The Sun Still Shines

Cindy Romero August 27, 2026

August is coming to an end and with its departure come the monsoons; the thunder, lightning, the wind, and the pouring rain. As if the fires aren’t enough, now certain parts of the state are flooding. We did lose some firefighters and pray for the families that lost their loved ones. We thank our heroes for their bravery and courage by putting their lives out there to protect others, and we will never forget them.

I did enjoy a nice storm though last night with thunder that shook the house and lightning that lit up the sky. It seemed like every special event we planned this month included thunderstorms. Oh well, we do need the rain and with that come the rainbows.

We had a milestone this month celebrating our twenty-fifth anniversary at the Blue Boar Inn in Midway, Utah. This is one of my favorite places and it never gets old. I like to experience a different room each time I come as each room is themed by a well-known writer. This time the winner was the Lewis Carroll. For you that don’t know his work, he wrote the Alice in Wonderland stories. This is one of my favorites so far, the room I mean.

While reading the local Midway newspaper, the Wasatch Record, I came across an article about a local writer named Claire Carusillo. The week we were there her new book, The Responsible Party, was being released in her bookstore on Main St.. We happend to come across the store by accident while being stopped in construction traffic. Just so happened, we were stopped right in front of the Storyboard! I think it was meant to be. A quick exit and inside we went. Claire was there and I got to talk with her about her book and her book tour coming up to New York City, Las Vegas, and a few other places. We ended up buying each other’s books and had a very enjoyable meeting. The store is also a skateboard and coffee shop inside what was once an old garage. We also met a fellow young artist named Rebecca who does some amazing acrylic paintings. You just never know who you’re going to meet in a small town.

Besides birthdays this month, I went to an Old Timers FedEx Reunion. I hadn’t seen a lot of my FedEx family in over twenty-five years. There were moments of surprised looks on faces when we realized who someone was, but it didn’t take long for all of us to get right back to where we had left off. The comradery among us is still strong. We are a band of brothers and sisters with purple blood coursing through our veins. There’s been many who’ve passed away in recent years, so for us it’s important to reunite often as we are all aging.

A quick shout out to the Petapalooza Animal Adoption Event coming soon. We will be supporting the event on Saturday September 12, 2026, at the Wheeler Historic Farm in Murray, Utah. Adoptions take place from 9 am - 4 pm. We hope you will come and be a shining light to an animal in need.

Til next time, keep safe from the fires and floods. Also, school has started so please slow down, obey the school buses, and be aware of the little ones crossing the streets!

God bless, and always remember, after every storm The Sun Still Shines.

Skip’s mom, Cb

One more thing, check out our portfolio for postings of new artwork!

This is a picture of “Esther” by the painter Pino. They say she haunts the halls of The Blue Boar Inn.

Part of the dining area where Esther is said to roam.

Claire’s bookstore, The Storyboard on Main St., Midway, Utah

The FedEx family at the Old Timers FedEx Reunion

One of our FedEx friends’ 40 year appreciation award.

One of many flags flown half-mast for the fallen firefighters.

Summer Fires

Cindy Romero June 26, 2026

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

The lake at Palisade State Park, so low.

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.

A Busy Time

Cindy Romero May 26, 2026

April was a very slow beginning to our Spring events, but it picked up in May. We kicked off with Barnyard Babies in Grantsville. The weather was gorgeous, sales were great, and we saw a lot of old faces while making a bunch of new friends, too.

May 10th was Mother’s Day. Some of you may be new moms for the first time. Congrats to you! Some of you may be seasoned moms and grandmothers but in the month of May we celebrate them all, even those with fur babies. Yes, you count, too! I celebrate my mom in heaven now, wishing she was still here on this planet. With a “cup-of-joe” and scriptures in hand, I walk outside every morning and wait for the sun to rise. Looking at the mountains and up to heaven I say, “Good morning, Mom.” I talk to her and sometimes ask her for advice. I was never able to do that while she was alive. We were never close so I left home at seventeen. But now that I’m older, I understand her more. I see the trials she faced raising me and my sisters alone; it wasn’t easy for any of us. We never forget our mothers, even the bad ones. I couldn’t wait to get away from my mother because of all the bad stuff, but I can honestly say now that I forgive her. And for all the hell I put her through, it’s never too late for me to say I’m sorry. We all know there’s no manual for raising kids so moms, just love your kids and do the best you can. Mistakes will be made but that’s all just part of learning. Forget the bad, remember the good, take lots of pictures and cherish the memories.

As for my fur babies at the Rainbow Bridge, I know they are waiting for me to come home. I thank God every day for having allowed me to be their mom and I cherish the bonds of unconditional love we shared. As I go through my days and talk to them, I see the signs and feel their presence around me. Whether it’s the white fuzzy feathers that float into my lap coming out of nowhere, or the wind chime that sings when there is no wind, or the ladybugs that land on my arm, or the light that turns on in the middle of the night, or the alarm that goes off when it’s not even on, or the shadow that walks in front of me as I read a book; I know they are all still here and they make me smile. Until we’re all together again, I hold their love close in my heart.

May is also graduation month for a lot of people, be it high school or college. We have five to send out good wishes to this year. This can be a bittersweet time as you say goodbye to the friends you’ve made and the life you’ve been accustomed to for the past four years. But it’s also an exciting time to set yourself free and forge ahead to the unknown. Chase the dream that stirs your soul. You’ll make new friends but also try to keep the old. That’s easier said than done. As you sign those yearbooks on graduation day, promises are made, promising to always stay in touch. It starts out that way and intenions are good, but life takes ahold and the next thing you know, you’re headed in different directions. Fifty years later you’ll hear from someone you once knew, or went to the prom with, as old memories and feelings resurface and you ask yourself where the time went. Life is short my friends. Enjoy every moment without regrets. Find the good in people and as you seek joy and happiness in this world, you will also find love.

Now that the days are warmer and the sun smiles at me longer, I find myself back on the porch again writing and it feels good. I’m lost in thoughts, emotions, and dreams. I don’t force anything; I just let the stories come naturally. Sometimes I have nothintg to say but that doesn’t stop me from putting silly words down on paper anyway. My inner child takes over and the next thing I know I have a poem about “Dogs in the Park.” Every soul tells a story and mine is no exception.

Writing isn’t the only thing that has taken off this month. Norbert is busy with his artwork and doing community projects. As a man of many talents, it can be quite exhausting at times. It seems like everybody needs help. Whether it’s artwork for a new business, installing steering stabilizers in motorhomes, installing garbage disposals, detailing motorhomes and doing oil changes, or helping Jason’s Tree Service cut down monster trees, he’s been in high demand this month. Though it can be satisfying work, he can’t wait to get back to his own creativity. There will be some updates on the Skip Thomas Adventures Facebook soon and we are hoping it will draw more attention to what we do.

Stansbury Park celebrated in Porter Park with its annual Memorial Day Car Show. This year there were over 150 cars on display. Our neighbor Vince Fierros’ car won one of the awards for best in show. And it’s not the first time either! We are so happy for him. Along with food trucks and music, our community gatherings are always a lot of fun.

As May comes to an end, we honor and mourn our military men and women who fought and died for our country. Memorial Day reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice these brave souls gave to this country in the line of duty. This truly is “The Land of the Free Because of the Brave.” We thank them all and we will never forget them for protecting us and the United States of America.

