Closing a chapter in life can be tough...

We all have from time to time those events that while not physically difficult, are mentally tough and take some getting use to it.  Yesterday was one of those times as I dismantled the kennel for our dog Daisy, who passed away about three weeks ago.  The kennel has just sat empty during that time, and with high likelihood of not getting another dog, it was time to take it down.  There were lots of memories with each part and a side story to boot. We had grown very accustomed as a family of driving into our back driveway and having Daisy there to greet us and welcome us home.  It has been pretty quiet there the last few weeks and pretty clear that while relieved from this earthly pain, she was not coming back.  Thus the need to close that chapter.

Daisy's kennel had a tarp roof (along with a "night light"
which I had already removed)

We had purchased her kennel from Lowe's and while we had looked at more expensive versions, this was something we could afford.  We purchased the roof package, which worked well until the first heavy snow storm and one morning came out to find it had collapsed.  In an effort to re-establish it, I grabbed some old boards, nailed them together with my pneumatic nail gun and planned on building something better, with the idea that this would be temporary.  It only stayed the same for another eight years!  In hindsight, I would have never purchased their roof version but built something out of wood at a fraction of the cost and frankly is a much stronger alternative.

Daisy had this thing for chewing!

Daisy had this thing for chewing, on nearly everything!  We once bought her this really nice comfy padded bed only to come out and find an hour later, she had chewed the thing apart.  She was not discriminating and chewed nearly everything, including the "temporary support" of her roof!  The amazing part, is the board was on the outside of her kennel wall and somehow she chewed on it through the fence!

Daisy's dog house that we found on sale and
was her home the entire time

I had numerous conversations with Daisy that eating her own home, was really not in her best interest and she should be much more selective.

When we moved to our current home, I secured the services of a friend in the construction business, DeLynn Kirkham.  Their business did a lot of concrete restoration and re-profiling decks in parking structures.  It was their business to not have water sitting in one place for a long period of time and it proved to be the case with Daisy's kennel.  Whenever we washed it, or the weather left water on the floor, it would drain off quickly and slopped outward in all directions.  One of the best investments we could have made. 

As I dismantled the wall sections and placed them in a place in our yard for storage, I ran into lots of little things that reminded me of our time with Daisy.  I was very grateful for the experience our family shared and without an exception, everyone of us, as we passed the newly cleaned up area, remarked of how different it felt to not have her there.

Empty concrete pad, awaiting a new use...

We've had a few discussions of what to do with the site, but we'll have to wait for the right time financially.  In the mean time, it just will not be the same.  While not in pristine condition, we still do have a usable kennel that I've decided to not sell, just yet.  However if there is a family, who are just starting out with a dog, and just happened to need a kennel that could provide a good home, I think we would like that and would make you a great deal.  It would even be OK, if it were just temporary.  After all, our temporary stuff lasted eight years....

My Heart Challenge Results Announced - I Win Most Improved!

Adding Sugar equivalent to over-all weight loss, I contributed 43 lbs to it!

What I never would have thought I could obtain, and certainly not in 100 days, Intermountain Medical Center announced Thursday night at a special dinner, that I won the most improved award for the challenge involving local elected officials in Salt Lake County.  Prize comes with $1,000 for my city, and more importantly, my health.  An emotional accomplishment for me, because like anything that plagues a person, eating excessively and not caring for yourself becomes an addiction of sorts and breaking yourself of it, not a simple task.  However the feel of self-esteem that accompanies it, is frankly, very rewarding.

The task is obviously not really over, in fact maybe even more difficult in the weeks and months ahead, but I don't want to go back.  Gaining my physical freedom and finding satisfaction in exercising and strengthening my body has had many benefits, I didn't ever imagine.  While I use to work out as part of conditioning during my basketball days, it was more like sentenced torture!  Doing it for myself and improving my condition has been one of the most rewarding things I've done.  My family, and particular Cathy, have been incredible in this effort and I have no idea how I would have accomplished it without them.


