Me and Manzanita - First blog entry of the year!!!

 Happy first blog entry of the year!!!!

Well, welcome to the 2024 Manzanita blog!  Another year of adventure begins!

With all the severe weather warning we have been getting for Utah, this is about as far as the snow has made it this year.  Northern Utah has been hit pretty hard, but our little piece of heaven at Bryce has only got a spattering.  Last year at this time it was horrendous... but, this year, I shouldn't complain, but, Mother Nature is doing us a solid.

Well, I guess I spoke too soon... We got 6 - 8 inches last night... I think from now on, I'm not going to jinx the situation and just keep my mouth shut.

Jim and I were talking about going down to the cabin and working in our CONEX - trying to get it emptied out... We figured if there wasn't too much snow, it would be a decent project.... but, then...

This nightmare happened...  I can appreciate that some people love the snow... I personally hate it.

Well, here's the hockey jersey I sent to Ben.  He wore it to practice a week ago, and told his mother that he has a Toronto Maple Leaf's jersey, so he might as well play for the Leaf's hockey team when he grows up...  Made me laugh..  He's a solid little player and loves it.

We aren't doing any work on the cabin at this time of the year, but every once in a while we find something that we are going to need.  I don't know what these are called, but they are the rollers that fit on the top of doors or wood pieces... We have a couple of pieces of raw wood that are going to be suspended on these rollers in the loft.  Jim and I can't quite remember what kind of wood the pieces are, but I somehow think it is burl..  It's really pretty.  We bought four of these rollers.

I am one step closer to getting the issue with my passport looked after.  I went to Immigration and Naturalization last week, and even though it's going to take another year to get everything looked after, I feel a little better about the timeline.  I won't have the actual card forever, BUT, I did get a stamp put in my passport that allows me to travel... I've only waited over a year now...

Jim and I were at our attorney's office on Friday, and as we were leaving, I noticed a rock shop.. just had to stop in.  They had some beautiful rocks and I just had to purchase a couple of them for the grotto... This is Selenite. .Kind of interesting looking and I think it will shine beautifully in the sunlight.

And, this is Sodalite.  It's used mainly for jewelry, I am told, but the blue colour really caught my eye.  Again, more pieces for my grotto.

Ben played in the Polar Bear Classic this past weekend and we watched him score a goal! We are so proud.  You can tell he is working hard - showing off the rosy cheeks and the sweaty hair!  I talked with Brea and Ben on the phone, this past Sunday for just about an hour.  I told Brad afterwards, that we talked about everything from hockey to school to Santa Claus...  It was lovely.

We found these end balusters this past weekend.  They are going to go on the stairs going up to the loft.  We had some pieces that didn't quite fit the bill - they would need a whole lot of modifications.   These will work a whole lot better so I am excited.  One step closer.

With all the snow, I am counting down the days until the cold and the snow and the sleet go away.  I'm looking forward to spring and especially summer... 

And, this is a first for our Brea.  She had a couple of hockey games over the weekend, and she got her first ever 2 minute penalty... for tripping.... but, she said it was an accident...  I like her thought process and attitude!  Brad said it was a really physical game, and the whole team pushed it to the limits...Made me laugh, and made me proud.  Giggle. You go, GIRL!!!

Jim had to have some bloodwork for an upcoming doctors appointment on Saturday, and as we went into the phlebotomy department at Utah Valley Hospital, a little boy, about 3 or 4 started a conversation with me.  It went as follows:

Little Boy: Hi, what are you doing here?

Cheri: I came to get some lunch

Little Boy:  I like lunch

Cheri:  What are we having for lunch?

Little Boy: Sandwiches

Cheri: Oh good, I like peanut butter

Little Boy:  I like peanut butter too!

Cheri:  I like grape jelly also.

Little Boy:  Me too!

Cheri pointing to Jim:  He likes strawberry jam with his peanut butter sandwiches

Little Boy: I like strawberry jam...

At this point, the little boy's mother got called to see the tech, and as she was leaving, she said to me that she appreciated me talking to her son.  She said that little kids talk to everybody, and most of the people just ignore him. I told her it was a grandma thing. But, it was nice that we had a little crazy conversation - in a hospital waiting room!  So, just remember, little kids want to be noticed and they are exploring a whole big world.... so, give them a little time.

And, we are patiently... no,  not really patiently waiting for spring... sigh... I really hate the cold and snow.

In saying all this, the adventure continues....

Love, Jim and Cheri

"The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go"