This has been one of the colder winters we have had for a long time. We have seen more snow than we have seen since the 2002 Olympics, and that year it snowed in December and January but not in February until a few days before the Olympics began. The snow came this year with a vengeance. Someone we know prayed for a white Christmas; well that prayer was certainly answered! We have the remains of that white Christmas still on the lawns and roofs, but most has been removed from the streets and sidewalks.
The change of seasons is a beautiful thing that we enjoy in the mountainous parts of the country while those near the coasts enjoy their own version of the changes of season with temperate climates that are much the same most of the year. This year we had a beautiful autumn that lasted several weeks instead of days as it has in recent memory. This new year we look forward with hope that the issues we face will be overcome somehow by those daring to invest in the future of our country and in the talents and skills of the people of the country. We are grateful to have so many friends and neighbors that display kindness and patience. Would that more of us might take that example to heart and be the kind of people we would like to befriend ourselves.
We hear that we are going to once again add to the list of our grandchildren this coming fall, as Charlotte and Andrew announce that they are expecting parents. The excitement of this announcement is tempered by the health concerns of Grandma Hill, for whom we pray daily and hope she feels better. Also Grandpa and Grandma Hendriksen are in our prayers as Grandma can no longer fill her role as one of our parents, but is now is as a child and must be taken care of very carefully. We remember each of you including Buzz and Susan with your health concerns. There are others including sisters and brothers who have difficulties in their lives. Oh, how we long for you to know we are concerned for you and pray for your deliverance from your difficulties! The coming Spring is looked forward to more than it has been for many years, as the renewal and promise of a brighter future it represents comes to be a part of our environment. Be well everyone!