2020 What?

Yes, I know.  The year is half over and this is my first post, but you see there have been problems.  It started out with my new laptop computer which we got for Christmas.  It seems technology keeps progressing...and I don't.  I had trouble loading my photos onto this computer.  I finally got the ones on my camera's current sd card to load,  then I kept trying to get the older ones to load.  Not working well.  I've got about half of them to work.  It was proposed that the sd cards are aging.... but my camera won't use the fancy new ones that sweet Geneva sent for mother's day so I suspect the age of the camera is the real problem....or maybe the age of the person trying to use it???  Then in April came the pandemic. It's strange to think that in Jan and Feb we hadn't heard anything about it and expected a 'normal' year.  So now we are in the midst of "these trying times" trying to find the "new normal" and learning new ways to connect in spite of "social distancing".  (I'm getting very tired of hearing those phrases!) Outside of missing my ceramics classes and not getting to take the trips we had planned, we have not suffered at all.  We  had plenty of toilet paper stored (it was the first thing to run short), plenty of food and no real difficulties finding anything we wanted if we kept looking.  Rod has frankly enjoyed not having our regular church meetings, and there is a real sweetness to our 'home Sacrament meetings'.  We miss visiting kids and going to the temple.  It kills me not to hug people. Don't tell but I have rebelled and given a few hugs under special circumstances.  Our kids have been able to 'work from home' so that helps greatly too.  Our 2nd son got a new job in Jan which could have been problematic, but his company decided to have employees take 1 week furloughs once a month for a while instead of firing people.  This ended up a blessing as he was able to work full time on the remodeling of their 'new' home  during those weeks.  .We did go over and help for a week.  I have been called as a counselor in the Relief Society during this time.  I expect it will be more work once we are back to having meetings, but so far, its not too hard. (I'm probably not doing it right)  We are having more difficulty getting our exercising done with the gym closed.  Yup, we're gaining weight.  I carry a bandanna in my purse for the stores that require face masks.  I have postulated that our glaring sun, high heat, and very low humidity will do more to prevent contagion than most of the other measures being tried.  My pride will get me in trouble, I'm sure.

While the weather was cool, we went on small hikes and bicycle rides.  I very much enjoyed those.  We miss the pool now that it's getting hot.  Here come the photos.

The Superstitions are still beautiful

The flowers were just starting to bloom.

Why does 'the view' never photograph well?

I was fascinated by the colors in the grasses as the wind shifted them...like silk.

Keeping our social distance was easy there.

 Birthdays still come and go.

It's nice having Todd closer so visits are easier.

I made some birthday cakes for Alicia's kids.

I did get some things back from ceramics before they shut down.  I like to give stuff I've made as gifts but I'm getting low now.   Sooo Sad!

Year End Wind Up

Well we are finishing up 2019 and I have some catching up to do.
We have enjoyed having a grand daughter in  her school choir.  We got to hear her  Fall and Christmas concerts.

 They sound very good.

Youngest daughter's husband had a 2 week work trip so I spent a week in Seattle.  We sure have cute grandkids.

He likes to help cook.

We went on a walk and picked up beautiful leaves!

 Our youngest grandchild, cute little Juni, is growing up, and she's a smart cookie too!

Hard to sit still in church.

Special makeup to turn her pink for her Halloween costume...She was a cute little troll doll, Grammie made the costume.

Her Mom brought these home for her from Korea

We visited a Korean market looking for crackers they liked.  We didn't find the crackers but look at the eels and anemones.

Stair climbing!

I am astonished at how well little kids manage this swing.  The Perfect play room!

 Ceramics is still a joy to me.  these nesting bowls were birthday presents for Alicia.

Also these planters

Unnested.



Little Sister and I took a quick trip to Utah for this cute nephew's wedding.

 

 

Congratulations Jesse and Deni

The Quillens

The mischievousness is present in the next generation! 

Proud Mom!

He was hiding in plain sight (he's disguised as an apple tree)  and the cousin playing hide and seek didn't notice him.

 A Quillen Uncle puts up an amazing Christmas village....With temple square.

It was amazing!

We got to spend Thanksgiving with the Seattle kids again!  It's such fun!
The photo worthy dish, a cheese and sausage board....It was very impressive and delicious!

keeping watch

She Couldn't resist

We made a pretty big dent!

 There was a wonderful spread, and we devoured it,  but I only got a photo of the important part!

 

Serious work there!

 I have to say it's fun to sit in a hot tub when it's cold outside.  The kids love it too!

cupboard sitting...a time honored activity

The gingerbread house tradition continues.  Those kids are getting quite artistic.

So is this cutie!

Happy Birthday to my youngest!

The best toys?

 My Sister came to visit and we thoroughly enjoyed spending time together.  We especially enjoyed visiting the MIM!  It's amazing.  This is essentially a huge music box....almost 100 years old and it still works though it's been computerized.

 

 My cute husband and second daughter and I went black Friday shopping at Daniel Smith  arts supply store.  I got some new clay tools for my birthday.

This year's nativity plaques.

That is hail on our new mustang....The old one was totaled after our car accident.  We are now extra careful driving!

 Ben's birthday.  He was very gracious that I got mixed up and put Jase's name on the cake.  Luckily there was white icing to fix it.

 What a blessed and wonderful life we live.  We are so thankful!