Other elected officials from Salt Lake County who participated - Each were so genuine in their efforts
and frankly their support of me

 I like statistics, so here are a few for you that indicate my progress.  Official weight loss, 43 lbs, 7" off my waist.  Lowering of my BMI, 4%, much lower blood pressure, increased oxygen capacity for my blood, improved cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar levels.  On top of it, I have better mobility, improved stamina and a lot of pants that fall off my waist if I loosen my belt, which I've had to drill additional holes to make it work. 

Meagan Kine, Michelle Barker and Kary Woodruff were great to work with me 

My quote that they included in my plaque for participation says it all, "I think for myself, I feel like I have a new lease on life.  I am heading in the right direction for the first time in a decade or more."  Thanks everyone for your support!

Additional:
Deseret News Article
MyHeartChallenge.com

Farewell Daisy, We will miss you!

Daisy as a new puppy, before coming home to us!

Earlier last week, we were concerned about the increasing weight loss by our dog, Daisy (see prior blog).  Daisy had been on a Veterinarian supervised diet, but was losing more weight than we thought she should.  Daisy also started having a difficult time keeping her food down, and so we took her into the Vet, when alternative food didn't appear to be working.  We were shocked and saddened to find out that Daisy had some kind of cancer, probably liver, and her prognosis would not be good.  The Vet gave us some medicines to help her to be able to eat.  We quickly realized that she not only would not get better, but she would not stay in this interim stage very long. We would need to make some decisions earlier than later.  Not wanting Daisy to suffer any more than she needed to suffer, we made an appointment with the Vet to have her put to rest today. However Sunday morning, she was considerably worse and finally last night, she passed away.



Jessica and Sarah play with Daisy, just prior to bringing her home

Our emotions are tender and our tears are many.  Daisy became a very important part of our family and for nine years, provided some wonderful teaching opportunities and enjoyment as we interacted on a day to day basis.  Originally, when we got her, I personally was a little scared or uneasy around dogs.  My growing up years of raising a dog was not a stellar memory and I was not sure how to truly raise a dog correctly.  However we felt it was important for our oldest daughter Jessica not to have the same fears or concerns and of course, "She promised to take care of everything in caring for Daisy".  While Jessica, and later Sarah, did a lot, there were many days of reminding them of their responsibilities.  Nevertheless, I always loved to come home and see one of them walking down the street with Daisy by their side as they were walking her or to see them out in the back yard playing with Daisy.  They were priceless moments.



Jessica on "Obedience Graduation Day" at Petsmart

I was also determined to try and amend for my mistakes in caring for an earlier dog as a child, and it was always important for me to see her cared for correctly.  Due to allergies and some other issues, Daisy lived outside in a nice kennel area that we had built and we tried to make her comfortable during any of the weather extremes.  I had a tradition each night before going to bed in giving her a treat, just before calling it a night.  In fact many a night, I did my political whining to Daisy, who was always sympathetic and intent in listening to me, just up to the point I gave her a treat!  She always watched over our place and our girls. One time, when Sarah was young, we heard a very different bark from her, and when Cathy went to investigate, found Sarah leaving our yard unattended.  I was glad that the night before she passed away, I was able to give her one last treat and say good bye.


Grandma Nielsen says hi to Daisy on a visit

 We would have on more than one occassion a guest, who at the end of stay, would admit that they gave Daisy a treat themselves. Needless to say, she was well liked by nearly every visitor.

Daisy was also our motivation for walking many a days.  She was a big dog who needed regular exercise, and while the girls had their regular assignments to walk her, I often found a lot of peace in taking her myself.

Family Christmas Photo with Santa & Daisy

  I just could never get her to do her business in one place and at one time.  We had that discussion numerous times, but to no avail.  Frankly, I think it was her way of civil disobedience and for her to make a statement to me.

