It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas--Finally!!

At long last, the kind of snowstorm I wait for all winter, and maybe get 2 or 3 times in a good year. It's supposed to turn to rain this afternoon, though. The roads are already melted where they were plowed, ditto driveways and walks. If the snow will just stay everywhere else for awhile! It's so beautiful.

Where did November go?

I knew I hadn't blogged in some time, but I didn't realize the last time was clear back in October!

The semester is basically over. I just have to enter the grades online. This was a really good semester. I wish I were teaching Public Speaking again. I felt more in control of things this semester than last, which was a terrible mess, and would like to apply what I learned. Besides, it will be a lot more work teaching a course I haven't done before. I will be teaching "Introduction to Speech Communication" on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

We had a nice Thanksgiving,long ago! Kevin's family and LeeAnn's family and I all went to Chuckarama, which is a big buffet. It works for us, although we all roasted a turkey and did some other things the next day so we could have leftovers! And we went to see "Tangled", which is a really good movie.



I have put up a few Christmas decorations, including the tree. I don't know if I'll get any more out, but I probably will. I'm missing the sight of several of my special Christmas things. And I came home this afternoon to find a beautiful Christmas centerpiece arrangement from David and Katie and family.



My Uncle Ralph has had some health problems and a procedure on his pacemaker and defibrillator, but seems to be doing OK. And I had a nice long visit with my "new" Aunt Katie in Florida, who has been quite ill but slowly getting better.

Sarah was kind enough to schedule me in on her hectic visit to Utah for a friend's wedding. We had dinner at Cafe Rio and I got my first real look at Charlie. And how Eli has grown! Always so fun to see her little boys. Wish I were closer so I could do more grandma things with them, but I know they get lots of "grandparenting" from David and Katie and Alice. I love being able to see photos of them all on Sarah's blog.

Well, it's getting to be count down to Christmas. Maybe I'll have something exciting--in a good way, of course--during the holidays to blog about next time!

Went to London, didn't see the Queen, but saw the Queen's Castle

Ina and Magdalena in back "garden."



Magdalena



Ina and Magdalena having lunch at Harrod's

This last week I had a wonderful time in London with my "German daughter" Ina (Isermann) Lacher and her daughter Magdalena. Ina's husband, Germar, is a German officer assigned to NATO for 3 years, so they are living in a NW suburb of London, Pinner. When Libby and I were in Munich last year we were just a week too early to see Magdalena. But this was better than seeing a newborn, anyway, because at 16 months, she is so delightful! She looks so much like her daddy.

Ina treated me to the play "Wicked" at the Apollo for my birthday present, which I have wanted to see forever. There were missionaries there that afternoon, so it was fun to talk to them in line and waiting for the play to start. Our little excursion before the play was to Harrod's, which is always a treat. I don't think I've ever bought anything but food there, but it is a feast for the eyes to be in such a beautiful building. Negotiating the tube is always a challenge in London, simply because there are so many closures, especially now that they're trying to "spiff up" things for the 2012 Olympics. And they don't have lifts at all the stations, so Ina ended up having to carry the stroller with Magdalena in it up many stairs! Grateful for escalators wherever they were.

On Sunday I went to Sacrament Meeting at the Hayes Ward in Ickenham, only about 10 minutes from Ina's home. They were so warm and friendly! Quite a good sized group for that little corner of London. They even had to open the overflow section! Parking lot was under the building, chapel 2 floors up from ground level. I wished later I had stayed for all the meetings, but I really wanted to spend as much time as possible with Ina.

Ina really misses her mother, who was such an angel. It was nice for me to answer questions she has about kids and parenting and that sort of thing. She is really a sweet mother, and I had nothing but compliments for the way she is teaching Magdalena. She is expecting another baby in March; too soon to know the gender. Oh, and I got to hear about the lovely British National Health Service...But there are some good services for mothers and children, which I wish we had here.

Tuesday we went to Windsor Castle. I had never been there in spite of my numerous trips to London, so it was a nice treat. At Ina's house I fell in love with scones and clotted cream, and must now try to make it at home. I have never particularly liked scones because they're so dry, but put cream and jam on them, and wow! She misses--and so did I--the wonderful bread that you get in Germany. And the little bakery just around the corner where her dad buys fresh rolls every morning.

The new BBC production of Sherlock had been on the telly a few months ago so Ina bought the DVD and we watched all 3 episodes. I really liked it, but I think it's a good thing I can watch it on Masterpiece again starting Sunday, as the plots are rather complicated, and I didn't follow everything...Oh, dear, that really makes me worry about my brain!!

I have been asked to teach a different class at UVU next semester. It is the one I was going to do this semester that didn't carry. I think one a semester is enough for now, although if I could have gotten 2 sections of public speaking that would have been doable.

Libby wrote on her blog about our visit to Uncle Ralph Halterman a few weeks ago. My October has been filled with travel, and with stake and General Conferences and various other things, I haven't attended my Branch for about 2 months!! But I'll be teaching Sunday School two weeks in a row.

I'm thinking I'm mostly over my travel passion. At least for now!!

Deliver Us From Evil

I recommend a somewhat depressing but insightful and informative book by M. Scott Peck called "People of the Lie." It's a very interesting book by the man who wrote "The Road Less Traveled."

