two girls are surely hysterical! (you and melissa). im not sure what id do in the case of the charging child...good luck katie.

The heart of Autumn must have broken here, and poured its treasure out upon the leaves.--Charlotte Fiske Bates

Well Katie, it sounds like a regular adventure at the Nydegger household. Like Isaac, Eddie went through a name-phase-thing. He would only answer to "Zelda", and always introduced himself as such when we were out. This raised a lot of eyebrows. Evidently, not many grownups play Nintendo and so they never suspected that "Zelda" might not be his real name. Surprisingly though, most men, even grown men, knew exactly what he was talking about. They always made sure to point out that "Zelda" is the Princess, and that, surely he must be thinking that he's "Link" the boy hero in the game. Eddie loved the attention. I love having little boys!

As for Eli, it's hard for me to imagine that darling little bald head charging after his mommy with all that fury! Does it crack you up or are you reaching near-insanity?

Katie, you are such a good mommy. I can tell you are doing an amazing job adjusting to a brand new situation. I have a tremendous amount of admiration for you!

It's so good to hear from everyone. It sounds like you are doing well Miss Anne-Marie! Glad to hear it. Nothing motivates a girl to get to work on time like a hunky boss!

I better get going or I may have to tell another bloody story! Have a great day everyone, love you all.

Hey Everybody!!!
It's my first REAL Blog! Thank you, Uncle Bubby, for my invitation to blog, as I will be frequently keeping in touch with my cute family I love so much!

I think this is the hottest I remember it being in a long time for being so late into September...I pity those kids that have to try to learn in those hot classrooms. Hmmm...maybe that's what's wrong with me! Haha...

I have started a new part-time job working as a medical assistant to a weight loss surgeon in Oxnard a few days a week and I'm loving it! I don't know what's better - walking into an even better-looking version of E.R.'s George Clooney every morning, or seeing these patients go from 400 pounds to half that size in just a year. It's really quite amazing to see the growth of technology these days...makes me wonder what they'll figure out next!

Tommy is doing great in school so far. He comes home with a report card at the end of every week, and he's had A's for 3 weeks straight. I'm so proud of him! I think he's very proud of himself too. Hopefully he'll use that as motivation and keep it up!

Kelly is zipping right along like summer never happened. She gets her week's worth of homework done by Tuesday night, and I hardly ever see the little chickadee anymore! She certainly has discovered the power of her bike, and how you can go just about anywhere if you're up for the peddle! She must get that from her mother!

I hope all is well with everybody! I miss you all and love ya too!