The last week of February, I got to watch Will and June while their mother attended the temple and did a few errands. Then they were off to Jen's sister's house for a few days. I hosted one of my book club groups on Thursday and these three devoted friends showed up. Between illness and heading south for warmer weather, we were few in number but my friends, Diane, Lynda and Heidi were there and we ended up watching the entire movie of "Gifted Hands, The Ben Carson Story" and eating apple cake with vanilla sauce and whipped cream. I was only going to show the beginning of the movie but we were hooked, so we watched it all. It was based on the book we read for the month which was also very good.
We stayed in the city on Saturday so I showed some houses to clients. Then, because I had won tickets in a radio contest, we attended the Rocky Mtn Gun Show. That was a most interesting experience and a first for us. It is a patriotic group and we enjoyed it when they announced that a twelve year old girl would sing the National Anthem. Everyone stopped immediately and removed their hats and held them over their hearts. It was totally quiet except for the song and almost reverent. Afterwards, I thought to take a photo but I missed the moment so Steve posed for me.
Later that afternoon, Jen, Will and June showed up to pack their final items and get ready for an early morning flight back to China.
My brother, Steve, came over to attend a concert that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was performing for the American Choral Directors Association. There were some excellent guest performances by Santana Fontino, a military group, a female soloist and some children's choirs. Steve K and I enjoyed it very much. Steve P stayed home with Jen and the kids.
At 5:45 on Sunday morning we were ready to take them to the airport for their return to China. I'm always sad when family says goodbye. This time it wasn't so hard as we will be there in 6 weeks to visit them.
Happy birthday to Jenna, Shawn and Steve's sister Kathy who also have birthday's in February.
The first week of March was very busy with my work. I hosted my broker network group for lunch at one of my listings--a gorgeous home that I am working to sell for my cousin, Liz. I showed homes several times, wrote a couple of offers and put another listing under contract. I am really eager to get some of my clients' real estate needs taken care of before our next trip out of town.
My cousin is an art collector so she has beautiful paintings all over her walls. In fact, part of my compensation will be one of her paintings--some sheep in a field valued at about $2,000. Because of her expensive furnishings, etc., I have to personally show her home every time. I pray that the right buyer will come along soon.
On Wednesday night, Heather and Brinley drove down from Idaho. They stayed overnight and Steve took them to the airport early the next morning for their flight to South Carolina. Liberty will certify her foot zoning competency with Heather, the pro. I was delighted to get a zone that evening. Brinley got her braces off so now she can really flash that gorgeous smile.
On Thursday in between appointments, I was able to stop by a local restaurant and visit with my Uncle Bill and a couple of my cousins. Due to a mis-communication, I wasn't able to have lunch but I loved catching up with them. I am very eager to get as much information about my mother, aunts and grandparents from Bill as I can. He is 94 years old today and the only living person from that generation of the family. Next to Bill is my cousin, Liz. Aaron, Vickie's son, Vickie and I are standing in the back.
Early this morning Adam and I were texting back and forth about an offer and the loan involved to close the deal when he mentioned he was going to a sale at the local fairgrounds at 10 a.m. He thought it might be an auction. It sounded interesting so I told him to stop by. Steve and I followed him with our truck in case he purchased anything big.
We stayed for about 1 1/2 hours and it was very fascinating. Jameson really wanted to keep holding up the blue card with the number on it because other people were doing it. He thought it was a fun game. Adam really had to watch so he didn't end up buying something he didn't want. Neither Steve or Adam raised their cards. However, they made a lot of comments about what a good deal people were getting. I raised my card a couple of times but wasn't willing to stick my neck out very far. When I asked Adam if Britton needed a bike (because Jenna is always complaining that he uses hers), he said yes. He said that Britton was trying to negotiate with a friend to buy one from him. With a reason to bid, I went all the way up to $35 for this beauty. It needs a bit of work but has the makings of a bike that will suit his needs. You will note that there is still some snow on the grass but Britton is checking out the bike in his bare feet. It is an awesome weather day here in CV, sunny and 40-50 degrees. We love it!
On Tuesday, we had blizzard conditions and quite a bit of snow. By Wednesday, the sun was shining and the temperature was in the high 40's to low 50's. What a difference 24 hrs can make. Since the big storm was the beginning of March, I'm hoping that meant March came in like a lion and so it will go out like a lamb. That's the plan and I'm sticking to it.
Steve was out in the yard hoeing the flower beds after our walk this afternoon. It looks like some of the blackberry starts from the neighbor have survived the winter. We are eager to make a place for them back by the barn.