Our neighbors have always been kind to Daisy and patient with us.  Their complaints during some barking spells were almost never made and their children often appeared over the fence to say hello to Daisy.  Our thanks to the Orme Family, who recently moved but lived next to us for many years and to Denny & Linda McKone who live across the street.  It was not uncommon when the McKones brought their neighbor Christmas gift to us, to also find something in it for Daisy.  I always knew that when the girls were out walking her, that Denny had his eye on them as they went past his home.

Sarah & Daisy at
Parley's Historic Nature Park
on a City Council visit

While Daisy's final days have been tough emotionally, we also have had some sweet moments.  As Jessica's work and schooling have become full time, her care has transitioned to Sarah.  These two have built a wonderful bond together and it was Sarah who could get Daisy to eat and it was Sarah who sat with Daisy for hours on the grass in her final moments to comfort Daisy, and make sure Daisy knew we loved her. Yesterday we just let Daisy lie out on the lawn and rest in the shade.  It offered us some sweet and tender moments with Daisy.



Sarah playing with Daisy, one
last time

 While we struggled with what and how to take care of Daisy when she did pass, we finally settled on the fact we wanted her here at our home.  I could tell Sunday evening around 10 p.m. that whe would not likely make it to our appointment with the Vet this morning, so I went out and started digging her final resting place.  I checked on Daisy once during the process and stroked her head and told her it was ok for her to go.  A few minutes later, Cathy and Sarah came up to me and told me she had passed away. 

Our thanks to Paul and Heidi Fullmer, our neighbors and friends, who came over and helped us take care of Daisy.  We placed her ball (seen in the adjoining picture) with her and I put one of my old gloves in her grave.  Daisy had this interesting  habit of stealing my work gloves off the back porch and burying them in the yard.  I went through a lot of pairs of gloves and Cathy still finds them when she works in the flowers. It's only fitting that her final resting place is a patch of daisies. 

We love you Daisy and want you to know how grateful we are that you were part of our family. 

50:50 Odds I can live with!

My official time!

Generally when the odds are 50:50, it's not exactly encouraging.  In fact, in politics, you'll probably lose the election because enough people will change their minds on election day.  However, when it's your time on your first 5K run (really I walked most of the way) it is a personal accomplishment, especially considering where I started 90 days ago.  I've lost 45 pounds, just got a new suit that is two sizes smaller and have actually started doing mental nutritional assessments on foods that I eat (I'm sure I need therapy for that one!).  I never pictured myself making that level of change, in just a short period of time.  Granted, I knew I needed to do something, and I was feeling pretty discouraged, but I doubted myself as to whether I was capable of doing it. 

Not all has been perfect and a family party or something like it, can set me back a few days, but I've been able to work my way back.  I don't really want to be where I've been and I actually want to do more.  Having family help has been great and I really appreciate Cathy, Jessica and Sarah for all participating with me. In fact, dragging Cathy and Sarah out of bed yesterday morning to participate was true love at its finest.  While Jessica had to work and couldn't join us, having the other two with me was very helpful.  I think the true level of commitment came when Sarah had to bow out after the walker's distance because she wasn't feeling well.  Cathy allowed me to push forward to try and keep up my time.  I didn't expect to see her for the remainder of the race, but about 1/3 of the way through the last lap, she came running up to me and had worked herself around after seeing Sarah safely through, to finish the race with me.  Frankly it's pretty reflective of our whole marriage and she is an amazing woman.

While my times were nearly 3 times longer than the fastest time and most of you out there who have done it could easily beat it, nevertheless was an accomplishment to which I'm proud and grateful. Thanks to the folks at Intermountain Medical Center and TOSH, in particular Meagan Kline and Kary Woodruff who worked with me and gave me encouragement to make some changes.  So seldom are things in this life one without the other and that's certainly true with our physical and mental fitness.

For the record however, don't count on me for any marathons.....

My assigned number - a first for me to have pinned on my shirt!
I thought about keeping it on, but didn't think the shirt would wash well...

