Sunday, April 30, 2017

Dear Kids,
          Will we ever have spring? I was optimistic a couple of weeks ago, because we had a few mild days, so I planted some new trees. But each night it’s been down in the low 20's, and we’ve had new snow on the ground almost every morning. An icy wind blows up from the Provo River, and it feels like December. My poor trees are in terrible shock. One of them, a flowering plum, is ready to give up on life altogether. Every morning I go out and talk to it: "Hold on, dearie! You can make it!" There’s a forecast now for warmer days ahead, maybe even some highs in the 50's, so I’m hoping.
          When we went to buy the trees, Dad and I borrowed the family truck from John’s house, and it ran really well. We felt very classy. We bought the truck a cargo net and a tarp, which we put behind the seats, so if anybody needs to secure their load, the stuff is there.
          Back when I thought it was spring, I started working in the yard again, way out in the back where I’m going to make a fire pit. I’ve been pulling out rocks and smoothing the dirt so I can make a patio around it. The fire pit itself will be smaller than the one at the cabin, and above ground–mostly for roasting marshmallows and hot dogs. I’m planning to have it all done by the 4th of July, so we can have a party and set off fireworks, there on the edge of the hill. I’ve had this plan for a long time!
          It’s my turn to teach Gospel Doctrine today, and the lesson is on keeping the Sabbath. I’m looking forward to it, because the people in my class always have such interesting stories. I learn way more from them than I do from the lesson manual.
          Life is good! I love you all! Mom