It explores the concept of evil on a personal basis; exposes the character and motivations of Satan; and compares Satan's behavior to the characteristics and behaviors of individuals around us who can therefore, by their similarity to Satan, be accurately described as "evil." Need to control others, a lack of empathy for others, and extreme self-centeredness (it's all about me!) are key characteristics of evil people. It is not necessary to be a robber or murderer or adulterer to be an evil person. While most of us probably know and/or associate with very few people who could truthfully be described this way, there are more than we may realize. And to be a sinner, which we all are, is not necessarily to be an "evil" person.

Evil is not a nice thing to consider; we would much prefer to avoid thinking of anyone in those terms. But when the Savior prayed, "Deliver us from evil", to what or whom was he referring? He obviously recognized that evil is not an occasional danger. He mentioned "temptation" separately, so it doesn't mean that. To protect ourselves from evil we must recognize what it is. And it isn't just a guy in a black hat!

A Secret Revealed

Christopher Foyle (Michael Kitchen) and Samantha Stewart (Honeysuckle Weeks)

OK, I admit it. I have a major crush on Christopher Foyle. Who is Christopher Foyle? you might ask. If so, you obviously are not a devotee of Foyle's War on PBS. Apparently the first several seasons were finished and the viewing public put up such a howl that the writer and producers (BBC) gave us 3 more which aired on Masterpiece this last spring. I saw a couple of those, then ordered everything from Netflix and now I am so sad because I have seen them all! What do I do now? I guess I need to buy one of the seasons so I can at least watch him every once in awhile. I wonder if there's a way to find out which one he has the most screen time in.

If you are a fan of Foyle's War and have an opinion (facts would be even better!)of which season he was most visible, let me know. I can't afford to buy the whole set (about $200) but one season might be worth my investment!

The GOOD NEWS is that the series ended with Foyle going off to America to find a character from one of the early episodes, and there is much pressure to produce some more under a modified title, such as "Foyle in America" (Or something much more creative, I'm sure.) So I'll keep my fingers crossed that they get the funding. The script writer (Anthony Horowitz) is a busy guy and also writes the Midsomer Murders, which I also enjoy, and there are a lot of them to watch! But Foyle's popularity should be a big incentive.

(My children and grandchildren can be happy because at least this character is appropriately close to my own age, which according to them is very important!)

New semester, more fun!

The fall semester started at UVU last week, and I must say I'm having a lot more fun this time around. For one thing, I am not in pain! Yes, folks, for the first time in several months I am actually walking normally, not groaning every time I stand up, or whining about life in general! It's wonderful!!

I was going to teach a second class, Introduction to Speech Communication, but it didn't get enough students. I was fine either way--if it carried, I'd have some more $$. If it didn't, I would have more time and less stress. So this works for me! I'm going to be able to have fun with my Public Speaking class, and it seems to be a good group of students. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. I'd rather teach in the morning, but this is nice for a change.

I guess I must have left my flash drive in the classroom last Tuesday, as I can't seem to find it. I was hoping that maybe in this fairly high standards environment someone might have turned it in to the communication office or left it in the classroom. But I bought a couple of new ones. They are really handy!!

Busbyberkly had her 9th birthday this week. She was so tiny we didn't know if she would even live, and here she is, a darling, bright, vivacious little nine-year-old. Praise God for this wonderful blessing!!

I don't have any photos to post. Sorry. My blogs are mostly boring stuff!

Update Overdue, but....

Yes, I know it has been a long time since I updated my blog, but to tell the truth, I have nothing but whining to put on it, so I don't really want to bring anybody up to date on anything in my life.

Well, maybe except I will be teaching 2 classes at UVU starting this week. I will have Public Speaking again and I have been asked to teach an Introduction to speech Communication, which is more up my alley, on Fridays only. So I will have Public Speaking on Tues and Thursday afternoons and Intro to Comm on Friday mid-day. The only thing that is freaking me out--and it is--is that I really hurt a lot and I don't know when it's going to get any better--maybe never, actually, and the thought of walking to and from class and teaching, and trying to prepare lessons while I'm in pain, is overwhelming to me. I am not a happy camper to say the least!

The best thing lately is that Leah came on Saturday (yesterday) to spend a few days with me. (She was with Julianne for a week before that.) I'll take her to the airport on Tuesday morning. I always enjoy being with her. We have a great time. Tonight we went to a Petersons Cousins party, which are always a lot of fun. I know I have written before about how nice it is to be with Leland's cousins, who are active in the Church and can share experiences from the past as well as what everyone is doing now. It is so strengthening to be surrounded by family members who are well-grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have to be at physical therapy by 8:30 in the morning. My PT wants me to start doing water aerobics. I told her I "don't do water." She very heartlessly said, "Well maybe you need to start!" Leah has been going to water aerobics for many years and is convinced that is one reason she stays so healthy. I think she's probably right. My little temper tantrum of "I don't want to" didn't go over too well with my PT. Leah is saying we will go get me a suit tomorrow. But wait---not so fast! I do plan to look at the AF Fitness Center schedule when I finish here and before I go to bed.