That’s it for this month. Enjoy the change of season and we’ll fill you in on things next time. God Bless America.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Memorial Day at Porter Park in Stansbury Park

First Spring event at Barnyard Babies in Grantsville

Starting out Mother’s Day, talking with my mom in heaven.

I’m a fur baby mom, with Tuco who’s now at the Rainbow Bridge.

One of Norbert’s creations. Pokemon - Charizard

Another from the car show, another friend of ours

Spring

Cindy Romero March 31, 2026

Well, here it is, the end of another month. When I look back to the beginning of this calendar month, I think to myself, Girl, you’ve been busy! It doesn’t seem possible to have done so many things: four speaking engagements, two dinner engagements, one art performance, one Home & Garden show, and five family birthdays.

It’s the beginning of Spring. With the mild temperatures throughout the winter months, my budding trees have already lost their beautiful flowers to the wind and some of my soft flowering bulbs have lost their luster. It’s still too soon to plant the flower beds, as we still may get some late snow. With Mother Nature being confused as to which season we’ve been in, it very well could happen. Like they say, don’t plant your babies before Mother’s Day. That’s good advice and I take it to heart.

Some of you may have seen our Facebook post from the Read Across America event at St. Olaf Catholic School in Bountiful, Utah. We had fun with those kids, and they asked the most interesting questions. For instance, one girl wanted to know if we were Catholic. Not that that’s funny, just not a question I expected as the event was about reading, writing, and illustrating children’s books. But yes, we are Catholic. Lol

The next speaking engagements were at our very own Stansbury Elementary School right here in our neighborhood. This was fun also as a lot of the kids knew us and some of them already have our books. We had a great time interacting with them during our presentations. They asked good questions, too. One in particular that stood out was when a girl asked me how to make a good “hook” for a book she is writing. That blew me away! I don’t think anyone else even knew what that meant. I was so proud of her for wanting to be a writer at this very young age and knowing exactly what a “hook” is! Kids really do surprise you.

We went to the Home & Garden Show at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah. Our objective was to get ideas for a back deck, storage shed, and a bathroom remodel. We came home with tickets to an art performance.

The performing arts event called SHEN YUN at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, Utah was an amazing show. I had been wanting to see this for years and finally got the chance to experience it. The following is my review of the show.

This is the story of classical Chinese dance passed down for thousands of years, dynasty after dynasty. “People sought harmony among Heaven, Earth, and humankind, revered the divine, and followed the course of nature.” The Chinese Communist Party came into power in1949 and rejected the spiritual beliefs and heritage of ancient China wanting to abolish the traditions and culture, all while persecuting their own people. Some of the performers tell the story of their own family’s torture and escape to other countries.

In 2006, a group of Chinese artists came together united by a mission to revive authenic Chinese culture and are reclaiming their lost heritage. Everthing in this presentation is beautifully choreographed, from the narrators telling the stories, (both in English and Chinese) to the conductor and live orchestra, the traditional colorful costumes, the dancers, solo singers and musicians, the stagecraft and 3D projections, choreography, and everyone behind the scenes. The list goes on. There were nineteen different captivating stage shows. I laughed. I cried. My soul was deeply touched. You will be mesmerized and awe stuck throughout the whole performance just as we were. All-in-all, such a beautiful artistic performance with new stories and choreography each season. If you get the chance to experience SHEN YUN, you won’t be disappointed. It’s worth every penny and I can’t wait to see it again.

It’s now Holy Week and we are preparing for our Easter celebrations. To all of you, may you find the true meaning of this Spring season and find peace in the presence of God.

Til next time, God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

My flowering Plum tree that only lasted for one week.

Looking at Trex Decking at the Home & Garden Show.

What one woman made with Palms from Palm Sunday.

Back in the Saddle

Cindy Romero February 26, 2026

Things are starting to happen this month after a slow start the previous month. Now I have something to look forward to.

First, I want to comment on the weather, only because it’s been such an unusual season. It was just after Valentines Day that we finally saw the snow we hadn’t seen all winter. Unfortunately, it didn’t last at my house. My daffodils are growing taller every day, and the crocuses are already in bloom. However, in the mountains they are getting blasted with snow and avalanches. This is tragic. Lives have been lost and more snow is on the way. Utah had two devastating outcomes in one day! The West Coast had the same extraordinary outcome near Lake Tahoe where fifteen people were buried: six survived and nine perished. All I can say is, please be smart, stay on the trails and out of the back country where avalanche danger is high, especially after a massive snowstorm. Don’t tempt Mother Nature! No matter how beautiful the mountains are, they are mightier than thou. As I write this, the East
Coast is getting slammed as well. Be safe everyone and use common sense.

Now, to the good stuff. We’ve been invited to the Read Across America event again this year at St. Olaf Catholic School in Bountiful, Utah. This time it will be without our little angel Tuco who accompanied us before. But we have new things to share with the children such as new artwork to show and new poems that I will read to them. Some of these groups are quite young, grades K-3, so we will have to capture their attention span quickly. I’ve put together a slide presentation about Skip Thomas Adventures with more emphasis on what the illustrator does. I think it will spark more interest in the young artists when they can see the visual aspect of what goes into the making of a picture book. We have a second assembly with the older kids, grades 4-8, as well. We’re excited to share the process of book writing with all of them, and they can ask questions to the writer and illustrator afterwards. I will let you know how things turn out next month.

I am happy to say Wholesome Books in American Fork, Utah re-ordered our books for their store this month. They emphasize the importance of offering children reading material with Christian values. We visited the owner, Janice Hunter, a few months ago and were impressed with the selecton of books she carries. Along with curriculum for home schooled kids, she also has a massive area of out-of-print historical books, which I get excited over. You know me, I’m a book freak. It doesn’t take much to make this girl happy. :)

Reserve America is calling my name again. It’s time to schedule those trips and get back in the saddle. We always have books with us and look forward to having story time in the campgrounds. I love meeting new travelers and hearing their stories: where they come from, what they do, where they’re going. I journal every trip we take and it’s so fun to reminisce about the places we’ve been, the people we’ve met, and the fun times we’ve had. And I always take lots of pictures!

So, that’s all I have for this month. Until next time, live each day with purpose and go conquer your dreams!

God bless,

Skip’s mom, Cb

BETTY BOOP- from the Cartoon Collection - Toys of a Boy

G.I. JOES - General Ulysses S. Grant & General Robert E. Lee - from Toys of a Boy Collection

SUPERMAN - from Super Heroes - Toys of a Boy Collection

FORMULA 1 - Race Car Driver - ARYTON SENNA - from Toys of a Boy Collection

G.I. JOE - SOLDIER - Toys of a Boy Collection

POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN - from the Cartoon Collection - Toys of a Boy

Honoring Dad

Cindy Romero January 30, 2026

It’s 2026. Can you believe it? When the clock struck midnight and the fireworks went off, the neighborhood was celebrating but I was left with an uneasy feeling. I was reminded once again how precious our lives are. The sands of time are fleeting and they are not trickling, they’re pouring.

