What is it about the seventy-plus generation and packing for a trip? How many suitcases full of bathing suits and light summer wear does one need for a month.

Joe, the money-manager says, “The number one non-necessity item that people are cutting back on in these economic hard times . . . vacations.” sigh. But hey, let’s look on the bright side . . .Who needs a respite from the stress of the current gloom and doom financial forecast when relief is right here in our own backyard?

Tom and I have reached our limits with running the Lake Chelan Boarding House for wayward teens. I don’t really like to cook and preparing meals for 15 plus people is my idea of purgatory. Our solution to this kitchen drudgery is genius—each of our three kids has their turn at a meal. How fun for them! Sort of like a new funny game. This of course includes, planning the meal, shopping, setting the table and of course, dish duty—no paper plates allowed and cold cereal does not make a meal. The first meal was rather tasty, teriyaki tri-tip, salad, and a fondue disguised as fettuccini.

This past month in Sun Valley, Idaho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed at the new Sun Valley outdoor pavilion to a full house.