New Blog Post is Overdue

Just returned last night from 3 days in beautiful Montana--Paradise Valley accurately named. Lots of fun with cousins and two elderly aunts who may not be around for the next Shadoan reunion. We cousins, the next generation, will need to decide if and how we want to continue the connections. With the social networking sites and other electronic media making communication so much easier--if we use it--and the next generations feeling very little loyalty to our generation and the generations before, we may have to discover a new way of maintaining our family identity.

Our reunion was abruptly and violently cut short right after we all got our plates filled in the pot luck lunch. A windstorm like I've never experienced before hit us, and people grabbed the tent poles trying to keep the tents from collapsing. It was so strong that it bent the aluminum frames and would have collapsed on the various occupants if we hadn't been able to get out in time. And then the rain hit, hard, torrential rain. Very rare in Livingston, Montana, and certainly unusual to have wind and rain like this in a Montana summer storm! The tables holding the food collapsed and mothers had to grab their little ones to keep them from being blown away. We all retreated to our cars and sat, soaking wet, until the rain let up enough for us to even drive away. My, my, an unforgettable reunion!

I appreciate my Shadoan pioneer family. They first came from France, arriving in Virginia in 1750. David and I visited the area when we were in Richmond a few years ago. Then they spread into Pulaski and Green Counties in Kentucky, from which my grandparents went to Montana after the turn of the century. They are good people and the (now) very large family--probably 300 or more descendants--has been very much blessed by God. Very few tragedies in the more than 100 years since John and Retta Shadoan set up housekeeping at a sawmill near Clyde Park, Montana.

I have to add that it is very exciting to see how the Spirit of Elijah has worked in this family to turn their hearts to their fathers and motivate them to do family history work among the living descendants. In the past there has been significant hostility toward the Church from these devoutly Christian people, who are exemplary in their service to the Lord. When the time is right, probably on the other side of the veil, they will see how they have participated in the important sealing work of eternal families. I know my mother has been very busy on the other side. This Shadoan family history was her passion in the last years of her life, and she could see little progress on this side of the veil. She has now been joined by most of her generation of Shadoans, and many other family members have been sealed just in the last couple of years through work that my sweet David did.

It's Bastille Day!

I wonder if our passionate U.S. patriots realize what a debt we owe to other nations for their contributions to the cause of freedom. It is true that we had already declared our independence and fought the Revolutionary War before the French stormed the Bastille, but the spirit and yearnings of good people around the world have joined with ours in these last 150 years to make a huge difference in the lives of our fellow man. I was reading an article today about Jan Hus (Libby and I saw the monument to him in Prague) who was a forerunner to Martin Luther by a hundred years or so, and of course the martyrs who prepared the world for the restoration of the gospel are heroes, as well. Our Heavenly Father has worked with all nations and people throughout history to bring them the measure of light that they are prepared to receive. I love this country and the Church, but I am very aware that these did not magically appear out of a vacuum, but are connected to deep and strong historical threads that wove the fabric of our foundations.

Well, I don't know why I got started on that, but I guess as a francophile I have to give the French their due somehow!! Vive la France!

Libby mentioned "Foyle's War" in her blog. I may be mistaken, but I think I'm the one who introduced her to it. I really like books and movies that show the multi-dimensional nature of human beings, and of events, and of conflicting historical perspectives. Libby and I watched several episodes when I was at her house, and I've been getting more since then. I must confess a crush on Michael Kitchen (is anybody surprised? But at least he's closer to my age!!) The stories remind me that in every historical event there are opposing perspectives. We see the conflict and opposition among us today and because the past is the past, we tend to think it was all very simple back then. There were the good guys and the bad guys, easy to identify, clearly in the right or the wrong. I love that life is much more complicated than that and I appreciate characters and stories that honor that truth.

What to have for dinner when nothing sounds good??? Any suggestions?

Oh, one more thing. I saw a delightful documentary today that I had DVRd from last week or sometime. David Suchet on the Orient Express. It was wonderful!! Watch it if they replay it on your PBS station. They did a new version of the book, then the documentary afterwards. Yummy stuff!

Fun Times with Grandchildren

I made a fun trip to Tucson and brought back Reed's boys Christian, Jens, and Miles. We had a good time for a week or so. Their brother Kai drove up and stayed for a few days, then drove them all home. I hope we can make this an annual event!

I had Andy's kids over for a couple of sleep-overs, since they were moving to Arizona. Andy got a great job there and they packed up and left here on Saturday. I will miss them a lot, but it's a wonderful new chapter in their lives, living in Tempe. I hope they can get together with Reed's family from time to time and build that relationship.

My class is going OK. I'm not as stressed now as I was, but there are still lots of details to work out and lessons to plan, exams to write, etc. So far so good! With a LOT of help from Libby, I'm surviving! I will teach only 2 days in the fall, T and Th, which will be a bit easier than the 3 days I'm doing now. Classes will be the same length but go for more weeks. Today I used the classroom computer for the first time to do a Powerpoint review for the exam.

I'm looking forward to my trip to Montana for the Shadoan reunion. July 30. Then just 2 weeks and I'll have a 2-week break between semesters. I am feeling very tied down, but I don't know where I'd be going or what I would be doing, anyway, so I might as well be productive!