We left the past behind and I felt as though I had lost a part of myself, even though I had some good accomplishments. I always write a bucket list for the new year ahead and try to plan my future. As I looked at the previous bucket list and checked off what I did and didn’t do, I vowed to do better this time around. When I look ahead to the unknown, I feel a sense of wonder. What should I expect? What should I do? Am I doing what God wants me to do? I know I can only live one day at a time and need to make the best of it. If I can live in the present, it I can treat everyone with kindness, love, and respect, then everything should fall into place, right? Sometimes things don’t go as planned. But those things were my plans, not God’s. I am trusting him to guide me in the right direction. When things pop up out of my control, I know my faith will give me the strength to get through anything. So, as I plan the year ahead, I will just live a day at a time and follow the path that’s put before me.

I honestly don’t know what to share with you this month. It’s been an odd January. We still have no snow at home and the temperature is quite warm. That’s not a good thing because that means we’re heading for another extremely hot summer. But on the other hand, we aren’t shoveling snow or driving in icy conditions.

On a sad note, my father went to be with the Lord this month. He was a Korean War Veteran and lived to the ripe old age of ninety-one. Though my parents divorced when I was young, my father taught me many things. Dad was the caretaker of the Cedar Hill Cemetery in East Millstone, New Jersey for over sixty-five years. When I was ten, he taught me how to drive the Wheel Horse tractor so I could help him mow the lawn at the cemetery. He shared his love of fishing with me and taught me how to bait a hook and cast a line. He took me to our cabin on Flying Pond in Maine where my love for the outdoors of fishing, swimming, and water skiing were born. We always had fun together. I inherited Dad’s strong work ethics and the meaning and rewards of a hard day’s work. He taught me when to speak up for myself and when to keep silent, though I was never good at the latter. He told me to keep an open mind and give others a chance. He taught me to be a strong, independent, and resilient young women, and to always follow my dreams. But the most important things he taught me were how to love and that it’s never too late to say you’re sorry. I have so many happy memories and he will always be in my heart.

We have a house guest right now for a week and she makes us very happy. Cricket! Her humans are celebrating a birthday while we are enjoying her company. I think we will go to the dog park today and play!

Not a very long newsletter this time, but we are searching for markets and trips to take. In the meantime, Norbert is working on his Toys of a Boy show while we keep an eye out for just the right venue to show his work at. I am writing my stories and looking for more ways to publish them.

Until next time, keep planning and make the most of your time. As we know going into the new year, time flies by quickly. God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Doing what he loved to do. Flying Pond, Maine

No Snow on Christmas Day

Cindy Romero December 28, 2025

We’ve been waiting for snow all month. We’ve been waiting for winter all month. Where is the cold, snowy, wintery month we expected for Christmas? It’s not in Utah this year, not yet. We have warm, windy, and balmy days. Not that this isn’t nice, but we need a white winter. Our ski resorts are desperate. Our reservoirs are desperate. Utah is desperate for water. Give us snow!

SKIP THOMAS ADVENTURES has some exciting news to share with you. We are the 2025 IAPO Business Award Winner for Most Creative Business. We were so surprised! I really didn’t think we had a chance, but when they told me I was the winner, I cried. Yes, I did, I’m an emotional gal when it comes to good news. My plaque and trophy arrived yesterday and I have to say, I am proud of our accomplishments. We’ve put in a lot of hard work, time, and dedication these past seven years. Thank you, Skip Thomas, for giving me the stories of your life and making our business successful.

Both our holiday markets were also successful this year. We want to thank Stansbury Elementary and St. Thomas More Catholic Church for allowing us to sell our books at their venues. We enjoyed meeting everyone and are grateful for the joy and happiness they brought us. We gave out small Christmas gifts with each book and to see the excitement on the children’s faces was priceless. I hope we are picked again next year to join in the festivities.

Christmas brings us closer to family and friends that we don’t always see throughout the year. I think about the people I met this year and the friendships that were reconnected through time and distance. We cherish memories of those that are no longer with us and try to re-create the happy times; maybe it’s how our families decorated the tree when we were little, or the best present we ever received as a kid and who gave it to us. I remember one of my favorite gifts as a child was one that was quite simple really, though to me it was the greatest of all; a football Dad gave me and a used helmet from the sports equipment that was being replaced at one of the schools. I was around seven or eight years old and already a tomboy. :)

I love to decorate my house, both inside and outside. Some think I go to extremes, but there’s nothing better than the warmth and comfort that my home gives me. It embraces me with its glowing lights, a warm fire, and the love from friends and family that stop by to visit. This year I have cousins visiting from Mississippi, Washington DC, and Arizona. This is such a blessing, for all my family is so far away. There are Nativities in every room celebrating the “reason-for-the-season.” We have a wonderful bunch of neighbors that we swap cards, cookies, and baked goods with each year. One in particular makes his own wine and this year it’s a red wine called Nebbiolo. I can’t wait to try it.

Christmas is also about traditions. We attend the Christmas Eve mass every year with our Christian community and rejoice in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without him, why would we be celebrating? This gift to the world, God’s gift of a Savior, brings us love, hope, and salvation. When we focus on the spiritual gifts, we find inner peace, humility, generosity, and faith. Our wish for you is to find the true meaning of Christmas and to live and share this truth throughout the year and always. I may not have snow on Christmas day, but I do have the joy of Christmas in my heart.

Until next year, may you have the happiest of holidays. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Our set up at St. Thomas More Catholic Church

Debby Bradford & Kristine Lukasik with BOTANIQUE. botaniquesavon.com

Dawnita Atkinson - DAWNITA’S DOGGY DELIGHTS - homemade dog treats and apparel

St. Marguerite Catholic Church, Tooele, Utah

Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City, Utah

Nativity at the Cathedral of the Madeleine

Unexpected Surprises

Cindy Romero November 30, 2025

This month was all about taking care of business. Whether it was annual health exams, a wedding, scheduling holiday markets, chasing strange lights, delivering books, attending an art exhibit, or just getting ready for Thanksgiving, we were busy!

The month started with a friend’s wedding. The bride and groom were married at a venue named Hanks Garage. It’s a car collector’s garage with an assortment of pristine cars, trucks, and motorcycles. This garage is tucked away in an industrial park across some railroad tracks, and if you didn’t know where it was, like us, you wouldn’t find it. Thank goodness for MAPS on my phone. The upstairs had an open bar, checkered food tables, and disco ball lights. Dinner was served downstairs along with a live band, photo booth, and an old fashion barber shop in case one needed a last minute shave. (for the guys of course.) There was a dyno (dynamometer) demonstration with one of the cars. And for any of you, like me, that don’t know what that is, it measures a car’s power and torque. And it is very loud! It was also nice seeing friends we hadn’t seen in a while. The highlight was when the groom gave his new bride, and all us guests, a surprise dance Magic Mike style! It was hilarious. I’ve got to say I’ve never been to a wedding like this. It was a lot fun and we really enjoyed it. If you are into cars, this museum is a must.

We received great news when we got all the yearly exams taken care of. We both came out A-O-K. Surprised, but not surprised. Now let’s keep this party going!

We scheduled two holiday markets for next month. One is at the Stansbury Elementary School, right here in our neighborhood on December 10th. The other is at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church in Cottonwood Heights, Utah on December 12th & 13th. These will conclude our markets for the year. During the winter months we will work indoors on our next projects. I’ll focus on my writing and Tim on his artwork.

