Both of the Oregon sibs and their families were here to have Thanksgiving with us, and as our last activity together, the teens and the grownups all descended upon the Oquirrh Mountain Temple yesterday morning to perform temple ordinances on behalf of some of our ancestors. It's not often I get to attend the Temple with family, let alone nieces and nephews, so it was quite a moment for me. It was a very cold and blustery day, but it was a blessing to all be together. And hopefully our ancestors appreciated our efforts.
One of my goals this year is to go on a backpacking trip. It's something I've always wanted to do, but been too intimidated to try. Well, a few weeks ago, one of the girls in the Ward invited me on a backpacking trip to the Uinta's this summer. This time I immediately said yes. All was well until a few days later when reality set in and the thought of carrying 30-35 pounds of pack on my back while hiking in rough terrain just about made me cave. I did not have all the gear I would need, nor was I in good enough shape. The gear is something easily worked out. Most of it I can either purchase myself, or borrow from highly motivated friends. The physical conditioning was another matter altogether, so I decided it was time to get in better shape. I've been pretty good at exercising regularly, and I'm in ok shape for someone approaching a milestone birthday (if I say so myself). But I knew I needed to put in some extra miles, as well as add strength to my legs ...

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