Adele, Rolling in the Deep - A Tribute

I don't pay much attention to what is happening in the world of entertainment and have lost track of who is popular and who is the flavor of the month, but this past week I heard a voice on the radio that gave me goose bumps.  This morning I searched her out on YouTube and again my soul was touched and she brought tears to my eyes with her soulful music and crystal clear voice.  Of course, I'm referring to the world renowned Adele.  I must be the last one on the planet to recognize her amazing gift.  I have spend much of my morning watching her perform and being touched by her charm.  I wanted to share three versions of her song as titled above from three different angles.  Hope you enjoy them.

I love how music can stir so much emotion in ones heart and soul.  If this song and performance does not do that for you then you better check your pulse.

Father's Day 2012

I typically love Father's Day for several reasons but leading the list is that I get to spend the day with my kids and now grandkids as well.  This year I will be missing my Kelsey and her family but will get to see them next week and we are having family pictures taken at the 'command' of my wife.  Father's Day for me anymore is somewhat bitter sweet as is Mother's Day as my parents are both gone and Holly's dad whom I called Dad even when we were first dating passed away a few years ago.  I have limited memories of my own father as a child because he wasn't around very much but I remember him as an ideal grandfather and I hope to emulate him and have my grandchildren respect and love me as our children did him.  I do remember my father being a 'take charge' kind of guy who was not afraid to say what he thought and back up what he said.  He was not ashamed to stand up for what was right and would fight for his personal convictions.
As a child of about 7 or 8 I recall playing in the road in front of our house.  It was not a busy street so we often played games running back and forth across the street whether playing baseball, 'kick the can' or 'no bears are out tonight'.  We had one game where a group of kids would ride their bikes down the street while others standing on the lawns on either side would throw tennis balls at the bikers and if you were hit then you would become a thrower as well.  The last one left on a bike was the winner.  I'm sure we had a name for this incredibly fun game but it eludes me now.  Anyway, one night while playing this 'gauntlet-like' game a small VW Bug came roaring around the corner and whistled down the street sending bikes and kids dodging for cover.  My dad was in the yard doing some work and he yelled for the driver to slow down.  A few moments later the same car came wheeling around the corner and made another pass down the street.  By now, several of the parents from the block had made their way outside to see what was going on including our neighbor, Mr. Peterson.  Then sure enough after another minute or two the car came around the bend at the end of the street and I could see my dad running for the middle of the road with shovel in hand.  I will never forget him standing in the middle of that road with the shovel stretched before him like a medieval lance prepared to stop an approaching steed.  Time seemed to stop for a moment as neighbors and children were screaming for the car to stop as it raced ahead.  He didn't budge but seemed fully prepared to take the impact if that is what it would take to stop this menace and save the children from this mad man behind the wheel.
I don't remember exactly how it happened probably because I closed my eyes in anticipation of seeing my father run down and killed before my very eyes but the next thing I knew the car was stopped and my dad had the driver by the throat and was leading him across the street to our front yard.  As he did so the passenger in the car got out and threw a large bottle of whiskey well over the house and into the neighbors back yard.  I remember Mr. Peterson racing to the road and grabbing the passenger at this point who happened to be his second son and haul him off and into their home only to have the son, Danny, come charging out the front door a minute later in an attempt to attack my dad closely followed by his father.  What a scene!  Thankfully it all ended well and no one was hurt but I will always remember my dad standing for the right and not backing down.  I hope I can be so dedicated to standing for what I know to be right and true.

My Dad and Me 1962

J. Farrell Larsen & Sons 1962

I have been greatly blessed with other men who have sacrificed of their resources, time and talents in my behalf and I am glad that I have been able to call three such men Dad.  My own father as shown above.  Holly's dad, Gene, who I grew to love and admire as much as any man I have ever known.  He was small in stature but large in spirit and taught me the importance of patience, love and devotion that is so important as a husband and father.  I miss him every day and still play a round or two at Wolf Creek in my dreams with him on a sunny day, eating carrot cake on the back 9.  He stands very tall in my mind and I hope my children remember what a remarkable man he truly was.