There was a huge surprise this month and one that doesn’t usually occur in Utah. We witnessed the Auroa Borealis in our northern sky for a few days. I thought these beauties were exclusive only to Alaska. How beautiful they were! I am cheating on the picture I’m sharing with you as it isn’t mine but a friend’s. There were some gorgeous shots from the western part of our state that were just incredible. Just like the amazing sunets and sunrises we get, this was nature at its best.

We got a surprise call from a new bookstore wanting to carry Skip Thomas Adventures. Wholesome Books is located in American Fork, Utah and owned by Janice Hunter. This is a small bookstore that has helped home-schooled children in the area. Though not just for kids, they also stock out-of- print historical books which they print right there on the premises. I was quite impressed.

We were invited to the A-Gallery for a holiday art exhibition this month. We made it a date night as we don’t get out to the city very often, Salt Lake City that is. The hosts were warm and welcoming. It was a casual evening served with snacks, cocktails, and smiles along with great conversations. Some of the artists were there for us to chat with and take pictures with. At one point, we thought this might be a gallery for Tim’s show, but the longer we were there, we decided maybe this wasn’t the place for him. His style doesn’t fit there. So, we’re keeping our eyes peeled for just the right place. Don’t get me wrong, this is a beautiful gallery. It was a great night out and we really enjoyed it.

Thanksgiving had me preparing our feast for three days! I don’t know why I do it, it’s only the two of us. I guess it’s because it’s one of my favorite holidays. I always remember the family gatherings at my grandparents’ house in New Jersey when I was young. All my cousins, two aunts, and one uncle would be there for dinner. My dad’s side was small but intimate. They would wait for me to get home from cheerleading at the high school football game. Grandpop made the best mashed potatoes ever and Grandmom’s pies were the best. Thanksgiving always ended with a card game of canasta and spending the night.

Now we visit friends less fortunate than us and bring them something for their Thanksgiving table. And there’s always plenty of cheer to go around at our house if anyone stops by. This year the sun was shining, the temperature cool, the Packers won, and a drink or two around the firepit made it a great day. I am grateful for my family and friends far and near, a warm bed and a roof over my head, food in my belly, clothes on my back, and a husband that doesn’t judge me for my quirky ways of doing things. I am thankful for God, my country, our military and first responders, and our President. May God bless you as he has blessed me.

Until next time,

Skip’s mom, Cb

Our Auroa Borealis taken by the Great Salt Lake

One of the cars used in the dyno demonstration

At A-Gallery with sculpter Roland Thompson

An acrylic painting by Gary Ruddell in the A-Gallery.

Acrylic painting by Marci Erspamer at A-Gallery.

Fall Festivals

Cindy Romero October 30, 2025

In my July blog I told you about something I was working on and couldn’t share with you yet, as I was sworn to secrecy. But not anymore! One of my stories was chosen for the 2025 Oct/Nov issue of Mary Jane’s Farm Magazine. It was such a surprise, and I am honored to grace page 23 of this issue. It’s called “Becoming a Bookworm.” I tell the story of my love for books and some memories of the town I grew up in. I hope you enjoy reading it.

The fall festivals came and went, with one being canceled due to high winds and monsoon rain, and the other with beautiful sunny days. It was nice seeing other vendors who I’ve gotten to know throughout the years. When I saw their names on the vendor list, I wondered if any would we be my “tent buddy.” (By that I mean my neighbor.) It’s a lot of fun being next to one of your friends. I always look forward to seeing them at the events as I only see them a few times a year. Now, if only we could pick our own weather and make every festival perfect. Sometimes you must take the good with the bad and move on. Better luck next year.

We had our first snowfall on October 4th. This is quite early for us, but the dusting of white powder on the Oquirrh Mountains across the street reminds us that Santa is on his way. Wait, did I just say that!? NO! Not yet! Though, we are signing up for Christmas markets now. Time waits for no one, including us. The early bird catches the good booth spaces, that’s for sure. I’ll fill you in when I know which ones we will be attending.

Our last camp trip for the year was at Deer Creek State Park. The temperature was perfect in the 70’s, the fall colors were at their peak, and fishing was good. We met some new local friends that we hope to keep in touch with, while others we wished safe travels. I love meeting people traveling across the country, they have so many stories to tell. And we sell books! Now the motor home is winterized and I am sad because there will be no more trips this year. But come January, I will be looking at Reserve America once again to plan our getaways in 2026.

It’s almost time to turn the clocks back an hour and that means it’s time to put my flower garden to bed for the winter. I hate cutting down some of my perennials before the first frost, but it is needed. The same goes for the annuals that just don’t want to leave me. How I love my flowers. I do enjoy them all for as long as they want to stay. Now some new bulbs are planted, the mulch is down, the sprinklers are drained, and the fountain is dry. I keep feeding the birds under the plum tree all year long. They love the suet cakes I feed them and they are happy, as am I.

Tomorrow is Halloween. The trick-or-treaters will be coming by, and we will enjoy seeing the little ones once again in their costumes. There are some really cute ones out there and I can’t help myself by taking pictures. It’s fun to look back through the years and see how big the kids have grown. Some are parents themselves now and bring their little ones by. They always say, “Do you remember me?” “Of course!” we say. It’s like watching my own children grow up and it tugs at my heart. I love seeing them, though I think they just like seeing Frankie! Lol

That’s it for October. Hope you enjoyed the cooler temps and fall colors like I did. This is one of my favorite months and I hate to see it go. But Thanksgiving is on the way and I love that, too.

Til next time, take care and God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Enjoying Skip’s books at the Fall Festival.

Last camping trip at Deer Creek State Park

Changes

Cindy Romero September 29, 2025

Changes are inevitable. Just when you get all comfy and cozy, and things just fall into place, a gust of wind slaps you in the face. It’s like a wakeup call telling you to get ready, things are about to change. I like predictable though, the comfort of knowing something will always be there. But, alas, that’s not life, nothing stays the same forever. And so, this month comes with changes, not all bad, but with adjustments.

The Petapalooza Pet Adoption Event at Wheeler Historic Farm was a great success. This year there were more animals looking for homes and the good news is 127 animals found their forever homes. :)

We weren’t looking to replace our Tuco just yet, but we came real close to taking in a puppy. A flyer was passed out stating puppies were looking for a home. Their story touched our hearts. They were found in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest after a rancher moved his sheep herd while a mother dog was having puppies. She spent three weeks alone starving in the mountains protecting her puppies before she was able to be rescued by the campers who found her. This is so similar in how we found Bear in the mountains ten years ago. After careful consideration, we changed our minds on adopting right now. With such a busy schedule and limited time to raise a pup, we didn’t think it fair for us to commit at this time. I am happy to say they all found loving homes and the kind people who found them kept the Great Pyrenees mom and one of her pups. :)

The owners of Signature Book Printing are retiring at the end of this year. This is going to be a big change for us as they are the printers of our books. It’s sad for us, but I am happy for them. After 39 years in the book printing industry, we wish them all the best and a happy retirement. We are so grateful for all they have done for us and cherish the friendships we’ve established throughout the years. Happy trails Phil Nanzetta, Linda Wood, and the rest of the gang! We will miss you.

A new book printing company will be taking over where Signature is leaving off. They will have all our layouts and information from before, and changes are coming. We are confident they will do a great job just as Signature has done for us in the past.