The West View - Thanks to the resident who voiced his support of me

I would first say, that I appreciate the efforts of those who produce and write any community news, especially those working on the West View.  Having an outlet like it, provides information for many about the events happening in our community.  I certainly respect them for their effort and any news in general is good for our community and I definitely think it's important to our democracy in general.  I've also had numerous articles written, in which the take or slant did reflect well on me, and frankly some it is deserved and some of it isn't.  I usually just let it go because seldom is there much recourse and not usually worth the effort.

However in the recent publication of the West View, there is a quote from a Little League Baseball President, that would infer that I don't care or haven't made any efforts to help their League or their facilities.  I wasn't given a chance to comment, nor was my feedback sought in the article, to which I'm disappointed. That's part of the deal.  I suppose the troubling part of the quote was the misrepresentation of what efforts have been made. 

A few years ago, when the Board of Health threatened to close down many of the concession stands in the city for code violations, it was I that raised the question and sought funding in hundreds of thousands of dollars to go back and upgrade facilities, including the one in Rose Park.  A few years ago, when they hosted a significant regional tournament, I secured a donation that allowed them to show the movie Sandlot to visiting players and the community as part of the effort.  And recently, in response to an email looking for donations to support an upcoming tournament, I actually have been working to help them obtain donations.  Additionally, in this current budget in which we're working, I'm trying to get approved $185,000 for renovation of the football concession stand, which is facing similar Board of Health issues. 

I've never played in little league sports and while my girls have played county rec softball and Jr. Jazz, haven't really had children in them, but I do know they play a critical role in our community and in helping our children.  Frankly it's not a majority of the children, but nevertheless it's an important part and these facilities allow the leagues to provide play opportunities for children who can't always afford the fees.  Those who donate their time, have done so with a commitment to help the kids and I really applaud and thank them.  Do I wish I could do more?  Absolutely.  In coming out of the worst economic times of recent history and maintaining important and critical services has not been easy.  In times where cities have laid-off police and firefighters, or left positions unfilled, we have been able to maintain ours.  Some things have had to suffer and we are trying to restore some of them.

My thanks to the person who knew me well enough to express their view to the paper.  It meant a lot.

The swing is up again - eight years later!

The day Cathy and I were engaged, March 24, 1990, we sat on a swing in her backyard after informing her family that I had ruined her life, by her having accepted my proposal of marriage.  We both sat a little stunned by the fact, I had asked, she had answered yes, and we had only dated for six weeks.  Nearly 22 years, later, Cathy has tolerated my presence and frankly I am a very lucky guy.  That swing had a place in my heart, as I sat there on occasion and managed to sneak a kiss out of the deal.  My father-in-law, Frank Nielsen had made it out of scrap wood that he had accumulated, but the materials were not really made for the Utah weather and time took it's toll on it.  Finally it fell apart and it was clear it needed to come down and the future outcome was very much in question.  I asked if I could take it home in the pieces that remained with the hopes of rebuilding it, but my father-in-law passed away later that summer.  However the next year rolled around, and I took it upon myself to rebuild it.

I was never a great wood craftsman.  My own father died when I was young and the uncle who took me under his wings, MC Laird, was more of an electrical/mechanical kind of person.  I subsequently wired a garage and greenhouse when I was 13 and there are school trailers in the valley which I wired together at 15, since his job was installing them.  It's my skill set, if you will, but the whole wood and saw thing was something that I feared.  However I decided to venture forward on this project, since the alternative was no swing at all.  I meticulously measured my father-in-law's swing, cut my pieces nearly exactly with a few modification, but this time out of Redwood.  As I did so, and knowing how much Cathy liked it, decided to cut two of everything with the intent to build one of my own.  I used other weather durable products, cemented the uprights at my in-laws and my brother-in-law Bill helped me tweak the hanging of the new swing in 2002 and returned to its rightful place in my mother's-in-law back yard in Layton (Camelot - yea, that's the name of the street where she lives).


