TOR!
The master of his house added a year today and with glee and panache, he celebrated.

Jess had a fine day. Happy number twelve, boy!

My dear old friend Nate and his fiance, Han Na (Hanna), dropped by to spent the afternoon with us before heading back to Bountiful. The kids sure enjoyed them, and we had a great time wandering around the valley and eating treats all day long.
'Tis good to have friends like them.

Clouds hanging on the west mountains after a night of rain.
The last days of school have been a throwback to the earlier days of spring; that's what happens more often than not here on the high desert of central Utah.

A day at the pool; Snow College activity center.
School is winding down, and the kids know summer is bound to return.
One of these days, we'll do this outside again...

Here you'll find some information about a few of the presentations at the TYC that I found especially inspiring and applicable (and that I could find pertinent links to on the web):
The keynote presenter was Charlie Applestein, a social worker who has parlayed his effective techniques for positive change in the lives of youths into a publishing and training juggernaut.
Gayle Threet and Leigh Vandenakker, two women who work together to help students find their way through real tough times and difficult decisions.
Paul White, a public school administrator with practical ideas for helping gang youth to succeed.
Gus Frias, an amazing gentleman with a different perspective on the same youth.
Calvin Terrell, Jr., gave the final address of the conference. He presents and consults on Global Diversity and Anti-Opression issues, among others. Amazing guy, indeed.

After a pleasant night tossing around in the back of the 4Runner (Don't tell Snowbird Public Safety... deal?), I happy to report that I am none the worse for the wear and my eyes are beginning to look normal again. They get all puffy if I stay away from home, sleeping on the ground or in cars for more than a day or two, but get better as the day progresses, ya know.
I've learned a few good things and met a grundle of fine people, so I look forward to getting to that reportage in the next couple of days.
For now, I've got to go bum a shower.
Good day!

Still at Snowbird!
Was able to see my dear grandma and uncle, and enjoyed the hospitality of a couple of good friends overnight.
More later, for sure.

It's Troubled Youth Conference time again...
Snowbird's Cliff Lodge and some good trees.

The cutthroat that fell from the sky above the Thousand Lakes on a chilly afternoon in early May.
Ask me sometime and perhaps I'll tell you about it...

'Tis a typical high desert first of May this year; with snow on top of the lilac leaves and school children's sandaled feet.