Groundhog

I was told that our famous groundhog weatherman failed to see his shadow last February 2nd, thus predicting an early spring.  People at home are no doubt enjoying spring already, as it usually arrives in February in Orange County, California.  Here in Utah it is a different story.  I remember all too well last May 28 driving to work through a blowing, freezing snow storm.  I don't dare expect winter to be over, but the past few days have made me hopeful.  We had a high of 57 today.  Pretty warm for February.
Saturday I was out on the trail wearing uninsulated clothing and nothing but a light hoodie for warmth.  It was beautiful.  The picture is deceiving because of all the snow, but what you can't see it that the snow was  mostly slush, wet melting stuff.  You also can't see or hear the birds, every kind including robins, that were chirping and hopping from tree to tree.  You can't see the beautiful big red fox that crossed our path, also feeling warm enough to be out of his den.  You can see the big sun hat I was wearing to protect my lily white skin from the bright sunlight.  My big hairy horse was actually sweating by time we got back to the barn.

More snow is predicted for this week, but with expected highs well above freezing, it won't stay long.  Maybe I'm being foolishly optimistic, maybe not.  But I'll enjoy the hope of spring while it lasts.
(Look at those mountains.  They are really spectacular every season of the year.)

Wonderful Weekend

We had a most amazing weekend.  It was our stake conference, and since our stake president has been called to be a mission president somewhere far away, we had 2 general authorities visiting.
Friday was a stake temple day with a special chapel session.  Mom and I were able to go.  She has completely recovered from her flu, and I am so grateful as I had missed her presence in my temple attendance.

Saturday was a busy day of housework, shopping, horsing, etc., but best of all an adult session of conference where the Spirit was present and we were taught at the feet of an apostle of Christ, Elder Richard G. Scott.  Normally Mom sleeps through church, but when we got there the only seats were on the front row, where we were eye to eye with the apostle--no sleeping.  Really amazing messages and spirit!  David, who always seems to make friends with everyone and is a special friend of the outgoing stake president, was personally escorted by him to meet Elder Scott and Elder Crittendon.

Sunday we were treated to more of the same.  We were able to sustain our new stake presidency, which coincidentally included our bishop.  I guess more surprises are coming next Sunday.