Grateful for Gluten

Got this book out of the library at Thanksgiving but never read it. My son-in-law, Golden, did though, and when he told me it changed his life, I had to give it another go. I've never been a very good bread maker, in spite of having the desire. Now, voila! Artisan bread with minimal effort! So glad I am not allergic to gluten! I concur, Golden: Life changing!

Crystal Mountain Adventure

(Rich and I coming down the bunny hill...) Haha. We did 2 runs on the bunny hill, then felt we were ready to take on the higher slope. It was still labeled "Beginner" --was even called the Tinkerbell Run, so how hard could it be? There were dozens of little kids (couldn't have been more than 5-7 yr olds) zipping down it, no poles, so we set out. After wiping out several times each on that first attempt, we felt we couldn't quit in defeat, so went up Tinkerbell 3 more times. We were feeling a bit more confident by the end of the 4th run, but our bodies were bruised and battered and we retreated back to the bunny slope, where we were AMAZING! We did that sucker 6 times before decided we'd proved our mettle and could proudly call it quits for the day.

Future Synchronicities

1. Haven't been aware of many (any) synchronous experiences lately so decided to "look ahead" and envision good things to come:

*Brandolyn is able to sell her house via auction next week, using the method/book I used to sell our house in San Antonio back in 1998.

*We've had to switch insurances (read: Cheaper) and by switching to Group Health, Rich finally finds someone who can help him with his various issues.

*Because Vanessa & Ben aren't old enough to get a rental car in Ireland, where they wanted to go for their honeymoon, they switch gears and end up having a magical experience in Kauai next month.

Golden wasn't offered the job with BASF in Texas and as a result, he is available to accept an even better job, close to us in Washington.

*The first house the Siemers made an offer on fell through, which opened the way for them to find a better, more suitable house (in which they will live happily for many years to come!)

Here's to good things right around the corner!

Recap

10 Moments of Happiness (in order of their happening) :

1. Two weeks with Vanessa in Italy
2. Family Reunion at Thanksgiving (all 7 grands in one place and time--doesn't get any better!)
3. Vanessa's and Ben's wedding
4. Phone messages/calls from Chase ("Hi Buba! Iuvyou!")
5. Finding our "lost" wallets and phones in the used towel bin at the Hyatt
6. Phone call from the Hyatt that they found my iphone
7. Volunteering at the "Home For Christmas" event for the homeless on Christmas Day
8. A hot tub soak after a vigorous workout
9. Starting to chip away at the extra 10 pounds I've "found" over the past few months
10. Looking forward to good things in 2011.

All things bright and beautiful

It's Walktober once again! I've found some walking buddies that trek down to the sound every morning (yes, EVERY morning...) at 6:30. We get to the water just in time for the sunrise, I get 90 minutes daily to add to my Team score (we're still #1!), and I'm having a great time getting to know my neighbors better. I'm finding it a wonderful opportunity to talk of many things that are important in life, inspired by such sights as this sunrise on the mountain.

Happy Birthday to Me!

"Are you doing anything special for your birthday tonight?"

"Well, I have 4 visiting teaching appointments, so....that's special!"

Although I initially said this tongue-in-cheek, it turned out to be quite prophetic. This was a new route with a new ("greenie") companion. During our first visit, we got to hear the sweet story of a new convert who recently lost her spouse and found the gospel. At another home we were able to inform an elderly sister about the upcoming opportunity to hear an apostle (Dallin Oaks whose birthday is also August 12th!) speak and invited her to join us. As we visited and got to know one another at the last home, we realized we were all three converts to the Church, were all formerly Catholics, and all had family members who have chosen to not participate anymore in church activity. The Spirit was strong and I testified that we were the "middle" links in a chain that connected back to our ancestors and forward to our children. It is important that we be strong for them. I know I was led to find the gospel because those who have gone before me were praying for someone in their line to take on the task of finding them and providing saving gospel ordinances for them in the temple. I was the first in my family to join the Church and the only one who really was blessed with the Spirit of Elijah, motivating me to seek after my ancestors. So I truly needed them as much as they needed me. And we have been promised that if we remain strong, our children will also be blessed...

We cried, hugged and enjoyed the newly formed bond between us, making plans to get together so I can help her with her own genealogy research.

On the way home I had the opportunity to relate my conversion story to my new companion. We expressed gratitude for an inspired Relief Society president who put us together! So, yes, I had a very special birthday!

late bloomer

As I went out to water the garden this morning, this sight awaited me. I had thought this wisteria plant hadn't made it through the winter, yet here it is, suddenly sprouting new leaves! It made me so happy! I had stopped watering it even, thinking it was a lost cause, but it has persevered and triumphed! You can be sure it got a hearty drink from the hose first thing!