Going Back to School

"Professor" Stuart

Well, Friday I began teaching the Public Speaking course at UVU. I have really resisted having to go back to work, but I know it will be good for me. Just the walking from the parking lot to the classroom and back will be a big boost for me! I have 25 students, and I am looking forward to the experience. Libby keeps telling me I will be able to do it just fine, and it's true that being back in the classroom gave me a bit of a lift. I am going to take several workshops to learn how to use their technology and management programs.

It has been a bit crunchy for me, all the travel and having only a day in-between trips, etc. and also I had to teach my Gospel Doctrine class today, so I had to prep for that and for a real lesson for class tomorrow. (Friday was just going over the syllabus and doing some introductions.) Libby has been so helpful, both in specific information and her enthusiastic encouragement.

It was great to be with Reed's family and now I have Miles, Jens and Christian here. I feel a little stretched to be having to work on a new teaching assignment and also trying to do some fun things with them. They are really good kids, though, and are entertaining themselves a lot of the time. I am so glad to have this time with them.

Just passing through...

I had a fantastic time with Libby this last week. It ended much too quickly for me, and now I will probably have to wait a year to see her again, as they have super plans for Christmas that don't include Utah... Tough when kids have their own lives! Libby provided invaluable assistance with my preparations for my UVU class. As well as moral support and cheerleading!!! Thanks! I took my camera, but no photos! I think Libby took a couple.

Andy and Amanda are making a quick trip to Tempe for a job interview for him at an animation company. They have also received an offer on their house. I sure hope this works out well for them. I had their kids here today, but since I'm leaving in the morning, they'll be with McTeer family the rest of the weekend.

I will leave for Tucson in the morning and go as far as Page. I am worried about my aches and pains and hope this won't be too hard for me. It will be a quick trip, but I am SO excited about having Reed's boys here for awhile! We'll take 2 days to come back, too.

I hope to get back to more regular posting when I get home. This going back to teaching is a little scary for me but I'm sure I'll enjoy it and just need to get my feet wet!

Short Update

I really enjoyed my time with Uncle Ralph. He didn't feel well enough to work on his life story, and he is concerned that his memory might betray him and allow in some inaccuracies. I guess as a Quality Control guru, he is much more bothered by the fear of "mistakes" than the rest of us! It was a lovely time with him. It rained most of the days, which I relly enjoyed.

I decided to come home a few days before doing to Libby's. I really needed to just crash for awhile at home, and it was good for me to be here. I was able to pay some bills and take care of some time-sensitive mail, as well as straighten the house a bit and feel more in control of my life. Amanda and the kids pulled the weeds in my back yard while I was gone. It really looks nice out there. I guess they enjoy doing it, so I'm suggesting they come over every couple of weeks. They can weed and I can take them to lunch or fix breakfast or something. The roses are bushing out and blooming and are beautiful! I'm glad I finally pruned them, and I'm glad I didn't ruin them! I have no other flowers around in pots, either in front or on my deck. Maybe when Reed's boys are here I can do a few! Jens is anxious to do some weeding and other work. Maybe I'll get them to help me clean the garage!

I will be with Libby in Indiana until June 16. I have a very busy June coming up and am glad to be over my neuropathy flare-up. The next few weeks should be a lot of fun!

Unexpected travel to Washington State

My Uncle Ralph Halterman, who lives on Camano Island, Washington State, had a stroke and took a fall right before Easter. I told him that when he was ready to leave rehab and go home I would be so happy to come and stay with him until he can see what he needs to do, whether he can take care of himself or want someone there. He has been alone for several weeks, with his daughter-in-law's mother checking in on him. He called me today and I guesss the pain and memory loss and other weaknesses he is experiencing are kind of hard for him, so I will be flying there on Monday morning to stay at least until I go to Libby's in June. Monday gives me a few more days to get better from my own ailments!

I'm happy I'm going to get to spend this time with him. I should be able to finish his life story--at least up to this point--and I expect I can help him go through photos, family history things, etc. Debbie and I are sort of partner on this. She is such a family history fanatic and I am her willing accomplice. She really feels like our Halterman family (am I revealing too much that it was a poster child for "dysfunctional?") is very busy on the other side of the veil and are counting on us to facilitate some healing and tie up loose ends.

Uncle Ralph has the same kind of neuropathy I have but he has had it longer, and I hope I've been able to get earlier interventions with it so it won't deteriorate as much. He's having a lot of pain. He's just 9 years older than I am. I remember how much my dad suffered with his peripheral neuropathy the last years of his life. No feeling at all in his fingers, and only pain in his feet.

I'm going to miss Link's pre-school graduation and Echo's birthday. I need to get her pillow case done before I leave! I expect to have a busy couple of days.

Mothers Day

Mothers Day was sweet. All my (local) kids and grandkids came over on Saturday night. I did my first ever--and absolutely last!--take and bake pizza (from Costco.) Burned the first one, the second one dripped grease and the house was filled with smoke. Plus, I had thought they were only $5, should have just left when I saw they were $10. My brain wasn't working too well on Saturday, apparently. And everyone else brought a dessert. Now, why would we need 3 desserts??? (Thanks, Kevin, for the suggestion--"everybody else can bring dessert!") Two yellow cakes with chocolate frosting (family faves) and Carrie's famous pound cake. Kevin went out after 2 (3?) more pizzas and some breadsticks. Oh, my, it was crazy. But I love having everyone together. Handmade cards, lots of hugs, some Lindt truffles--what could be better. Libby gave me a really fun box of commonly used French phrases (c'est la vie, affair du coeur, etc.) for me to throw into my conversation when I want to imagine I'm in France. Davey sent a card and called, as well. He is always so thoughtful. Reed called me on Mothers Day to wish me happy day. I am looking forward to going to Tucson in June and bringing his youngest 3 boys back with me. Libby also called, but I had my phone off so I could sleep. Thanks, kids! I love you all!