What else changes in September? Why the leaves of course! I love the colors of Fall and the cooler temperatures. We scheduled trips with the motorhome this month just so we could enjoy the changing of the season. Right now, it’s an excellent time to find campsites and meet new friends doing the same things as we are, enjoying the beauty of the mountains.

One more change I’ve noticed this month is my feathered friends, the hummingbirds. They have packed up their summer home on my porch and flew south, without even saying goodbye. (Probably because we were camping when they decided to leave.) I love those little guys and will miss them, too. I wish them safe travels and look forward to seeing them again in the late spring.

I guess it’s how we adapt to change that matters. We can be miserable and stay stuck in the past or accept what’s coming and look ahead. It’s like the saying goes, “If you rest, you rust.” That goes for the mind as well as the body. I want to be “forever young,” too. But we all know that’s not going to happen either, but I can try. I’m an adventurous spirit at heart. Though sometimes I need a good kick in the ass to get it in gear. So, I think it’s time for me to learn a new skill and keep my mind occupied. After all, change can be good.

That’s all for now. And my advice, if you choose to accept it, is this: embrace change, be positive, look ahead with a clear conscience, be happy, and enjoy life. Because you never know where it will lead you. :)

God bless,

Skip’s mom, Cb

At the Petapalooza Pet Adoption Event, Wheeler Historic Farm, Murray, Utah

Dug, the yellow lab, waiting to be adopted.

Being introduced, hoping for an adoption.

Our Lucky Month

Cindy Romero August 27, 2025

This month turned out to be one of good times and good luck. There were birthdays, an anniversary, contest winnings, and community celebrations.

These are the “dog days of summer,” with the heat so hot you just don’t want to do anything except stay inside. Utah’s fires are burning all across the state, some are out of control, and it’s sad that we go through this every summer. We did things outdoors in moderation but took advantage of the festivities when they arose.

We had ten friends and family members birthdays to celebrate this month, including our own. There were maybe more, but I lost count. Even so, all were happy times.

We celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary and took advantage of it with a nice golf competition between the two of us. I came in second place, but that’s ok since the hubs has more experience at this game than I do. :)

Stansbury Days was a great event, like always. Friday the 15th kicked off the start with Pickleball, food trucks, and movie night for the kids.

Saturday morning came with a pancake breakfast cooked by our awesome fire fighters, and a triathlon. Next, our parade with floats of local businesses and rival schools showing off their colors and marching bands.

We had sixty cars in the car show this year! This is always a big hit and it’s getting bigger and bigger every year. Even our neighbor had his 1949 Pontiac Chieftain on display. I just love that car.

The afternoon gave way to craft vendors, an art show in the club house, live music on the pavilion, food trucks, and the famous cardboard boat races in the lake. The boats are only allowed to be made with cardboard, duct tape, and paint. It’s a hoot watching these young sailors compete; some made it around the buoy, and some fell apart before they started paddling. It’s a labor of love, a great competition for the kids, and always great to hear “the winner!” upon making it back to shore in one piece.

The weekend closed Saturday night with fireworks over the lake and a star party afterwards at the observatory. We love coming together with our neighbors in the community and enjoying this special time once a year.

I’ve had a lucky streak this month, too. I won a few contests that I had entered and they couldn’t have come at a better time. I am so grateful. I’ll keep entering, you just never know when your name will be picked.

Schools started up again this past week, which means our first Fall book market starts up in two weeks. We’re excited to get back out there and support animal adoptions. We will be at the Petapalooza 2025 Event on Friday September 12th from 3pm - 7pm, and Saturday September 13th from 9am - 4pm. This will be at the Wheeler Historic Farm, 6351 S. 900 E., Murray, UT 84121. Come out and adopt a new best friend.

Well, that’s it for now. I hope you all enjoyed this hot August month, and your kids are happy to get back to school.

Until next time, stay safe walking to class! God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Celebrating at The Pie Pizzeria where we had our first date.

Our neighbor’s 1949 Pontiac Chieftain at the car show.

Serious paddlers in the cardboard boat races.

Great way to end the weekend with fireworks over the lake.

It's Rewarding

Cindy Romero July 31, 2025

Our hard work and dedication to Skip Thomas Adventures is paying off. We are now getting noticed in the community more. Just this month, we’ve been invited to share our business at author events, book readings, and do volunteer work.

Skip Thomas Adventures is an IAPO (International Association of Professional Organizations) Business Awards Nominee for Best New Creative Business in 2025. It’s quite a rewarding experience and very exciting! We will find out who wins at the end of the year.

This month we participated in the Simply Books Author Event at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds in Tremonton, Utah. Sheree Bingham and Britney Mills were our hosts and did an amazing job setting up tables and chairs for all the authors. They orchestrated everything from getting t-shirts printed, getting raffle items organized, filling up grab bags, and taking group pictures of us all. On top of all that, they both had their own books to sell. I believe this year there were forty authors. What a great turn out!

We have a new ballpark in South Jordan, Utah. It replaces the downtown Salt Lake City ballpark which our Triple-A baseball team, the Salt Lake Bees, has outgrown. Besides ball games, the area hosts all kinds of things to do, from summer concerts on the Rio Tinto Kennecott Stage, new restaurants opening up, fitness and yoga mornings, movies at the Megaplex Cinema, and storytelling in the America First Square, just to name a few. This is all brand new so things are just starting to happen. It’s a beautiful place in the Downtown Daybreak area. The Trax Line runs parallel to the many venues so it’s easy to get to. You local folks should check it out, it won’t disappoint.

We were invited to do Storytime in the Square with a book reading. Having never been there before, we went to check it out a few weeks before thinking this was at the little stage where they do the Farmers Market. OMG! It was not what we thought! We were literally speechless when we saw the Rio Tinto Kennecott Stage. It was huge. This is where they want us to read? We were flattered; they chose us to be one of the first to kick off the summer readings. We went to the first two to get an idea of what to expect. It was nice to meet other authors and storytellers.

We decided to do something different than the others to stand out. After reading each Skip Thomas Adventures book, we played a game to see how well kids were listening. If they got a question right, they won a prize. After all four books were read, we gave out coloring sheets and crayons. It was a hit and we were invited to come back again in September. The staff was great and we all had a lot of fun.

Other events are coming our way this fall. We were just accepted to be a part of the Petapalooza Animal Adoption Event on September 12th & 13th at the Wheeler Historic Farm in Murray, Utah.

After that, we will be at the Utah Honey Harvest Festival on October 10th & 11th at the Clark Historic Farm in Grantsville, Utah.

Next, the Benson Grist Mill Fall Festival (formerly call the Pumpkin Walk) on October 17th & 18th in Stansbury Park, Utah, our home town.

As you can see, we are staying busy. Tim is consumed with his latest endeavor called Toys of a Boy which is artwork of his, well, his toys! They are amazing and they will be in an art gallery one day.

I am staying occupied with my writing and can’t wait to share with you what I am doing next. But until then, I hope you are enjoying your summer.

Stay safe & God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

One of the authors I got to meet, Angela Bricker, historical-fiction writer.

(May/June) Ecclesiastes: The Meaning of Life

Cindy Romero June 22, 2025

I find Ecclesiastes to be my favorite book in the Bible for explaining to me the meaning of life. I think we all search for or question the meaning of life and its purpose at some point in our lives. What are we looking for? What does it take to make us happy? Why am I here? Is there an important lesson to learn? These are just a few probing questions in my mind.

