temple square in April and "one of life's precious moments"

After we completed our session in the Salt Lake Temple last week, we walked around and took photos of the gorgeous spring flowers.


We stopped by Lindsay's house on Thursday so that we could take a look at the new play yard which they've built. As we drove up the driveway, Ema and Ellyn came running and threw their arms around me as they yelled, "GrammaGreat!" And then Lindsay approached with chunky little Kai. And I was totally thrilled to hear him say..."gamma...gamma."He was grinning like a chipmunk, and he was so proud of himself while he said it. Each time I first hear a little grandchild say "gamma" is precious.

trip to albuquerque

Our trip to Albuquerque was wonderful. On Monday we drove to Moab where we spent the night, and went on to Albuquerque on Tuesday. We arrived around 2 p.m. and stayed with my younger sister, Judy, the World's Best Hostess.

My brother, Howard, brought GramPeachie over that evening. She is doing very well for her 91 years, and we loved seeing each other.

Judy lives on the edge of the beautiful desert. I took this shot from her patio.
We were there Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, and Judy and I enjoyed hiking on the desert trails and down the arroyos during the early morning.







On Wednesday evening, we went out for dinner with my sister, Kathy, her husband Paul and Mother.

The blossoming tree in Judy's back yard was gorgeous.
We headed back home on Friday, and we stayed in Monticello that night and saved $80.00 over the cost of a motel in Moab which is an hour's drive north. We checked in at 2 p.m., and then we attended the 5 p.m. session of the Monticello temple. It was a peaceful and beautiful way to spend the evening.


We had breakfast in Moab on Saturday morning, then we drove into Arches National Park. I like this shot of Guenther by the car. I got a kick out of how he would say, often when we passed another vehicle on the highway, "I love this CAR."

We ate lunch coming and going at Walkers which is between Price and I-70. I recall Michael, at about 6 years old, telling his grandpa when we stopped at Walkers as we caravanned to Lake Powell, "I LOVE this place!" I took the last shot as we drove along I-15 when we reached Salt Lake. We had great driving weather until we came home, and then the rain came down so hard that at times it was difficult to see the cars ahead. We enjoyed the trip very much. However, as always, we can say, "there's no place like home."

Springtime in West Point and in Milllcreek

Springtime in West Point is gorgeous. The fields and pasture and lawn are lush and green, and I believe that I enjoy mowing the pasture with the John Deere as much as Jen loves wake boarding or snow boarding. It felt wonderful yesterday to be out in the fresh air and sunshine with a cool breeze blowing on my face.


This is the partly mowed pasture.

And here's the pasture after I finished.

I am shoveling leaves and dirt which have accumulated on the patio. As you can see, the patio swing didn't make it through the winter.

Here is a photo of Guenther dragging fallen branches from the mulberry tree which grows in the back of the pasture.

The choke cherry bushes are in blossom. And we are tentatively planning to plant tomatoes and banana squash in the garden there this summer. (This area looked much better by the time that we finished mowing yesterday)
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And here in Millcreek, spring is beautiful also. This morning I stepped out to get the paper, and I heard the loveliest bird song.

The tulips aren't in full bloom yet, but I like how they've struggled through the grass. And I like this lonely little yellow tulip for the same reason.

I post this shot of tulips every spring because I really think it's so pretty. And because so many tulips have yet to bloom, it will be even lovelier when we return next week from our trip to Albuquerque.

A Visit from Baby Cole

On Thursday, Krissie brought Cole Jaycob by for a visit with his Great Grandpa. Cole is so cute, and he looks just like his dad. We know that it's not all that easy for Krissie to load everything up and come to see us, so her effort is much appreciated.

Conference Sunday

Last Sunday we went to David's house to watch the Sunday afternoon session of Conference, and here are a few fun shots of the family.

Summer's little cousins love how she plays with them.

Mike shows Lindsay some stuff he likes to do on his guitar.

Kai was very polite about not grabbing M & M's without permission.

Everyone enjoyed the yummy pot-luck spread.

Today (Easter Sunday) I didn't get any photos, but I was happy to attend David's ward and hear Katherine sing a solo..."I Wonder When He Comes Again"..with David accompanying her on the piano. They did a wonderful job.

Under the (roller-coaster) weather

These are the "meds" that I took week before last whenI was hit hard with an allergy attack combined with an old-fashioned head cold. It surely feels good to feel good again.


And more samples of the up and down weather pattern lately. On Saturday, the 28th of March, Guenther mowed the lawn, and the next day on Sunday, it snowed all day.
Our apricot tree blossoms were so lovely...

...and then. We doubt that we'll see any apricots this summer.

Guenther's enjoying the Saturday morning session of Conference. I really enjoyed Elder Nelson's talk. I have just finished reading a book that he wrote many years ago..."Heart to Heart." I was impressed with how he has been so receptive to counsel from his leaders throughout his life. Today we went to David's to watch the afternoon session.