Sometime during the night on Saturday a neuropathy gremlin took over my body and I awoke with a migraine in every joint and nerve, including my head. So I spent the day in bed on painkillers. Ironic because just Thursday my doctor was commenting how well I have been doing! My neck and head pain aren't actually connected to my neuropathy, so I don't know what that's about. Anyway, I am much better today, and I shouldn't complain because the last big flare up I had was before Christmas. That's pretty good!

Yesterday afternoon I watched the first episode of a program on the History Channel that I have been DVRing. I highly recommend it. It's called America: The Story of Us. It is always inspiring and humbling to be reminded of the huge challenges that had to be overcome in order for us to become a country. There were many victories that were clearly brought by the Lord's hand. And there was inspiration in military strategies and various innovations that Washington and others devised that were unheard of at the time. Oh, what a bloody war it was. I don't think I had known about the small pox break-out at Valley Forge and the experimental "innoculations" that they did to try to duplicate what was being done in Europe with vaccine. As if Valley Force weren't hardship enough as it was. I have to smile when I think about those patriot rebels and their distrust of govenment and fierce desire for independence. So many of our cultural values started way back then. We have a pretty impressive story! No wonder the Europeans think we're so strange!

Beautiful flowers from my sweet David

This spring--again!--I have loved seeing the tulips and pansies that David planted. I suppose I can look forward to having them every spring, at least the tulips, for awhile. I plan to plant some daffodils in the fall. Then I'll be very happy next year! However, you may notice a big leafy plant in the background in the second photo. David planted rhubarb in our front planter. I wasn't terribly happy to have it planted there, and had no idea how big it would get! I hate to encourage it by using it, and besides, how much rhubarb can one person use!!? I guess I'll wait until the community landscape watchdogs tell me to pull it out, and in the meantime treat myself to occasional strawberry-rhubarb pie. (Major YUM!!)

David's sister Alice died last week and I went with Doug to S. Utah for her funeral on Monday. All agreed that as difficult as it was to lose Alice, we are all quite excited that she has been able to join her mother, whom she never knew. And of course David must have been waiting, too. Apparently she mentioned to her family that he had come to her on 2 different occasions as she was dying, and she also saw her mother. David's family has been very sweet to me. It has been a pleasure to be part of them for a little while.

I am now quilting Marina's quilt. It's very bright and cheery. I hope to have it finished before she goes to Florida to work at Disney World.




I have had occasion recently to contemplate the difference between a "weakness" and a "sin". My cousin Debbie came over for lunch today and we discussed it a little bit. It helped me to think of a weakness in terms of the Lord's giving it to me, whereas, a sin is something I willfully choose to do. But I think they can get a little muddied, so that a sin may also be a weakness, but a weakness isn't necessarily a sin. Sin requires repentance, but a weakness will be made strong through the Lord's grace. Thoughts, anyone?

Rain, rain, come again!

We are having lovely thunder showers this afternoon, with some fairly strong bursts of rain. I love it! The louder the thunder, the better I like it. So---bring it on!! Growing up in the mountains of western Montana I was used to lots of summer thunder storms. Since my grandmother (Nana) spent many summers with us, she had a great influence on my life. She loved thunder and lightning, and would glory in the storms. "Come and watch!" she'd say. "Oh, listen to that thunder!" she would clasp her hands and exclaim. I loved the storms in Tucson, where they really do have real thunderstorms with spectacular lightning, and really miss them.

Joel came over this afternoon so he could have a bath in my big tub. Maddy got to have one the other night, and he was very disappointed that his parents came for him before his turn. We also went to WalMart and got a few action figures and some Legos for kids to play with. I'm really trying to find things that will entertain them when they come over. So far the Netflix movies don't hold their interest except when they have sleepovers.

I am ready to quilt Marina's lap quilt. I bought the backing yesterday and am really excited to finish it. I have it on the frame downstairs where I can watch movies while I quilt. There is a problem, however. David's big rear projection TV is going out. It has yellow and blue stripes on the picture. Jenny says it is probably at least 15 years old, which is about what I imagined. So I guess I'll get rid of it. If Andy and Amanda move in with me I won't need my own downstairs, so I'll just wait and see. I really don't want to have to buy a new TV, and just might have to move my quilting frame and mess upstairs! Oh, my!! Don't I have big problems in my life, though!?

On the other hand, I could get a new TV for down there and if Andy and Amanda move in, I could put it in my bedroom...And they won't stay forever, so I'll need a second one eventually...But I'm trying to save $$ for a trip in the fall, and the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland has reminded me that unforeseen events can quickly decimate carefully made plans...