Chapter 3 tells us, “There is an appointed time for everything - And there is a time for every event under heaven.”

Verse 2 says, “A time to give birth…”

In May, we celebrated Mother’s Day. This is a yearly event so there is no surprise when this takes place; a gathering of family members, old and new, to feast, drink, and laugh. It’s also a time to reminisce and tell stories. We’re happy to remember the good times. We celebrate our moms and are grateful to them for giving us life, even those who are now in heaven.

Verse 4 says, “A time to laugh…”

The following weekend we were with friends and their families at Palisades State Park. We all met on a Friday to spend time together and catch up with whatever was going on in our lives. We played golf, shared meals, and giggled like school kids. We met Carl and Paula three years ago at this same park and have kept the friendship going. So, every year now we try to meet up and have a laugh or two for a few days leaving our hectic work lives behind.

Verse 2 also says, “A time to die…”

That weekend, we found out Gregory Castle passed away at age 83. He was one of the Co-Founders of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. What a remarkable man with vision, dedication and drive back in 1983 to help start what is now the most treasured “Save Them All” movements. His work has saved millions of animals. From 2009-2018 he served as the CEO of Best Friends. “He was a voice of reason and reconciliation among grassroots rescue groups, animal shelters and national animal organizations.”

Verse 4 also says, “A time to dance…”

The first week in June we went to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. I had planned this trip back in January of this year. We were there three years ago and were excited to return bringing more of our books with us. This time we camped in one of the RV sites in Angels Canyon. Our site was beautifully situated overlooking a canyon of red rocks and caves. We danced in celebration with a toast, happy to be back.

Our first tour was at the Horse Haven with a girl named Christy. She knew all the horse’s names and their backgrounds. Some had happy endings and some did not. All were rescues. And they are all being very well taken care of and live in gorgeous surroundings. There are some looking for forever homes and that means they have overcome some hardships. The ones that can’t be adopted have a forever home in the beautiful red rock canyon with lots of love. And that’s a wonderful thing.

We met Ann, who gave us the story of a mustang named Prince. He was very smart and quite a prankster, which made us laugh. She showed us how he was able to overcome anxiety and shyness by training him with mental telepathy. With just one look, this magnificent horse was dancing through the arena. It was quite amazing.

While we were there, we met with Erin who is a Planned Giving Member. She worked in Dog Town for many years before joining her current position. She was fun and shared humorous stories with us about the dogs she worked with as well as her own. She has a bully that looks just like our Tuco did, though a different color. His name is Cinnamon. He does some crazy “dancing” when he’s happy, like Tuco did, as only a Bully can do, if you know what I mean.

Verse 7 says, “A time to be silent…”

Gratitude Garden is sacred grounds in the upper canyon, a place for all to come walk or sit and meditate. There are sculptures and fountains along the paths. The beautiful desert landscape is marked with inspirational signs and benches along the way. There is an amazing overlook of the canyon below where you see Angels Rest and can hear windchimes. We were told the burials in the upper canyon are for the animals that resided in the sanctuary.

Angels Rest is in the lower canyon. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of animal burials in this area; dogs, cats, horses, birds, pigs, rabbits, etc. The first time we entered through the gates we were speechless. It literally made us cry. There are thousands of windchimes that will blow your mind when you hear them; all sizes singing in the same key together. Tread lightly here among the spirits, for this is holy ground.

Verse 4 says, “A time to weep…”

This one came as a surprise and literally took our breath away. Thunderstorms came and went throughout the week; downpours lasting through the night at times. But the most amazing thing happened in between storms one night when the sunset reappeared. We witnessed the most magnificent, beautiful, glorious double rainbow arching over the whole canyon. How lucky for us to be in Angels Canyon with the Rainbow Bridge and all the animal spirits. It brought awe and tears just thinking about all the souls that crossed over and are now at rest. It was the most touching experience I’ve ever felt.

Verse 5 says, “A time to embrace…”

The following weekend was the memorial for Gregory Castle. We watched the celebration of his life on a live YouTube channel while others attended in person at the sanctuary in Angels Landing, a huge amphitheater nestled in the rock canyon. The ceremony was beautiful with rememberances from other co-founders, family, friends, and musicians. It was an emotional testimony embracing a life well lived.

Verse 8 says, “A time to love…”

We celebrated Fathers Day this month. I hope all you dads out there had a day surrounded by love with your kids. Those of us who live miles apart, like me and my dad, had to send cards and send our love over the phone. To those dads in heaven, our love is eternal.

And this brings me to the conclusion of my thoughts about the meaning of life. No one said it would easy. Life is a mix of good and bad, highs and lows. Struggles will always be with us, as well as our triumphs. We’re all given choices and will be made accountable for our actions and reactions one day. If we work hard providing for our families, helping others in need when we can, and treating everyone with dignity, kindness, and love, then I feel we’re on the right path to happiness. Find the good in others. Know that every good thing on this earth is a gift from God, so treat it with respect. So, the meaning of life to me is doing good in one’s lifetime, loving one another, and being happy.

Read the book of Ecclesiastes. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus. I think you’ll know what I mean. Until next time, God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Co-Founder of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Gregory Castle

View of the red rocks and caves from our campsite

One of the fountains in Gratitude Garden

Looking over the upper canyon from Gratitude Garden into Angels Rest below

Just a glimps of the windchimes and burials in Angels Rest

Doesn’t do it justice, The Rainbow Bridge

Our Podcast

Cindy Romero April 28, 2025

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1QofVEOMYbeNdbjjpexfnD?si=mzyIdazQTZygY5LhxloO8g

This month we want to share with you the Podcast we did with Keyhole Conversations. We’d never done anything like this before and it was fun. Our host, Marcus, was great and made it easy for us to open up and share things about ourselves. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it.

April showers bring May flowers, and yes, they did. This crazy Utah weather is still with us leaving traces of snow here and there, too.

Easter was a beautiful time, and we celebrated at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City. We took part in the Good Friday service which is always a somber event for Christians believing in the crucifixion of Jesus. Though we know on the third day, he will rise again and bring us hope and joy. The Easter sunrise service is our favorite mass as the sun always seems to shine through the gorgeous stained-glass windows at just the right time. The angelic voices of the choir are uplifting and make me wish I could sing. Alas, I cannot, so I enjoy them even more. Lol

Our Pope Francis passed away the next day after giving a blessing to the people at the Vatican on Easter Sunday. Many are sad but also happy that he had a good life and got to celebrate Easter with the faithful. We now await the vote of a new pope.

We are getting ready for our first market of the year. Barnyard Babies is one we haven’t done before, and we are looking forward to it. It will be at the J. Reuben Clark Historic Farm in Grantsville, Utah. It is this Friday May 2nd from 12 pm - 6 pm. And Saturday May 3rd from 10 am - 4 pm. Address is 378 W. Clark Street. Come by and see the barnyard newborns.

People are constantly asking us what our next book will be about. Though I have many already written, I am working on a book about grieving the loss of a pet for children. It’s been hard, with a lot of sad memories of our fur babies that have climbed the Rainbow Bridge, but it’s coming along, little by little. Tuco’s spirit is going to tell it like it is. Be patient, it’s coming.

So that’s it for April. Please listen to our Podcast and feel free to leave a comment if you want. We’d love to hear from you.

