It’s finally summer and it’s fire season once again. Each year it seems to get worse. Excessive heat, dryness, lightning strikes, high winds, and mostly the stupidity of people are making Utah the number one state in the U.S. for the worst air quality in the entire country. Ninety percent of these fires are human caused. Fireworks are now banned for the remainder of 2026. Let’s see if folks can play by the rules and give our firefighting heroes a break. They desperately need one and we thank them for putting their lives in danger to protect what is so precious to us. Please, let’s keep our families, pets, homes, and wildlife safe.
We were able to take a trip to Palisade State Park in the beginning of the month. There were a few fires just starting around the area but nothing where we were. It was perfect weather to golf, ride bikes, and spend time with good friends. The wind came up daily and some storm clouds passed by, but we managed to still have a great time. Unfortunately, the lake was even lower than last year, and we didn’t get a chance to fish or swim. But the water was beautiful and the sunsets were gorgeous due to the smokey skies from the neighboring towns.
The “Toys of a Boy” collection is coming along and we are in the process of posting product online. We just got our prints and shipping materials delivered so keep an eye on the website for new artwork coming very soon. For those of you who don’t know what the “Toys of a Boy” collection is, these are toys that young Norbert played with in his childhood; and still does. Lol His collection of G.I. Joes and race cars are the main focus right now of this artwork. There are other subjects as well, such as the superheroes he has collected. If this is a topic you would like to see more of, just let us know. There are a lot more where these come from.
Tuco’s book is in the works as well. We are not giving up on the Skip Thomas Adventures children’s book series. I still have some revisions to do with the story, but the illustrations are what take the most time. Anyone who’s ever lost a fur baby will relate to Tuco’s story. He’s going to tell it like it is, so don’t be sad because you will see each other again one day.
That’s it for now. Please use common sense this 4th of July and always. You can still have fun and celebrate without shooting off fireworks. HAPPY 250th BIRTHDAY AMERICA! God bless the USA!
Til next time,
Skip’s mom, Cb
This is Utah! How sad…
Not just here, but ALL OF UTAH!
Keep our National Parks safe!
This is my home town!
The lake at Palisade State Park, so low.
View from the dam.
The famous hole 4 (?) Beautiful
Pretty view of the lake from above.
One of the smokey sunsets.
One of the soldiers from the “Toys of a Boy” collection.
One of the race cars from the “Toys of a Boy” collection.
Happy 250th America! This display was at the entrance of Palisade State Park.