A new "pain reliever" is going around our (retirement) community. It's called AMized Fusion Technology and it seems to have miraculously helped several people who were literally debilitated by pain. I searched the Internet, and pretty much the only information out there is from the company that makes the "wand." It sounds to me like a "magnet" thing. My Dad was so into that. But whatever works for somebody, hey, good for them.

I'd rather be in England, but...

I love England in the spring, with the daffodils sprinkled on the hills (how did they get there, anyway??) and the tulips that come shortly after. (Although my best tulip memories are of the tulips in Munich--I haven't spent that much time in Holland!) So every year at this time I long to be there...

But Leah has some beautiful daffodils, and she had a lovely little bouquet in my room. (I think I may be allergic to them, but that's another story.)





I didn't have the energy or interest to plant any bulbs last year, and apparently whatever David had planted were pulled up sometime. But since daffodils and tulips and pansies are my three favorite flowers, I think I'd better make sure I have some for next year.

It's nice to be home, but I did have a wonderful time with Leah. I'm spending today catching up on errands and just debriefing myself!

2 Quilts Finished at Leah's in Richland

I arrived at (sister-in-law)Leah's on March 25 with the quilt previously pictured and Libby's quilt that she machine quilted. Leah (Peterson Baird) immediately put up the frame in her living room and we went to work, wondering if we could get them both done before I went home. Well, I knew we could! We had both quilts done before Saturday afternoon session of Conference was finished! Leah's portions can be recognized by her small, regular, close stitches. My parts can be recognized by their not small, nor regular, nor close stitiches. But at least this time I did more than one square! The first quilt I did with her (last year) she did 11 squares while I did 1! See, I'm getting better!

I won't write much. I'll be going home in the morning. It has been a wonderful time with Leah and we have talked and laughed and quilted and read and watched TV and Netflix movies and eaten (and eaten and laughed and talked and eaten!) and it has been great. I really appreciate her help with these quilts. She is the Quilt Queen, as far as I am concerned. She doesn't know quite how to introduce me. I am her sister-in-law, yes, but my last name--Shadoan? Peterson? Stuart?--which one to use--is a bit confusing. Since she's no longer Peterson, and neither am I, the relationship isn't obvious by our names!

I hope I remember to take photos of her daffodils and tulips tomorrow morning before I leave. I'll post them when I get home. But this has been a fun few days with her and I feel very refreshed and rejuvenated.

She and I are thinking of taking another trip together. It will depend totally on my financial situation. If I can teach several sections at UVU this summer and fall, or get a little extra from someplace else, I might just make it. You all know that somehow I will try to squeeze out money for travel even if I'm down to my last $$. It's such a pity they won't take either my blood or my plasma, or my savings would be growing already...

Quilt Top

The back is black with white polka dots. I'm not sure yet about the binding. It's all Mary Engelbreit fabric, but no "little girls." Anyway, it has been fun to do. I'm going to do as much quilting on it as I can before I leave, but then take it with me. I already sent the second quilt up, since I knew I wouldn't have room in my suitcase for both.

Ciao for now.

It's all over but the coughing...

I'm sure those of you who follow my health have been holding your breath to find out if I have actually recovered. Well, almost. Still a stuffy ear that I can't hear with, but that's a minor detail. I don't hear very well even when both ears are working!

I'm kind of excited getting ready to go to Richland, Washington to spend a few days with Leah. I think I'm spending too long (12 days) but we managed that much time together on our cruise last summer, so we think we can do it. She has some really fun things planned for us, including a concert and a quilt show. I am taking two quilts to be quilted. Don't know if we'll finish them both, but with two good days of Conference and her Netflix Instant Play Roku we should get a lot done!

I am realizing that my quilts all sort of look alike. I have several favorite patterns, it's true, and I seem to have frequently chosen similar color palettes. Even the one I'm just finishing for Nicole looks a lot the same. The fabrics are very different on the one I'm making for myself, though, so that will be nice.

It's Monday and I'm not still whining!

It's Day 3 of my medication and I'm not whining any more. I'm a little unstable because of my ear infection, but the pain is manageable and my only real problem is that I probably could sleep all day again today like I did yesterday! And i don't know that it's a real problem, anyway, since I'm not doing anything that can't wait a day or two!So thanks for being patient with me, my friends. My fingers probably needed a few days away from quilting, anyway!

Last night I watched the old BBC "Importance of Being Earnest" with Rupert Everett and Colin Firth. It was fun, but not the best version I've ever seen. I think there's one with Gwyneth Paltrow I need to check out.

It's already the Ides of March! How can this be???!!! And in just a few days, the first day of Spring!! I am really wishing I'd put in some bulbs last fall. This year I will do it for sure! Since daffodils, tulips and pansies are my favorite flowers, I should think I would make sure I had some every year. I try to hang on to winter as long as I can, but inevitably I must acknowledge that it's over. It's much less painful when I am enjoying tulips in the neighborhood, and some are coming out already.

Where in the world is Judy Stuart on Saturday morning?

Ummm, at the urgent care, that's where. Apparently my whining was not without cause. I have a roaring ear infection, which nicely pounds my head, of course, with every heartbeat, and scarlet red sinus cavities, hence the double dose of major headache. Unlike Libby, I don't really care that much about attention on my birthday. I want attention when I'm sick (in case you haven't guessed!) and when my visiting teachers come for their monthly visit. (And it ain't gonna happen with my current two sweet VTs.)