Until next time, enjoy the fresh air and smell the flowers. God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Marcus, our Podcast host with Keyhole Conversations.

Some of the beautiful stained-glass windows in the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

One of the Barnyard Babies waiting to meet you.

First 2025 Spring Event

Cindy Romero April 1, 2025

We sprang ahead on March 9th with another episode of changing the clocks to a new season. The birds were plenty, singing their joyful songs to the promise of Spring just around the corner.

The bulbs that we planted last fall are poking their heads up through the snow covered ground. As always, the crocuses are first. The soft petals of purple, white, and yellow stretch out their faces to the morning sun. In the evening, when the sun goes over the mountain, they close their petals and tuck themselves in for the night. But not to worry! They will repeat this ritual again come the morn.

“March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.” That’s the saying, and it hasn’t disappointed so far. We started out with roaring winds with snow and rain. By March 20th the first day of Spring showed up and we were spoiled with temperatures in the low 70’s. As we near the end of the month, rain and snow are called for again. Typical Utah weather.

Our first Spring book event took place at Marissa’s Books & Gifts. This whimsical store was perfect for a book signing. What makes it unique is the treasure trove of rare old books: first editions of Louisa May Alcott, Beatrix Potter, and Jane Austin to name a few. I could browse in this wonderland all day. They have beautiful antique furniture and one of a kind gifts you won’t find anyway else. If you are ever near, you’ve got to stop in and indulge. (3302 S. 900 E., Millcreek, Utah 84106)

We were treated like royality. The friendly staff greeted us at the door with smiles and showed us to our table. They set us up near the entrance so people could see us immediately.

We met some very nice dog lovers who shared their stories with us. A little boy and his family had recently lost their beloved fur baby, and we could totally relate. It’s still hard for us after losing our Tuco. I think a story for kids on grieving the loss of a pet will be our next children’s book.

We met some other interesting dog people who bought our books and want to do a Podcast with us. We will let you know when that is available so you can listen in.

So, that’s it for this month. And as always, God bless, stay safe, and Happy Spring!

Skip’s mom, Cb

The Interview

Cindy Romero February 27, 2025

Here we are back again in the month of love. What is love? This word can mean many things to many people. Love can be a strong feeling or attraction to another person or thing. Most of the time it is a positive thing, but it can be a negative emotion when we become attached to money, material possessions, or the egotistical self. “It’s a virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection - the unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for the good of another.” We can say we love pizza for example, or my car or my house. But these are just things, things that can’t reciprocate the same kind of feeling that one gets from another human or animal. I’m going to come back to that word “love” in a bit.

John Franchi with FOX13 News interviewed us this month for a story about Skip Thomas Adventures. We met him at the Best Friends Strut Your Mutt event back in 2022 in Liberty Park. Being a huge dog lover himself, he was impressed with our mission on adoption and rescues. He got to know more about what makes us tick.

Tim’s interview was first, downstairs in his studio. I thought he did a great job and I was very proud of him. He showed our children’s books and the artwork that goes with them. He showed how the illustrations for each book come together. I write him a short description of what I see in my mind for each page and then scribble a quick sketch of how I want it to look. My sketches are quite comical. I leave the final illustrations up to him. He also got to show the artwork he is currently working on, namely his Indy car collection. He will be doing an art show soon in a Salt Lake City gallery. I’ll let you know when.

My interview was upstairs in my office. I don’t speak well in front of cameras or people I just met. I freeze like a deer in the headlights. I think I portray my thoughts better in writing. So, I want to clarify some of my answers to the questions I was asked in the interview, things I wanted to say but didn’t.

When asked why I thought literacy was important, I should have said this: John, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you today if you didn’t think I had a story to tell. I believe reading and writing are everything in a person’s life if they want to achieve a goal and go far. Education and knowledge are powerful things. The more you know, the more you grow. Challenging the mind can take you places you’d never dream of. I say read a lot and write your own story. We all have one. Carve your own path. Even if you’re scared, do it anyway. The possibilites are endless.

Are my stories hard to write? What do I want people to know about my stories? I should have said: No, not at all! Skip Thomas was real. Theses are the stories of a rescue dog’s life, his life, and the unconditional love he gave us. I can look at any of his photos and recall exactly what happened and when. He really was rescued from a farm. He really had a girlfriend named Abby. We really did have a surprise birthday party for him with all the neighborhood dogs and friends. We really did have a cat pinata, a magician, and Tim cooking cheeseburgers for all the dogs. I have a list of twenty or more stories waiting to be illustrated. Tim has a lot of work to do! So, writing Skip Thomas’ stories is easy because they are all true.

Why do I think rescue and animal adoptions are important? Because there are so many animals in shelters that don’t deserve to be there. They didn’t ask for that kind of life. They need to be loved and cared for. They can’t do that on their own. Many have been abused and left to die in harsh elements for no reason. It makes me angry. We found our Bear left to die in the mountains. He was physically in bad shape, sick, starving and abandoned. He was in dire need of help. We couldn’t leave him there so we brought him home with us. We were told he was probably too far gone and was given maybe six months to live. We gave him a second chance in life with a good retirement home full of love and we had him for five more years. He was the best dog ever and gave us so much love in return. I want to say to people, if you can’t commit to an animal for its whole life and love it unconditionally, then don’t get one. It’s not fair to them. I am also against those breeders who breed for profit repeatedly, especially those trying to cross breed. This is a form of abuse. We rescued a beautiful Pocket Bully, our Tuco, who was bred improperly. We lost him just before Christmas due to faulty breeding. All his siblings passed away before they were two years old. Tuco almost made it to three. This was hard on us because we was just a baby. We speak up for those who can’t, and we donate part of our book proceeds to animal causes.

Now, getting back to that word “love.” FOX13 News reporter John Franchi loves what he does, and it shows. His concern for the good of others is admirable. He is kind and compassionate about animals. We know this because we’ve talked with him and seen him report stories at animal rescue events in the past. Love is easy to spot when it’s genuine, and he is genuine.

So, thank you John for believing in us and giving us a chance to tell our story. And thank you to Eric our cameraman and the whole GDU team for making this possible.

Til next time, God bless you all and share your love.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Happy New Year!

Cindy Romero January 30, 2025

We start out every January 1st with Stansbury Park’s annual Polar Plunge. It takes place as scheduled, no matter what the weather, in near sub-degree temperatures. It attracts “the crazies,” as they are called, which is a very appropriate title for these daring creatures. This year’s turnout was quite big. Our local news station, FOX13, was there to capture the excitement. We had arrived early and got to meet news reporter Darienne DeBrule, along with the camera men. The North Tooele Fire District was there to keep everyone safe from drowning and freezing to death. It was a fun afternoon seeing friends we hadn’t seen in a while. But you won’t catch me doing any plunging into that icy cold lake! Not all of us are crazy you know. We’ll see who shows up next time.

Our calendar is getting filled up with events and trips we want to take this year. It’s best to get these scheduled asap before spaces fill up. When I get these lined up, I will post the events for you. I am excited to have something to look forward to.

We were invited back to the Excelsior Academy Literacy Night event again this year. The theme was the circus, and it was fun. There were balloon artists, storytime readings, our local libraries, drawings, and of course the book fair. We love taking part in this event because we believe in the importance of reading. Our latest book, Skip Thomas’ Birthday, was a big hit with the kids.

