Feb 27, 2022- It Must Be February

It’s Not Quite Groundhogs Day….

Winter continues here in New England—we stayed in on Friday because of a pretty good storm—8 inches here in Manchester. It was a good day to sleep in, but we did tromp through the snow to the gym to work out. Then it was back to take calls from our missionaries and enjoy Mom’s chocolate chip cookies. The rest of the weekend has been cold, but we made up for our snow day by heading over to the office for a half-day trying to catch up.I had to clean all that snow off 13 cars.

We also tuned in that evening to a Zoom call with Dad’s siblings to celebrate Grandma Great’s 90^th birthday. What a great and grand lady! All 8 of us were on, and 7 of 8 spouses. We told stories, jokes, and bad one-liners about both my Mom and Dad—your mother’s story took the cake—how she first met my father (it’s rated PG-13 and has to do with whitey tighties). We were especially glad to see Gene Parrish on—his heart has been acting up again, but he says, ‘he’s holding steady’. Hang In There! We are excited about seeing all in person in August. Tom's daughter Julia also tuned in, and there was consensus that there needs to be a Cousin's call with Grandma Great. So be prepared for that!

I’ll petition you all to post any pictures you put on our Starlight to Grandma Great’s too. We have really enjoyed everything you’ve shared—Ethan’s homecoming, Juniper’s birthday party (not sure Grandma Cathy liked the sight of monsters and snakes and dragons in the living room!) Just keep sending them!

We loved catching up with Ethan a few days after his return—we Facetimed while he walked around the Lehi rec center as Emerson was playing a BB game (I think you won, didn’t you Emer?) Such growth and strength in Ethan as he has concluded his service. We love to see the changes that evolve in anyone that serves—commitment to something so much greater than self yields wonderful blessings.

Our transfers this month were a bit different than those prior—only 8 new missionaries in, and 7 departing. Our tasks don’t really change in some ways, its just that we don’t have to prepare 25 of something. We fully expect that come mid-summer after graduations the numbers will surge again. It seems that more are being diverted to us, then end up going to original assignments either before arriving or soon after getting here in NH. We’d rather see them not have to make the touch and go here, but some areas just aren’t fully open.

One of the odder, but nicer weekends this month allowed us to head to the beach mid-month on a sunny, 60-degree afternoon. Strolling on the beach is a must-do—I promised Mom that we’d dip our toes in one of the oceans every year from now on. We look forward to those quick trips to the Atlantic shores this summer.

My spiritual bump this month again came when we shared dinner with our outgoing missionaries in Concord (it’s odd—they speak of ‘I was born here (first area served), I’ll die here (last area), ‘she was one of my daughters (a junior companion they trained). After our meal, each shared an experience that changed their missions. One Elder (he’d been an AP) left his mission early, then returned after a period at home. Next to him at the table was a companion that he’d served with, and who, as the Elder shared, unknown to him while he was home, had fasted for his ultimate return to service. The bond they shared was so strong, and we just cried as we heard these words. Such love grows and strengthens us as we see these missionaries seek to be faithful in their service.

Thanks for your thoughts, prayers and service in your wards and families. Love you so much!

Here’s Mom…

Hello Family!!

I hope this update finds each of you happy and busy! It's always great to get a minute or two of personal contact with you throughout each month. By personal I mean the texts and phone calls and occasional letter. Thank you for those We manage to stay busy - a lot of times with the same types of things but busy nonetheless.

One of our departing missionaries made this comment in his Golden Truth - there are no bad days on a mission, only bad attitudes on those days. I think he is right about that and also that I may be guilty of having a couple of days like that.

It has been great having the sun shine a few days this month, even a day good enough to go for a walk on the beach.

Another adventure since our last update - Sister Beck -the mission president's wife- really wanted to go see the new West Side Story so.... one evening the Senior sisters and Sister Beck went to the movie!! We had an enjoyable evening together even though the movie didn't end any differently than the original. We stopped for food before the movie and I discovered the most delicious chunky lobster bisque. Loved it so much that is what we had for dinner on Valentines Day!! It will be a long while before I can consider lobster bisque from Zupa's remotely acceptable.

I promised in my last update that I would try to capture the icicles that "grow" along the highways here. They are huge and I'm not sure the attached pictures do them justice- but they are beautiful in the sunlight and dangerous on the warm days. They calve just like a glacier!! and if you are close enough that experience could cause some damage to your car or you!!

I'm struggling to remember anything new or exciting that has happened to share with you. But I think I have covered all of that. Short month. Fast month. Busy month. That about sums it up. Looking forward to visitors, sunshine and longer days in March.

Love each of you. Thank you for your efforts to stay connected with us. Don't stop. We love hearing from you whenever and as often as possible.

Love,

Mom/Grandma

PS - Dad wanted me to include the picture of me taking pictures! That's what I do....