Eugene M. Broby

Allan Reay, Yuvona Broby, Danielle Larsen Reay, & Dad

As pictured above, you can see that my life is blessed the addition of some wonderful son-in-laws and the fathers of my grandchildren.  Allan is my second-son and has felt like a member of the family from the first day he took Danielle on a date.  He is an amazing father to their three children and I love that he takes such good care of my daughter.  The greatest blessing any father can have is to have passed the gauntlet of love and responsibility for his children onto a good man or woman.  Bruce Chenuz is my other son-in-law and a joyful addition to our family.  He is clever and creative and so much that I am not and he and Kelsey have the cutest little boy, Eli, who is quirky and so very funny.  Bruce, like Allan, has been a wonderful addition to our family and I trust that he puts the care of his little family first which is so important to me.  Holly and I love these men as if the were our own.

Bruce and Eli 2012

Last but not least I have a man who played a pivotal role in my life during some very important years.  My step-father, Grant Wright, took four young boys under his wing during our teen years and did his best to teach us how to be men.  I think he did a pretty good job and I still enjoy meeting up with him each year in Murdo, South Dakota to pheasant hunt and share a laugh or two.  We had so many good times together that I can't even keep track of them as we played basketball, shot pheasants and geese and worked around our house.  He was there for me when I needed a good father figure and I love him for it.  Still the best shot with a shot gun that I know!

Cory Larsen, Terry Larsen, Grant Wright & Ty Larsen 2011

Grant, Mom and Sons - Christmas 1977

Patti Williams, a Dear Friend

I just got word that a wonderful woman and dear friend of mine from my Jr. High and Box Elder High School years passed away a few days ago.  I had the fortunate opportunity to reconnect with her over the past few years via Facebook and I have grown to appreciate her as a loving, caring daughter of Our Father in Heaven who had an unwavering faith in God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  She often shared with me her desire to live the gospel and her courage astonished me as I learned of the challenges she faced.  I can't help but think that anyone who knew Patti in any capacity was blessed for that relationship.  She loved golf and enjoyed sharing stories from her glory years of golf success and the difficulties that ended her career were heartbreaking, but she soldiered on and found joy in other areas including serving others with her skill in the medical field.  I introduced Patti to Scrabble on Facebook a few years ago and it didn't take long for her to consistently mop the floor with me.  Occasionally she'd let me win and I'd tease her that she should be a professional Scrabble player in Vegas.  Her kindness knew no bounds and she so often thought of others even as she struggled with so many health related problems of her own.

I will miss Patti Williams but will remember her for the loving person that I came to know these past few years and for the beautiful young woman that I remember from my youth.  I know she lives on and I look forward to a reunion with her and all our friends in the worlds to come.

Patti Williams (1959-2012)

Her obituary as posted in TheSpectrum.com

Patricia Ann Williams was born on Sept. 12, 1959, in Ogden, UT. She died June 1, 2012. She is the daughter of Tommy and Betty Williams. Her family moved to Brigham City once Patti was of school age and she lived there throughout her high school years. Patti attended Box Elder High School where she not only excelled in several sports including track, tennis, basketball, and golf, but was also a top student. She graduated in 1977. Patti later attended Weber State University where she majored in nursing and received her BS in Gerontology. She was a member of Weber State's first women's golf team. While in college, Patti enjoyed caddying for her dad in several golf tournaments on the senior tour including the US Senior Open. She met her husband, Wayne Beck, at Weber State and they were married on Oct. 19, 1984. She always said she married her best friend. They were later sealed in the St. George temple on April 9, 2004. Patti and Wayne moved to St. George in 1986 where she worked as a nurse at the Dixie Regional Medical Center for over 20 years. She became a charge nurse as well as a house supervisor and continued her nursing education eventually becoming a board certified orthopedic nurse. Her boss said Patti went above and beyond for all of her patients and co-workers. She gave her all, ALL of the time! Patti later taught golf lessons to high school girls in St. George which was the beginning of the girls' golf program in Southern Utah. Patti also had a VERY soft heart for animals and loved her dogs like children. She was a friend to so many people and was always ready to help out. Most recently she started helping neighborhood children by walking them home after school. Spending time with these precious children, Paisley, Jaynee, Hannah, Avery, and Carson, became one of the great joys of her life. Patti is survived by her husband, Wayne Beck; her parents, Tommy and Betty Williams; her sister, Sheri Branson; her mother in law, Wanda Beck; and numerous brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, and her dog, Nike. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jerry Hagan and all of Patti's doctors for the care they have provided in the past several years. She will be missed by all those whom she has touched.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd, where friends and family may call both Tuesday 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment: Tonaquint Cemetery.

