Under the Influence

Once every decade or so I succumb to a virus. I mean I really get
sick. And since I get sick so infrequently it's a new experience
every time. I forget that fevers lead to fuzzy thinking. When
I get a fever I do illogical things. Despite my obvious need
to just relax and the fact that I was practically coughing up my
liver, I instead thought it absolutely necessary to alphabetize
all 400 of our DVD's.

Dave asked me what I was doing.....I said "I DON'T KNOW!"
Then he carefully crept away with raised eyebrows.


(actually he told me it was a stupid idea and then I snarled
at him like a dog with rabies)





At one point while under the influence of raised body
temperature I actually woke up (kind of) and stood in
the bathtub because I had a dream that the tub was
a barrier to the dust which was making me cough.
Instead, I became chilled, snapped back to reality and
went back to bed. Soon I started coughing again, sat
up and reconsidered standing in the bathtub again.

I'm sick of being sick. Luckily my next virus isn't
scheduled until the year 2020.

Almost Summer

Finally after months of shivering, a warm evening enticed us
to go out back and enjoy the fire pit. I wasn't prepared for the
request for s'mores though.

As I rummaged through the cupboards I could only find some
stale mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and graham cracker
pieces. No worries. Have you ever had bite size s'mores
before? They're not bad!

Zion Is Heavenly

Once again it was time for the annual Hosenfeld bonding
experience. Thirteen of us bonded while hiking Angels
Landing, helping each other conquer our fears. We
bonded on the trail to the Emerald Pools where a
beautiful, misty waterfall reminded us of our own
lives; delicate yet powerful. We bonded while climbing
the steep, red rocks ; reminding us to just keep going
upward even if you don't see your destination. And
most of all, we bonded while dad led us all over
Zion National Park without "a plan".... sure dad!

We felt like ants climbing a big, huge boulder.


We ascended to the top of that massive pinnacle.

Once at the top of Angels Landing we could peer over the
edge and see the bottom 2000 feet down.

Not for the faint of heart, the trail to the top had drop offs
on either side, leaving no measure for error. If you slide
off one side there is an 800 foot free fall, if you slide off
the other side there is a 2000 foot free fall. Either way
it's maddening. Still, the chain provided great comfort...
not!

At least we were treated to a whimsical labyrinth of switchbacks
once we survived the tightrope walk.


Thanks Mom and Dad !!! Great Fun Like Always.

What's Up With This Kid?

Let's say you were a stranger to the neighborhood and just
happened to drive by the Erickson's house. You would notice
a little kid with his sweatshirt on backwards and his pants
around one ankle.

You might be thinking "where are his parents and what
have they done to this poor little guy?"

Of course there are always explanations for Tanner. We put
his sweatshirt on backwards because he'll immediately unzip
it and take it off even if it's 20 degrees outside. It's not our
fault that the kid likes to take off his pants whenever he can.
This time the pant leg got caught on his shoe.


No big deal about the pants though, he'll just walk around
with them trailing behind him....it's a good thing your not
a stranger to our neighborhood!

Mexico in April

XCALAK, MEXICO 2010

Our destination this year was a little Mexican fishing village 5 hrs
south of Cancun. Our nights were spent inside a charming guest-
house, our days were spent just as we like them--adventure mixed
with relaxation.

Our apartment was on ground level and 10 feet from the sliding
screen doors we step onto white sand. In another 50 feet we walk
into the warm Caribbean Sea. The electricity comes from solar
panels, the water is collected from rain and stored in cisterns. For
a week I lived "green".

In the distance lies the barrier reef where the waves crash far from
shore. Their constant sound is heard above the steady breeze. The
only other sound heard is our voices.

Even Dave can relax in between adventures.

A day trip took us to a surreal looking freshwater lake. As we crested
a small hill of green jungle growth, seven shades of brilliant turquoise
fairly leaped out at us. The contrast was breathtaking!

We also visited the Mayan Ruins of Chacchoben. As we roamed
around the vast site we climbed upon 3 large temples and walked
up stairs used by people 1500 years ago.


The underwater life is what we came for and we found plenty. Just
100 feet from the lounge chairs we encountered a coral head
packed with vibrant fish and sea creatures. Snorkeling was never
so good as it was here.

Of course Dave and I ventured into the deep waters outside the
reef. The scuba diving was spectacular as we wound our way
through caves and underwater slot canyons. The water was
warm and clear, just the way we like it.

By candlelight I read "The Old Man and the Sea" to a rapt audience
of two (Hailey and Jen). They begged me to read to them each
night, wrapping up the wonderful day we had just experienced.

Fresh Powder in April

Just when I'm ready for spring, dad calls for the annual Park City Ski
Day. So I sweep the cobwebs hanging from my skis, make sure there
is no mouse nest in my ski boot and hunt around for my ski poles.

Nearly everyone makes their way to Park City where there is
more than a foot of new, fresh, light, beautiful powder. The kids
ski in and out of the trees making fresh tracks. When they fall,
snow clings to their hats and goggles. It is a bright and warm day
as we all go down the same run at the same time.

Some of us go fast, some of us go slow.


Some of us stop to rest


Some of us stop to pose for a photo


Everyone in this picture is FAMILY. WOW.

For Rent

Welcome!
Hailey is renting out a space in our backyard. She realizes that times
are tough these days so she made a little fort out back . The small
apartment comes with a wood plank bed and a kitchen area. Sorry,
but no running water or electricity and if it rains, just plan on
getting wet. Still, it is a lovely setting especially with the spring
flowers starting to bloom.


If interested please talk to Hailey, I'm sure she'll let you stay for
almost free.