New Year

 I have been totally lazy about getting my blog caught up for the New Year.  Here it is January 21st and I don't think I've journaled anything since the 31st.  It isn't that I don't have an exciting and eventful life, it is that I'm not taking the time to record my exciting and eventful life :-)

The New Year has brought in very cold weather and so Sprout and I have found ways to snuggle in and keep cozy and warm on days when we just don't see the need to go outside.  Maren gave me this snuggle blanket for Christmas and it has been well used.

Sprout also finds comfort and warmth curled up on the bed with the pillows and blankets around him.  If he isn't on the bed then he is on my lap.  

We did manage to take a walk one day before the temps dropped to 20 and below.  Lynda Ann gave me these blue earmuffs and they are amazing and keep my ears toasty warm from the biting wind.  

New Years Eve found us at Ron and Judy's for one of her delicious meals followed by a few hours of bridge.  Neither couple are interested in staying up until all hours to bring in the New Year so we were home about 9:30.  I think we watched some TV and both Neal and I drifted off before the actual count down.  I've never been a bring in the New Year kind of gal so this worked out perfect for us.  And amazingly enough the New Year came with lots of bells, whistles and fireworks from some of our neighbors.  Glad there are some people who want to party.

Neal and I, along with Sprout woke up on New Years Day perfectly happy that we could sleep in and didn't have to deal with a hangover.  Saw this cartoon and thought it was perfect.

Of course, that is how we feel every day except for Sunday (church) and Tuesday (temple day).

The saddest thing that happened already this new 2025 year is the fires that are burning in California.  Thousands of home destroyed.  Thousands of people left homeless and the fire rages on.  Thank goodness Abby and Antonio were safe from the fires and didn't have to evacuate.  We all felt our prayers for them were answered.  Norm is serving a mission at the LA Temple Visitors Center.  He sent us this picture of the fires so close to the temple but miracles happen and the winds shifted causing the fires to burn away from the temple.