Rainbows and Butterfly

My new camera and I have become fast friends.Can't thank you enough who gave this special Father's Day gift. The camera fulfilled its internship in the Middle East very well indeed.  Last two days in the Valley have been really filled with camera special momentswhich I am happy to share with you.

My photo pal has a wonderful Leica lens with great telescopic power as evidenced by the Squaw Peak taken from our front yard! Normal power of the camera  is a fantastic 14+ and with digital assistance it can be pumped up to 28+ Like wow!

Awesome sky coloring at sunset from our backyard.

Breathtaking as clouds were tinted deep red and orange about Utah Lake to the west.

Final darkening as sun made its departure. I love this valley sky, lake, mountains.

Mom and I had a sandwich and "people watched" in the little park which leads up to Bridal Vail falls. Little fellow is passing under a canopy of green follage.

This this little lady posed for me if I was fast enough with my trigger finger. Swallow tail beauty was seeking sustinance in Joe Hafen's garden.

One more shot before she flitted away from our neighborhood.

Joe's California poppies were colorful and delightful.

These round lovlies are called purple onion.

Last evening, Wednesday, following a wonderful meal with Kent, Katherine and sometimes Blythe and Brandt, we were greeted by this lovely rainbow which arched from Rock Canyon just east of the K & K  household over the mountain to Squaw Peak.

Telescopic lens revealed a close up on the wrong end of the rainbow. The pot of gold was at the other end.

JAMES' ENGINEERING FEAT de Jour

James and Alisa lovely home developed a serious defect in a major beam running the full length of the house in the basement as built by contractor who unwisely used a main support of insufficient strength. All houses in the area same defect. Kitchen floors bouncy and walls pulling away from foundation.



James contacted contractor. Sure, can do. $12,000.
James contacted architect for new plans.



James also contacted a custom building iron company and arranged for two I beams, one was 18 feet long and the second was 9 feet in length. Okay so far.





Drilled partial hole into west foundation
and drilled hole entirely through east foundation. Poured a concrete
slab foot square and 6 inches (?) deep for central support.
With jack in place raised floor and walls back to original position.



Below is the eastern hole in foundation where some six friends
slide the HEAVY eighteen foot support beam through the foundation on some small PVC rollers ala the stones in the ancient Egyptian pyramids)



Total cost of beams, lifts, architect: $3000 Cost of friend- $0 Total construction time: three days. James lots of smiling and offers for similar jobs from neighbors. Boys now use outdoor trampoline and not kitchen floor. Way to go Jamer. Thanks Katherine for Blog instructions.

Turkey