Grant Ave.

When I was in SF in December, I walked from the Ferney's to Chinatown in search of veggies, etc. Yesterday we ate the last of the baby bok choy and the long, narrow Chinese egg plant, cut up in stir fry.

Along with the rice, we had the noodles I got in Chinatown, too. So easy, and a great side dish. You boil the very affordable noodles for three minutes, and with a little teriyaki and scallions, they were yummy. Yes, it's similar to ramen, but they're flatter and have more substance. The label is all Chinese, but on the back in small print it says Hengshun Noodles.

The white and drifting snow

Thanks to holiday festivities I had ignored December storms, so the evening of January 2nd shocked me. As I drove down our road I saw no more cheery Christmas lights. Just snow. "Hey! We're in the dead of winter."

My coping devices for not capitulating to January blahs: 1. Dress for the weather. Wear a hat and gloves--easy on, easy off, and inexpensive if you lose one. Thermals under slacks are not suffocating indoors and make a big difference. 2. Plan escapes. Cabo San Lucas would be nice, but anticipating a trip anywhere is good. 3. Enjoy what we've got. Jared and Liz gave me snowshoes so we can do something in the snow besides shovel. Indoors, we have lots of good food to slow bake or simmer. 4. Accept nature. Earth is snuggled down for the winter. What can I do? Read. Quilt. Indoor projects abound. 5. Light up. Burn candles, the fireplace. Inga from Denmark keeps small lights in each window on winter nights. "During the Dark Time," she says. 6. Grow things. Thanks to my daughters, we have two sets of spring bulbs coming up in sunny windows. 7. Concentrate on others. Always useful when I'm feeling down. Everyone is feeling it so I try to help out a little.

Happy Winter! Love, Mom
Pictures: Mendon barn; Caribbean

NOTE: When someone has the time, I need help giving my blog a face lift.

Blessing Henry

Jared gave Henry a beautiful baby blessing on Sunday in SLC. I always like hanging out with the Ricks family, and it was fun to see Matt and Ben Gunn and families, as well as Jared's fellow missionary, Pone Linthalat. Liz wrapped Henry in a white, silky blanket made for him by Aunt Megan.

2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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December 25th

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I'm thinking of you all. I hope it's a happy day. Love to everyone, Mom

Dickens of a Birthday

For my birthday we saw A Christmas Carol at the Hale Center Theatre in SLC. It was a perfect Birthday/Christmas outing. As we exited, we realized President Monson and his wife had been in the audience, too.

PS: Thank you, everyone, for birthday wishes, gifts, calls, etc. I've been trying to call everyone Love, Mom

Grandmothers

In the Bay Area I got to see Rudi and Daisy.

Rudi, recovering from her fall, is in the care center getting up and about--s l o w l y. She's working hard at it and says things like, "I made myself eat." She got up with help and walked with her walker while I was there. She also said she was "stunned" by the much kindness shown to her.

Daisy is still struggling with breathing difficulty and anxiety attacks. She says, "I don't know if the breathing creates anxiety or the anxiety creates breathing trouble." She went to the hospital while I was in town. Mark and Robin will be there for Christmas.

My camera gave out on the trip so this picture is via cell phone.

Baby Boom

We're blessed. I'm grateful that these babies have arrived safely and that each one is in the hands of wonderful parents.

Little Petrea lead the way, followed by three boy cousins, Jared, Henry and Moses. So will she tease them or will they tease her? I hope they get to know each other. I was happy to get to meet Moses in SF. I hope each of the sets of parents are getting some sleep.
Love, Mom

Some of you have asked about the McEvoy babies, so here's an update.

St. Nick

My cute neighbor has collected Santas through the years.

Mother and Child

We expect the Mother and Child theme at Christmas, but some years it's more poignant than others. I like this artist, seen here, too.

The second one, Brickey from St. George, I like because Joseph is doing his work while Mary watches the little boy, knowing she'll have a son to raise.

I'm feeling grateful. I love and miss you all.
Love, Mom

Jared Jr.

I want to post pictures of Jared, Liz and their baby, but I think blogging protocol says I should hold off until they've posted themselves.