Haircut for the apple tree

Before trimming
After trimming

We love the shade that our apple tree provides but we don't need the apples and they are so much work for grandpa to spray them every ten days during the summer months to keep them from being wormy. So we decided to have a professional crew give it a pruning job to give us plenty of shade and few apples. It is supposed to be pruned so that it will be like a canopy. We'll be anxious to see how it turns out. In the meantime we have fun watching the little birds come for breakfast at the bird feeder. We've seen a pair or robins already so I guess spring is on it's way even though it is snowing tonight!

The publishing bug!

We've started working on a new book. My sister Louise and I are compiling the history of my parents. We're inviting all the grandchildren to contribute memories if they would like. Publishing on the internet is a slick way to go. The only problem is that I have a one track mind and can't seem to get anything else done so the housework will just have to wait.

Grandpa is diligently pulling together material for his history. Don't you think he was a cute little boy? Just a preview of more to come!

Bear Lake Reunion

We made another installment on our housing for August first, second, and third 2008.

The Inn at the Lake is a wonderful accomodation. There's a pool, hot tub, and plenty of room for fun and games, besides all the fun that goes with the lake.

The Becks and the Andy Barfuss' are in charge this year so you will be hearing from them.

We look forward to having a big group---the more, the merrier!

The Big Snow

We were delighted to wake up to about 8 inches of snow this morning. We were glad that it didn't come yesterday as predicted so that we had no problem getting up to the Curtis' for Brad's ordination.

Grandpa went out and cranked up his trusty snowblower and was plowing out the driveway when Nate Beck called and said that he would be there in ten minutes to help.

Grandpa was grateful for the help especially since he has a couple of home teaching families that he usually plows out. It was amazing to see Nate work. What energy! He was half way down the street, plowing all the neighbors out before Grandpa could catch up to him!

Everything worked out great. As soon as all the walks and driveway were finished the city snowplow came by and filled up the driveway into the street so Nate was able to help shovel that out again!

I was busy inside making a pot of Taco soup for the shovelers when they finished. It was good to have Nate with us for a while. We do love our Wilfardos!

Sunday with the Curtis'

Brad Curtis with his dad Kitt

and Grandpa Barfuss and Grandpa Curtis

after his ordination

Five kids in a bed watching a movie!

Happy Sunday!

We enjoyed being with the Curtis's today for Brad's ordination to the Aaronic Priesthood. He is such a cute boy and very ready for Priesthood responsibilities. He has his hands full with four sisters.
We enjoyed a quick visit with Stacie and Kandis yesterday. Stacie and her friend flew up to SL for the funeral of the mother of their good friend. Kandis got a ride to Midvale with a friend from Provo and then I took her to the chapel to meet her mom. What an amazing age we live in---a trip from Phoenix to SL and back all in one day. Kandis is well into the new semester at the Y and has a full load. She's taking Statistics and Anatomy...that's enough to stress anyone out.
Andy and Julie are in Phoenix for a few days. I guess they passed Stacie somewhere in the air.
It's hard to keep track of everybody.
Brittany Mason is in town for a couple of days. She also came up for a really sad funeral in their neighborhood. We just happened to stop by at the Wasden's after working at the temple on Friday and she was there. It was a bonus for us!
Grandpa and I have been discussing the state of the economy lately and are convinced that the admonition from the leaders of the Church to get our food storage in order is the most important thing that we can do! These are really scary times! Several Grocery stores are having sales on food storage. This is a good time to stock up.
Hope everyone has a good holiday tomorrow to celebrate Martin Luther King's Birthday.
Love ya!

What a pretty winter day!

Grandpa and I went to Christie Beck's basketball game last evening and enjoyed watching Murray beat east with about a ten point spread. Christie was the star of the game. Her coach really depends on her. She doesn't get much bench time. Those girls are really rough. I'll bet she's got a few bruises today!
I just got home from the car wash. We used to have to wait until spring to wash the car, but now we're in and out in the shortest time possible. Amazing!
Now that we have finished Grandma LaRue's book, grandpa is busy dictating stories into the tape recorder for his own history. He has had some incredible experiences in his life! There's plenty to do. Retirement may seem boring to some, but there is always something to work on for us. We always like to have visitors and there's always ice cream in the freezer.
Love ya,
Grandma S.