Our neighborhood

We notice wildlife around here. Pheasants show up daily, and sometimes deer graze along our road. But last week as I drove into town I saw something in my headlights. Deer? No, a great bull elk had crossed the road and was disappearing with his buddies. Lots of birds. The other day Rog saw a bald eagle landing at the marsh, and yesterday a fat woodpecker ate box elder bugs on our roof line.

If you visit us in winter we can go to nearby Hardware Ranch and see the elk. The herd winters over and then leaves in early spring, prompted each year by the oldest matriarch elk who seems to decide when it's time to head out.

Promise of spring

These crocuses make us happy.





Thanks, Steve and Sara

Gordon B. Hinckley

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Holding Henry

Liz and Jared let me hold Henry this week in SLC .


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Adults Only

It surprised me when I first moved into a new area that no one called or came knocking with an invitation to register to vote. In fact, elections proceeded without me. It turned out the initiative was 100% mine. I had to find out where to go (the County Clerk's office) and when, and I had to get myself there. Once I did register no one shook my hand or smiled with approval. It was all too grown up for me.

But I did it.

I understand the exasperation of young adults for our national electoral system--the number of votes don't actually elect a President. However, any vote cast makes a statement that the people are out here and that we value democracy, flaws and all. And votes do count on State and local issues.

While on the subject of government, we wish Steve well as he serves once again in the Utah House. He hasn't had time for blogging but I love to read him when he does.

And while on the subject of voting, I saw this article by Ann Coulter at the Fawsons yesterday. I've been slow to support Romney. I didn't like doing it because of shared-faith alone, but it's hard to find a candidate I like better.

Love, Mom

PS: I know you're all in various parties with various political views. In any case, speak up. : )

In the season thereof

When I bought fresh raspberries last week for the same price I pay in summer, I was slightly peeved. These berries had no business being in a grocery store in January.

As a child, summer fruits were unheard of until summer. Strawberries in spring, followed by cherries, apricots--later watermelon. In winter you sometimes thought about them wistfully but you knew you had to wait. With today's international market and hot-house gardening, there's no waiting. What have they done to the seasons!?

A few years back a TV chef, while demonstrating Thanksgiving dinner, recalled a woman who managed to serve strawberries and asparagus at TG. "No, no, no!" he said. "Save those for spring. For now, we want the full, rich autumn flavors."

Front Yard

We can just walk out our front door for great snow-shoeing.

Throw Rugs

I need new throw rugs--by sinks, washer, house entries, etc. Some consider them messy with dribbles, crumbs, etc., but that's the point. They contain the stuff that would get spread. The cotton-rag style are inexpensive; rubber-backed kind stay put and endure.

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.