Carlton with daughters Sarah and Jessica



Construction of the swing was not an inexpensive endeavor, but a little while later, I assembled our swing at our first home in Rose Park.  However, I committed a number of structural mistakes, including my setting of the footings and the back supports which keep the frame from rolling or rocking when you swing.  Gradually, (there is probably a church talk in this) the footings came loose and while my nephew was swinging on it, the frame flipped forward and thankfully over his head came crashing down to the ground.  This was about the same time as my mother's death in the summer of 2004.  We decided to dismantle it, and move it to our soon to be home, next door, which is my family home that we purchased from my mother's estate.  Since we were remodeling the home and trying to make it ours, I had plans to reinstall the swing soon after Mother's Day so Cathy could feel like our new home was more ours than that of my mother's.  One thing led to another and the bench to the swing sat on its end in my garage for nearly eight years, along with some of the beams associated with the swing.  This year I was determined to not let the summer start without having the swing go back up.

Not wanting to make the same mistakes as my first one, and realizing a few wrong calculations that my father-in-law didn't make, I special ordered a new longer top beam (the bench is 6'6" and my original top beam was only 8' long), I talked with my cousin, who is a contractor to make sure I did the footings right this time and engaged my brother-in-law Bill Nielsen again to help me through some of the logistical challenges of making some of the cuts and making sure this swing stood a LONG TIME.  I spent a few late nights until 11 p.m. pouring footings, having the help of my brother Spence who was visiting and the help of my neighbor Brad Borden who came over to help me lift the top beam, but ended spending the whole night improving the design and helping me attach it.  Yesterday, Saturday evening, I put the last bolt in and hung the last chain!  And to boot, I even got a kiss out of the project and was able to sit with my sweetheart again!




I always wanted a controversial picture on my blog!

 

Saying hello to a friend is worth more than a workout

Thursday night, Cathy and I attended a reception for Mayors from Western U.S. Cities who are visiting with Mayor Becker here in Salt Lake City.  We decided when we arrived home, that a workout was needed to help offset some of the yummy goods at the Oyster Bar in downtown Salt Lake.  We set off on our ride (see route) and were clipping along and intended to finish strong, when I passed the home of a friend and he was sitting on his porch.  This gentleman, quite a bit older than me, has been a great supporter of mine over the years, but more than that, has been one of the most generous people in Rose Park with their means in helping a lot of people.  Plagued with years of a failing heart, and recently told that there was not much more they could do for him, it was a reminder that we cherish our moments here on earth with those we love and do what's right, less we are not given another chance.  While our visit was short, and I certainly hope not our last, I was much more grateful to be able to talk with him, than any incremental benefit I would have received from my ride.

I'm pleased to report our dog Daisy has lost another four pounds!  She has regained her vigor and is doing so much better that it is scary that her weight made such a difference in her ability to move around and function.  It's not too unlike us as humans, but a good reminder that we owe it to our pets to be more judicious about what and how much we feed them!

Today, we also formally opened the Jordan River Parkway Trail from 1800 North to the Davis County connection or the "Cheveron Mile".  It's a link that we have had funded for a couple of years, but ran into some environmental issues that we wanted to make sure we did it correctly, when built.  I spoke at the event and did a live shot for the noon news on Fox 13 (see video).  We have one segment between 200 South and North Temple that we want to complete and are working with Union Pacific to figure out how to get around the rail lines there.  With that segment, it will be complete through Salt Lake City.



Boy is she a cute one!



I am pleased to announce that I hit the 40 mark.  No not age, that my friend Van Turner brought over his hearse for (and which I later blessed Cathy with) but in actual weight loss.  I fluctuate a few pounds but trying to not only keep it off, but maybe drop a few more this week if possible.  It is a little more challenging now to loose it and surprise, surprise, I have to eat less to accomplish it.  However I think of it in context of carrying around a bag of rock salt everywhere I went and frankly that's a lot of weight to unnecessarily carry around.  I'm also proud of Cathy and the girls, who have also been successful in their efforts.  It's constant and some days are better than others, but we keep trying!