Henry's Lake

The Berrys spent this cold Saturday on Henry's Lake. I suspect that Jack and Ardella were there watching, wishing they were fishing with our poles. It was freezing but great memories were made. 

Lacey Lou caught the most fish...I was pretty jealous

The Greens Come To Idaho!

The Greens decided to visit the wild west this fall and I made the list of stops! They hit Teton Valley on the best day. It was extremely clear, green, beautiful fall colors, and best of all I was there, of course. They came into Tetonia Monday night from Bozeman (I'm campaigning to have that city be their future home so we can be Northwest neighbors). Tuesday I gave them the true local tour of the Valley, followed by a trip to Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and Jenny's Lake. Along the way they got the Jess Berry ear-full on the locals, fuel pricing and brands, and a little history lesson here and there. Tuesday we went back to my house in Idaho Falls. I think they like my house...almost as much as I do. Wednesday they headed out to start their Yellowstone National Park/Wyoming/Colorado leg of their trip. Thanks so much for coming Greens! 

It was so wonderful having them visit! I do love Idaho, my new home, my work, my new life here...having said that however, the thing I miss most about my Bay Area home is my friends. Having my Bay friends come to Idaho makes me feel at home again. To all of you Bay Area friends, please speak with The Greens for the sales pitch on vacationing in Idaho. I'd love to have any and all of you come! And if their sales pitch doesn't convince you these beautiful landscapes should do the trick!

Potato Tacos

It was nice to know that I still remembered how to cook after all these months. These were so delicious! 

Photo-bombing Cuties

These two are always snapping photos with my phone! Pretty great girls!

Watch Out Brave...

these girls might give you some competition. 

Oh and look at that amazing target they have...

Senior Picturing With Lacey Lou

If College is a bust for Lacey Lou, she just might have a career as a model...

We were the lovely assistants while Amie did all the work

The View From Tetonia...Better Than Driggs, Victor, And Jackson Hole Combined

Huntsman Springs Golfing: Berry Oil Board Meeting

We picked a cold but beautiful day for golfing! We had a lot of good laughs, lost one too many golf balls, and only got a little wet. One of the most beautiful and challenging courses I've ever played. Lunch afterwards was delicious as well!

Thanks Dadio for planning a great "board meeting"! 

Traveling Redneck Style

Matty thought we should take the back roads into Tetonia this morning...we saw pheasants by the hundreds and we almost got stuck on those back roads. Needless to say I was gripping the arm bar in the truck very tightly.  

My Little Sidekick

Some of Mattie Faye's Favorite Things: 

1. Hanging out with her Jessie Faye

2. Jessie Faye's iPhone

3. Facetime with Papa and Grandma

4. Talking on the phone with anyone

5. Driving (yes we start driving young in Idaho)

House Update: Isn't It Pretty AND Colorful

Berry National Holiday

 Breakfast of Champions right here...it only took me 20 minutes to peel those peaches

 Mama Berry, Matty, Amie, Mattie Faye, and I went golfing. We like to start 'em young. She's got a pretty good swing already. It must be that Faye name. 

The Precursor Anniversary To The Berry National Holiday

Twelve years ago today my birthday became a little more important or rather a little more significant. A real second lease on life. Recall story here. I looked back at this blog over the last several years and I always post on this particular day. Probably to remind myself not to squander my life away, to remember that it is a miracle I'm here. To remember to not make a poor choice like I did that morning all those years ago. Maybe to remind myself when the days are really hard, when the aches, the pains, the "growing" experiences seem too much that it is miracle I get to experience the less than pleasant days of life. I wish I could say with enthusiasm today that I look forward to another great year, this year has been exhausting, challenging, and a year of just making it through. However, I trust in something much larger than myself, a loving Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, whom I know is the great equalizer...all things will be made equal. So while this year has been exhausting and I might feel older than 80 this year, I am grateful I have experienced it and look forward to this next year hopefully being a little less exhausting.      

Flash Flood, Soaked, Power Outage...Just Another Day In Salmon

When the rain started I thought, no worries it is just a little rain. By the time I made it to the hotel that night it was a flash flood, electrical storm. After waiting in the car for 10 minutes I decided to brave the weather and run for the hotel. Needless to say I got soaked. Luckily my handy flashlight app helped me find my room in the dark. The power was out all night and until about 2 pm the next day...Salmon is prepared. God loves Berry Oil apparently. The city has several generators and Friday morning our plant and our c-store were located in the right areas of the city to have power...while remainder of the gas stations (minus the Sinclair next to ours) were powerless. While I didn't really love showering in the dark bathroom where just the morning before I killed a hobo spider and going to work with wet hair, it did translate into a great day of business for us. It pays to be in the oil business. 

My next trip to Salmon I'll be a little more prepared...sticking my headlamp in my car tomorrow.  

Welcome To Lone Pine, Idaho

If you blink, you could literally miss it. It consists of a sign, a general store that doubles for the Post Office. Population is probably still one...hence the Lone name. One of the only scenic stops on the way to Salmon.