New iPad Wallpaper Collection

I've just added a NEW iPad Wallpaper Collection to www.smackeral.com.  These are all original and unique to Smackeral.com and can be downloaded and used for free.  Hope you enjoy them and look for new backgrounds to be added regularly.

Here are some samples.....

Live Oak Climbing Tree - Charleston, SC

Door Knocker

SeaPines Golf Course - Hilton Head, SC

Bumble Bee

Straight No Chaser

While in Savannah we took the opportunity to see 'Straight No Chaser' in concert.  Years ago I had a friend recommend them but never really acted on the information.  Wish I would have checked them out years ago.  Amazing vocals from 10 very talented guys.  They sing without any musical aid other than their voices.  We were treated to almost two hours of laughter and wonderful music from some really down to earth performers.  They started as a singing group in college and have traveled the USA and Canada since bringing their gifts to many.  You can visit their website HERE.

They have quite of bit of material put up by themselves and fans on YouTube.  Below is a peak....

Here is one of my favorites....

Mike, the lead in this song, in my estimation has an amazing vocal quality.
If you ever have a chance to see them, they are truly worth the $40 bucks!

Goose Family Update

Our local goose family was out and about last night and a young family was feeding them pieces of bread.  Can't believe how quickly they grow.  It will be interesting to how their color changes over the coming weeks.

The Goose Family

I Count 8

Floating Wheel Clock

My brother Rick can make or fix just about anything.  As of late, he's been building these amazing wood clocks.  We have one beautifully displayed in the entry way of our home that he customized for our Canadian motif - see picture below:

Rick's Wood Wall Clock 2011

He's made a number of these of different designs and recently we worked together to produce a video of one of his builds by the designer, Clayton Boyer.  Mr. Boyer has kindly featured the video on his home page which you can access with this link.

Alternatively you can watch the video on YouTube.com as seen below:

Brother's Birthdays

Today is my brother Steve's Birthday and a couple weeks ago Mike celebrated his 56th.  At what point did we all become men worthy of the seniors discount at Denny's?  Still just seems like yesterday we were playing ball in Yankee Stadium on the side of our house or blasting golf balls over our neighbors houses to reach the green in their backyard.  Some of my fondest memories revolve around my brothers.  I truly count myself as blessed to have them as part of my life.  Love them all!

Mike, Dennis & Steve 1960

Steve, Mike, Dennis & Jeff (October 1980)

My Half-Brother Shaun 1972

Rick 2009

I could not have asked for 4 men better suited to be my brothers, no wait a minute, I take that back.  I'm pretty sure God intended my brother-in-law, Rick, to be my brother as well.  Each has something unique that adds so much to my family's life.

Our New Neighbors

In the past few weeks we've noticed some activity nearby and stopped today to get a closer look at our new neighbors.  They were a bit wary of our presence but didn't stop us from getting some pictures.

A Watchful Eye

Barn Swallow?

Bottoms Up

Canadian Geese & Goslings

Mallard Hen & Ducklings

Red Winged Black Bird

 Both a Canadian Goose and Mallard Duck Family have made a small marshy area near our home their choice to nest and raise their new little ones.  Great fun to watch and we'll update as they grow.

Nina Conti - Hysterical

This is just too funny not to pass along.  Very talented, even when she's talking she doesn't move her lips.  Hope you enjoy this clip.

Nina Conti Ventriloquist Performance