The Wintry Day........

Can you remember when the snow was so deep that you jumped off the top of the house and it wasn't even that far to jump? Well, we have finally had one of those kind of winters again. Rob is so sick of shoveling snow -- he watches the weather at night just to see if he will have to shovel again the next day! As you can see, the snow is piled higher than the window. The driveway is very narrow and the banks are about 3-4 feet high. We might get one day of sunshine, but we start all over again with a storm the next day. He finally let the snow go on the deck yesterday, he was so tired of shoveling. It really is pretty good excercise for him, however. If you
are wondering why his gloves are different
colors, it is because he dropped one trying to get
out of the driveway without the dogs and they
carried it off!



The blizzard-like conditions of Monday's storm had the cows all huddled up under the trees and the snow hanging off their backs. It was a very miserable day and school was dismissed at 1:00 because of the blizzard! How often does that happen? Provo Canyon was closed yesterday due to avalanche control. Tim was busy plowing their road, so he waited to go until they had blasted the canyon and opened it back up.


This picture was taken on Spring Hollow Road and I am standing in front of the car taking the picture of the snowbanks. It is difficult to tell what it is unless I describe it, as it just looks like winter sky. It is actually the snowbank with the mountains peeking slightly above it in the background. Those banks are about 10 feet high -- you know how hard the wind blows up on the bench, so the banks are really high. It is a good feeling to know how much water there will be this summer!





Dad and I were able to go out with Tim and Billie Jo and Noah and Giselle last Friday night to see a dance production with the "Vibe," the company Giselle danced with last summer and fall. The show was excellent (even though we did miss Giselle being in the show). We took their little protege`, Jenica Adlard, just to help and inspire her and she was totally amazed. We went out to Chili's afterward and had a fun dinner -- good food, great show, and excellent company!!!!
The very best news of all is that the incorporation is one step away!!!!! We have reached over 50% of the taxable valuation of all the properties to be included and over 50% of the total acreage to be included! We had one last town meeting on Tuesday night and Theil came with his boxing gloves on! He had gone to the County and spent an hour or so gathering information, but up against the committee who has spent 5 months gathering information, even Theil was no match! Actually, Dad is the person in charge, so he takes the blows and answers all the questions for those who are upset and throwing knives-I mean questions. Shady Lady did her best to try and paint your Dad and me out as self-serving people with the devious notion of developing our property and ruining her view for the sake of our children. Dad finally told her that everyone there was interested in their own point of view, including herself! We are just waiting on the completed survey and the petition goes in to the County -- hurry before HB 164 is introduced!!!!!

The Stream of Life....

Woodland -- my Woodland...the place I love so much. Where neighbors are friendly and know who you are; where the streams run free and clear, "Give," said the little stream--"Give, oh give, give, oh give!" We too must give of our time to accomplish a much needed task!
The River -- in the spring I can hear Her rushing rampantly, as the snow melts from the beautiful mountains. The season turns from spring to summer and She turns into a peaceful river, whose sound still carries in the stillness of the moonlight.
The River and streams water the ground and the ground sucks and gurggles with each thirsty drink offered generously by those loving hands who so tenderly care for Mother Earth.

Some things are timeless--such as Grandpa Mac's old tractor, fields that once belonged to Grandpa Bisel and the very process that takes place each season as grasses grow; are cut, baled and hauled in, hay is fed throughout the winter, and spring comes again and the process begins anew!

The cows contentedly chew their cud and munch on the lush, green grasses of the meadow as they watch their young ones grow.
Woodland is a place where the church organist stays the same for over 50 years! Hymns are just not the same if they are not enthusiastically and energetically played by Bonita!
Woodland is a place where people work tireless on projects to benefit others. Elizabeth loves to toil in her garden each summer, that she may place a beautiful bouquet of flowers in the chapel every Sunday. No one ever sees her as she places them--they are only aware of the heavenly scent and the stunning beauty of each arrangement. The Woodland church -- where each of you kids had a time of growing and working and learning to happily love and tend the building and grounds. The Church is the place where we had Billie Jo, Olivia and Allen's wedding receptions and where we've had more family parties than we can count!
The Woodland Cash Store -- each of you had many hours behind the register as well as going there to purchase a popsicle or candy bar. The Woodland Cash Store -- the center of the community and so many memories! Dad and I have spent endless hours trying to convince community members of the importance of protecting this beautiful little piece of heaven. We have been accused of working on this project for selfish, self-fulfilling reasons. We are willing to work and laugh as we labor because we do love this place so much and want to protect it for those we love, just as those before did for us. It's a fast-paced world now, and there's so much at stake to protect the stream of life that flows through Woodland. Wish us luck as we enter the final phase of our effort of the last two years--the Incorporation of Woodland!

Ring Out Wild Bells! Ring In the New!!

I am so slow....it is a week in to the New Year and I am barely blogging about Christmas, so I will take my own advice and "ring out the the old and ring in the new!" We had the most wonderful Christmas. All of our children were home and our beautiful, smart, talented, funny, wise, determined, wonderful grandchildren were able to spend some time with us. It is was the best! Nothing is better than having grandchildren come upstairs and climb into bed with us at 6:30 in the morning! How we miss those boys! How we love our little girls who call us on the phone to ask us to come over! How we miss that Jack cooing and laughing and acting like he is much older and wiser than he really is!
I won't bother to go into detail about the holidays, as each of the kids already have, but suffice it to say - we were definitely blessed with the love of our family and their generosity. We love each of them so much and long for the day when we receive word to tell us they are coming for another visit!

Christmas Eve was a dream -- it was snowing softly and the house was warm and smelled wonderful. Rick went up and picked up my Mom and Dad and brought them down to enjoy the evening with us. They love the great grandchildren and are so proud of their talents and sweet spirits. Rick and I took them back home and tucked them into bed, where they were safe and sound. We are so thankful they were healthy enough to be able to get out and come spend some time with us.

Noah is a farm boy and loves to be outside helping Grandpa. We couldn't talk him in to coming inside, even when it was only about 10 degrees outside -- even when "bad dog" knocked him over face first in the snow!

I have found someone to work my night job for me this semester. I feel like I need to be here, readily available in case Grandma or Grandpa need us. Let's all hope and pray that the doctor can get her medication straightened out and she won't have to spend every week at the infusion clinic. My Dad is so loving to her and takes such good care of her. I hope when I am 82, Dad and I love each other as much as my parents do. It is the sweetest love I have ever seen.

We continue to work hard in the incorporation effort and will soon be ready to submit the application. Most people are very positive and supportive of keeping our beautiful Woodland's heritage. I will always love my home and my family and the values we live and love here. Thank you all for a beautiful Christmas and my heart and love to go out to you in wishing you the best New Year ever!