There is a void in our lives without our Tuco. We miss him so much. So, the decision to start dog sitting seemed like the thing to do. We met a couple at the park where we used to take Tuco, and they had a beautiful little schnauzer named Cricket with them. It came to be that she needed a place to stay while her humans went on a short trip. We got to know them all and it just so happened, we got to have her stay with us. And what a joy she has been! I hope this is just the start of more to come, it will make our hearts happy.

I have no new year’s resolutions for 2025. I only want to be happy, stay busy, learn something new, lose weight, eat healthier, travel, write more, etc.. Sounds like maybe I do after all! I hope whatever you do, you have a great year ahead.

Until next time, stay safe my friends and God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Two happy children with their balloon animals

The Love of Christmas

Cindy Romero December 28, 2024

As this month rapidly comes to an end, I can only look back and ask myself, “Is it really over?” It seems like we just put up the Christmas lights and decorated the rooms. The outside is beautifully lit up letting visitors know they are welcome at our home on a cold winter night. “Come in!” we say and offer spiked eggnog and tell stories.

This is our first Christmas without our Tuco, and it is very hard. But we keep our minds occupied with happy thoughts and stay busy.

We started the month out by spending time with our good friends Dan and Laurie. They treated us to a magical night at the Desert Star Playhouse with a funny performance of GRINCHED! The cast of happy actors kept us entertained and laughing. The story was of the Grinch whose heart grew with love and spread happiness in the spirit of Christmas. At the end of the show, the performers changed clothes and sang Christmas carols in a more serious tone. All of them so blessed with talent. The pianist and guitarists really made it an enchanted evening. This was the start of our Advent season.

As with every holiday, there is baking. Our house smells delicious the whole month long. There is my traditional orange-cranberry bread for the special few I don’t want to forget this time of year. As a former delivery person myself, I know what it’s like to be out there in the elements all year long doing a sometimes-thankless job, so my mail deliverers and my garbage collector are always my number one folks on the gift giving list. And to see their faces light up when I give them this special gift, well, that is my gift to me.

Then there is a monumental amount of cookies and fudge for our friends and family. Decorating the cookies with my Sweetie is a tradition we started when we first met twenty-five years ago. We uncork a bottle of wine and get our artistic minds working. Well, maybe more Norbert’s than mine, but I try! And of course, we always have fun.

Our church services are more uplifting during Advent. The priest’s garments are more colorful and the altars are elaborately decorated with Poinsettias and Christmas trees. We celebrate our Lady of Guadalupe in the beginning of the month and the Nativity of Our Lord at the end. The children’s play with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, angels, shepherds, star, wisemen and gifts is precious. Though not meant to be funny, kids say and do the most hilarious things.

Since we are without our Tuco this Christmas, we did what we know he would have wanted us to do. We gave the treats and toys he got from his Bark Boxes to his friends in the neighborhood. It made our hearts happy to see the excitement and smiles on his canine buddies faces when they opened his gifts. We know that we will have the gift of seeing him and his brothers again one day, but until then we will continue on our journey.

We had snow on Christmas eve and Christmas day! What a nice surprise as this month has been extremely warm. The next day it all melted, but hey, for a little while we got to experience a white Christmas.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with those you love. And remember, it’s not about what you get but about what you give; a smile, a hug, compassion, or even your time. Keep the love of Jesus in your hearts all through the year and treat everyone with kindness. Until next time, God bless and hold each other tight.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Getting Ready for the Holidays

Cindy Romero December 4, 2024

I’m a little late with this one. The month got away from me, getting ready for the holidays and all.

But I love November. The days get shorter, the sunsets more brilliant, and the trees still have their colors. Though the temperature got cooler, we didn’t mind, for it gave us a chance to rake the fallen leaves before our big willow prepared itself for winter.

The Christmas lights got hung on the eaves before Thanksgiving this year. We had a very warm fall and took advantage of it. (It’s always best before the cold truly sets in and you’re freezing your butt off.) We got lucky this year.

My favorite time of day is the late afternoon when the sun creeps across the sky and heads towards the western mountain range. I can still sit on my front porch with my brandy and eggnog and watch the sunset. My soul is wrapped in a serene blanket of peace as the last ribbons of pink, purple, and orange sky tuck themselves in for the night. Tomorrow the show will repeat itself and I’ll be there to enjoy it.

We had a holiday market this month and had looked forward to it since September. Unfortunately, sales weren’t great as the event center had other things going on at the same time. We made new friends with some of the other vendors and that was nice. We are thankful for those who came to our booth, but we won’t be back to this one next year.

We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving at the Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant in Midway, Utah. This B&B is in the Wasatch Mountains, and we love it there. The room themes are of famous writers and there are thirteen in all. We stayed in the Elizabeth Barrett & Robert Browning room with a private patio balcony and a view of the snow-covered mountains. All the rooms have fireplaces, bold furniture, and big jacuzzi tubs and showers. The dining rooms and pub are beautifully decorated with antiques and fine art. This was a gift from my parents and we were very thankful for it.

So, there you have it, short and sweet. Until next time, always be thankful for what you have and give when you can to those less fortunate.

May God bless you all.

Skip’s mom, Cb

The Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant, Midway, Utah

Part of a dining room with original art work from Paris 1852

Enjoying a walk along the Wasatch Golf Course, Midway, Utah

Enjoying the outdoors with a gorgeous view of the Wasatch Mountains.

Re-adjusting

Cindy Romero November 3, 2024

October seemed like a blur to me as time appeared to stand still for a while. We’ve had to re-adjust our lives and schedules after losing our Tuco. We were busy as usual though, but I found myself asking, what did we do this month?

We started the month with a book reading at our Stansbury Park Library. The library is in the lower level of our Club House situated at the edge of our lake. The view from the reading area was beautifully enhanced by the sun and the falling yellow leaves. We had a good turn out of kids and parents. This library has come a long way since we were last there. I was happy to see the wide variety of books on the shelves and displays. We contributed a set of SKIP THOMAS ADVENTURES books and are proud to be a part of our community.

Our next event was at the Grantsville Library where they let us do a book launch. We liked it there. The focus was us in the middle of the library when you entered. We had our posters and balloons throughout areas to guide readers to our book tables. It was fun. We met some fun kids that were excited to meet us and get their pictures taken with the author and illustrator. I loved seeing the young kids get so pumped about books and reading. There was one little boy that just amazed us with the questions he asked us. We gave him some balloons to take home and he was ecstatic!

We took one more camping trip before the weather changed. Deer Creek State Park is close to home and this time we took our mountain bikes. There is a new area there now called Fox Run with full hook-ups for motorhomes and trailers. The view from this campground was beautiful. All the sites have a great view of Deer Creek Reservoir. They are very spacious, but also cost a bit more. We were happy in the Chokecherry campground.

Halloween didn’t disappoint either. We had a lot of new faces come trick-or-treating this year. Being a school night, there weren’t many street walkers after 8 pm and that was ok with us!

We are slowly adjusting to our quiet home. It was a long four weeks of sorrow and waiting. Tuco finally came home and was reunited with his brothers on our dresser. Josh, Skip, Bear, and Tuco are all together again. Time will heal our broken hearts; I just hope it’s not too long.

Until next time, God bless and hold your fur babies tight!

Skip’s mom, Cb