Snowy Weekend

We had several snowfalls this weekend in Farmington...probably a foot of snow with 6" remaining today. The driveway is a sheet of ice frozen under a powdery layer. The forecast for the week is occasional showers and highs in the upper 20s, so the snow isn't going anywhere.

The mugho pines are sporting a fancy frosting. Can you see my little mushroom by the pond?

On the way home from church on Sunday, Dad spotted this huge eagle in a tree on the corner as you turn east up Shady Creek Lane. He went back for a photo and the big bird graciously obliged.

Ladder Lady putting on the tiny ornaments at the top of tree.

3 lucky lovely ladies (Gallivan Center ice skating sheet in the background) just after the marvelous Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert (with Orchestra at Temple Square and combined bell choirs) at the Conference Center.

We're back together after 3 years with Randy & Melanie Lewis and Naida & Rob Stayner for our Christmas party. The Lewises returned this summer after 3 years in Alaska (Mission President). We had cold Alaskan King Crab (oh, baby) in drawn butter and cold shimp in cocktail sauce for appetizers, then moved on to stroganoff, rolls, spinach salad, fresh pineapple and brownies with cherry chocolate chip ice cream!!! We talked from 6:15 unil 11:30pm! Fun.

Randy & Melanie's front yard...Alaskan moose, of course!

On beyond zebra...last week in Relief Society, a member of the presidency (an elementary school teacher) gave the lesson on "Keeping Christ in Christmas." She had a number of people share traditions and at the end she talked about making white chocolate nativities. Then she passed out a tin of 11 individually-wrapped characters comprising the Nativity to each of 25 people in attendance! What a lot of work. But it is beautiful. Not sure when or if I'll indulge.......

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Yes, "Out of Sight, Out of Mind", it's becoming my mantra. Some nice neighbors gave us an Advent Candle. We haven't had one for a number of years, so we were excited. While Dad was in Vegas (see next blog) I dutifully lit it on Night 1, and on Night 2, and on Night 3, and on Night 4. On December 5th, I lit it in the kitchen and for some reason went into the study to sit down at the computer for a moment. Big mistake. I don't know how much later, Dad called to me from the kitchen with the news that I had burned right through December 13th! Of well, guess I won't have to worry about it next week. My how time flies when you're oblivious.

Skip to the middle (of the month)!

4 quail in the backyard today

3 more quail on the the rocky ridge...they come through in groups of 30 or 40 now, to and from spending the day foraging around Davis Creek.

Dad in Las Vegas

Dad just got back from a week in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand while attending the annual Gartner Data Center Conference. It was warm and wonderful. He brought home the usual array of pens and T-shirts and doo-dads.

Of course, Dad took the long walk (twice!) from the MGM to the Cheesecake Factory at the Caesar's Palace Forum, stopping at the the Bellagio Fountains on the way.

The MGM Lion checking out something or someone rather intently...

Toy soldier and giant peppermint and ribbon candy in the Bellagio

On Dasher and Dancer decorations!

Red poinsettias and white mums