Dear Kids,
          Dad and I had lots of fun last week. Tuesday morning we drove to Pocatello to visit Vanessa and Trent and their kids. I also wanted to go to Vanessa’s book club, which was meeting that night. So it was a good chance for a road trip, very nice weather (still no snow) and there’s something about January that you just want to go someplace. Far away. When we arrived in Pocatello we all went to Costco for lunch, and to check out their leftover Christmas candy and leatherbound books. (Naturally I overdosed on the books, and when we got home I discovered that I now have four Jane Austen collections.) Then, that night, Vanessa and I went to her book club, and I wasn’t disappointed. They discussed Watership Down, and I think every lady there had actually finished the book! Normally they only read classics, but Vanessa had persuaded them that "Watership" was a good choice. There were eight ladies there (counting me,) and Vanessa named off several other ladies that usually come. So how is she lucky enough to live in a town where at least 14 ladies like to read classics? Donna says she might be able to get something like that going in Midway. If so, I’ll be there.
          While we were driving home from Pocatello Nora called and said that the water at the cabin had mysteriously gone off. There was a trickle now and then, but no more. We had visions of two or three thousand for a new pump, at the least. We suggested that Nora take everybody to our house and settle in for the day (and probably the night.) So when Dad and I got home, it was already a big party, with Nora fixing dinner and the kids watching "Sound of Music" and playing with toys. Dad had called the pump guy, and the next morning he met Dad at the cabin. They checked everything out, and it was only a problem with the controller box. Only $300. The best possible outcome! Still, Nora stayed for most of the day and did laundry. It was great fun.
          Friday morning Andy and Renae came to visit, and to see our new house. They admired everything, so that was lots of fun. They had suggested going to lunch, and first I thought of Gateway Grill, but then I realized that Hi Mountain Drug would be a better choice. (Best burgers in Utah, two years running.) Nora and the kids came along, and we consumed lots of fries. And burgers. And we talked about everything under the sun. Now that all my brothers and sisters are grandparents (well, nearly), we don’t get together with each other often enough.
          Now we’re back to our normal routine: feeding the cats, driving to Home Depot, and holding down our chess clubs and piano classes. Life is good! Lots of love, Mom