There's a wonderful rainstorm outside today, so I am tempted to just stay up and watch, but I plan to take a lortab and go out for as long as I can! Actually, when I feel like this, I am such a baby that I just want them to put me in the hospital and keep me drugged for a couple of days. I'm making up for all those times I felt rotten and had little kids that had to be taken of no matter what! Or a husband. You know what I mean.

I did my "brave" thing when I gave birth to six babies, most of them huge!!! It's just too bad my kids don't know anything about that. They just remember all my complaining when I was having multiple back spasms one time in Orem. Hey, they would have done the same thing under the circumstances. Next time just shoot me!!

I was going to do pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for my family. Today. Sorry, guys. Maybe mid-week!

I have a bunch of Netflix movies in my instant queue downstairs. I'll wrap up in blankets on one of the couches, and be in old-movie heaven!!

Dragging around but soon to be much better!!

I have spent most of this week trying to sleep off a bad cold. I think finally today I'm feeling better. Still a lot of congestion, but the headache doesn't seem to be so bad, and I'm just generally feeling a little better emotionally. I get so cranky and whiny when I'm sick! My only real responsibility now is teaching SS again this week. But the lesson is about Joseph of Egypt, a story I absolutely love and which speaks to me about so many principles that have been important in my life.

I did manage to go to two programs with grandkids. Madison was in a "traveling show" at her school; the fifth graders did songs and dance routines from the 70s, so it was quite fun for me. Brought back lots of memories, especially of Reed, Scott and LeeAnn during those years. Not that I wasn't already old in the seventies, but at least I knew the music! I couldn't believe the difference in the kids' sizes. Maddy, who I think is fairly tall, was about half the height of some of the other girls, who looked to me like teachers aides!

I remember my older kids coming home from elementary school one day in the mid-seventies, telling me they were going to have an "oldies" party, meaning the Fifties. I was shocked, since the 50s was "my time" and "just a few years ago." Well, now their "oldies" parties are the 90s! Unbelievable!

Tonight Echo's first grade classes had a "math play" in which the kids did songs and dances about numbers--counting, clocks, nursery rhymes, etc. involving numbers. It was very cute. It's fun to see how some of the kids just get so totally into it, and others don't engage at all. Last week I went to Link's school for a program, and it was the same way. Funny little people! One thing I can say for sure: I'm glad my days of teaching first grade are OVER!!!

On that note, I got some very positive feedback from BYU on the possibility of a part-time position there, except there is a hiring freeze for both full-time and adjunct faculty. It has felt really good to get such positive responses to my resume. Now I just have to wait and see. The one section the second block of summer at UVU seems pretty definite, but of course nothing is certain until papers are signed. As the professors there both told me, it will be pretty boring for me, given all of the high visibility and impact work I have done, but I find so many things interesting that I'll probably enjoy the students. At least for awhile!!

I meant to have Sandra come in and hold up Nicole's quilt top so I could take a photo of it to post, but didn't have the energy when the time came. I have to put the back on. It has ended up being fairly large, but I think it's very pretty. And I have started piecing the quilt top I want for my bed.

I will be going to Leah's on March 25, coming back April 5th or 6th, I can't remember which. Last year I visited her over Conference Weekend, and it was really fun quilting while we listened to Conference. This year I have two quilts to take up. I will probably mail them ahead or they'll take up my whole suitcase!

Sarah posted the most darling video of Eli and Charlie at their ward talent show. Her blog site is such a delight! I really appreciate her diligence with posting. I can't look at her site without grinning the whole time. Those 2 little boys are adorable. I don't often comment, though. I would quickly run out of superlatives! I would love to be able to go back to see them. I'll be in Indiana in June, maybe I can work something out.

Going Adjunct

Well, I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and go to work, and the least onerous job I can find, I think, is as an adjunct instructor at UVU. I went over yesterday and talked to the coordinator of the Communication Dept. program and she asked me to teach a public speaking class the second half of summer term. So there I go! I have formally applied for the position. I should be able to get something in the fall, as well. It's a required course, so the book, syllabus, schedule, etc. are already determined. Shouldn't be too hard to do.

On Wed. I met with the dept. chair in business management and he introduced me to the person who coordinates their required communication class for business majors. She may ask me to do that class off-campus in Draper in the fall. So we'll see. It's not a lot of $$, but better than anything else I could probably find, and certainly better than substitute teaching!! Thanks to Libby and Ethan for getting me energized and organized with UVU info and incentives. They made it very easy by identifying the various contacts and suggesting approaches.

I also have applied for a couple of part-time positions at BYU, but I am sure than unless I make some contacts there with people I know, I won't have much chance of being hired. I'll see about that.

My resume would indicate that I can do bigger and better things than teach public speaking, but I don't know that I want to spend much energy. I would love to be involved with strategic planning, cultural changes, etc. but I think my time for that is past.

We have had a lovely snowstorm yesterday afternoon and overnight. It will surely all melt with 50 degree weather on its way, but I have enjoyed it for now.

Men's Olympic figure skating

Evan Lysacek won the gold!! Yeah!!! I stayed up WAAAAAAAY late to see the 5 minute (or less) medal ceremony. Oh, well, I am very happy he won. He has worked really hard and skated flawlessly.

Next big event for me is ice dancing. Starts tomorrow night. I think I must resign myself to staying up really late until the Olympics are over. Thank goodness I don't have to get up early.....except on Sunday...

I actually enjoy all the winter Olympics sports except speed skating and curling.

Love the Winter Olympics!

It's figure skating heaven for me this week with the Olympics. I love having the competitions and seeing so many skaters! One of my "rich girl" fantasies is to be a figure skating groupie and go to all the competitions every year! The pairs competition finished first, and I thought the winners were spectacular. Since we don't really have great USA pairs, I was happy with the Chinese wins. I have watched Shen and Zhao for many years, and they are magnificent! The Russians have dominated the pairs for as long as I can remember, so it's nice to have somebody else for a change!

Tonight was the men's short program. I have followed Yevgeny Plushenko's career and was very happy to see his fantastic short program. I am also a great fan of Evan Lysacek, the best American, in my opinion. Another favorite, Brian Joubert of France, messed up and would have to have a phenomenal free skate to overcome it. The Japanese have created quite a strong figure skating culture, and two of their men are particularly strong.

I don't have as strong preferences for the ladies figure skaters. I think they perform first on Friday, since the men's long program is on Thursday. The ladies are the "divas" and are usually placed on the program for the maximum viewing audience. The favorite is (South) Korean Kim Yu Nah, and she is SO GOOD! There are two Japanese skaters who have been around quite awhile, her chief competition. None of the U.S. ladies seem to have what it takes right now to be serious contenders for Gold, in my opinion. But they will do us proud, just the same.

Our ice dancers, Belbin and Agosto, are very good, but the other American pair, I can't remember their names since they are new to me, (Davis and White?) have a chance, as well. Belbin and Agosto have been skating quite awhile so I have watched many of their routines. I think Tanith Belbin is just about the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen. Ice dancing is relatively new to the Olympic Games, so I have had limited exposure to it. The Italians used to be the consistent champions, so I'm looking forward to seeing if they have good competitors this time around.

I do enjoy the skiing, as well, but I don't follow that sport and don't know the big players. I'm DVRing the broadcasts so I can fast forward to the skating parts!

January Funk isn't Fun!

As you must have noticed, it has been a month since I posted anything on my blog. I always have a tough time with January, probably because I enjoy Christmas so much, and in fact it has been holiday hog-heaven since Halloween, when you think about it! But this year has been particularly hard for some reason; probably a combination of factors. So I really haven't had any interest in sharing my dreary attitude and lack of accomplishments with anybody.

One of the problems with depression is that it robs you of any willingness to do the very things that will get you out of the depression. I'm not "that bad" fortunately, but pretty close to the edge. There are two obvious solutions: gratitude and exercise. But who cares??? Well, service is a third one. Anyway, I have so many blessings that it only adds to my guilt that I seem to have a lack of gratitude! Oh, well....Whatever! Now it's February and I need to stop whining!

I have Marina's quilt top nearly finished. I should post a photo of it. And I am making blocks for another quilt that I think will be really pretty. So I do have some fun things going on. And I'm keeping myself entertained with Netflix and Agatha Christie and Anne Perry and the scriptures and some new authors I'm trying. And Andy's kids had a sleepover at my house last weekend. I didn't take any photos but we all had fun. And every couple of days I have to make an excuse to go over to Andy's so I can hold the new baby! That's about as close to heaven as I get these days!

It doesn't help that we're having such a bogus winter with very rare snowstorms!

Elliott Ephraim Peterson

I haven't been able to see him "up close and personal" because I am getting over a bad cold, but he is spending his time in a bilirubin box, as have all of his siblings, and I understand he's doing just fine. He looks like the other ones a lot; I think he favors Abraham, but who knows with a brand new baby!? Time will tell! And no new info as to the McTeer eyes vs. Peterson eyes.

A Lovely Day with Libby and a New Grandson!

Elliott Ephraim Peterson finally joined his 2 brothers and 1 sister after causing his mother a myriad of discomforts for about 9 months! Both mother and baby are doing well, and the family is relieved that the hospital removed its restrictions on siblings visiting just in time for Andy to take the kids down to see new baby brother. The big question is, does he have squinty McTeer eyes or big Peterson eyes? Time will tell.

Libby treated me to a day in Salt Lake. Actually, we had lunch at Siegfried's Deli, a well-known small German restaurant in downtown Salt Lake City. I had bratwurst, spaetzle, and sauerkraut, and we split a side of red cabbage. Yum, yum!! Then we went to see "The Young Victoria" at the Broadway, just a few blocks away. I need to remember that it isn't very hard to get to the Broadway Theatre. It has mostly "art" films that I miss because I don't have anyone to go with. I guess I need to cultivate some "arty" friends so I can get up there more often. People who want to go to the symphonies are not that hard to find; nor is it tough to get companions for a play. But art films are pretty specialized. I'm not sure how successful I'll be in enlisting a neighbor or two!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!

Where in the world did 2009 go? It was over in a blink of an eye, it seems, and I'm sure 2010 will go even faster.

Love, love, love to anyone who reads my blog. I promise to be a better friend in 2010!