January 24

 Yesterday was the first Saturday it the last 3 months that I did not go cross country skiing at Eb's Trails.  I joined Haley and Dustin for a ski at the Langham Golf Course.  The wind was a bit nasty, but we enjoyed our ski nonetheless.  Last night, I had the chance to babysit my Luv Bug.  Is there a better feeling than having your grandchild run to greet you with a big smile on their face, a loud greeting, and a hug around the neck?  We had a great night of playing...so much so that I failed as a babysitter by not getting her to bed on time.  

My latest endeavour is carving wooden spoons.  I set up a workbench in my laundry room with a bench vice and I have a range of carving tools such as a hatchet, spokeshave, gouge chisel, and carving knives.  I now understand why Jed Clampett was always whittling.  Whittling is addictive.  

Although I am longing for the days when I am able to get out for traveling and visiting friends, I must admit I am living a contented life right now.  The Dog Days of Winter routine is: sleep in, breakfast, coffee, daily reading and devotion, phone call to Mom, lunch, walk on the rabbit trail, whittling, reading, supper, more whittling, watch the NHL/NBA/NFL, and hit the hay.  I usually get a call every other day from Mary telling me how her day has gone and what Bug is up to.  Haley and I walk the grand dogs 2 or 3 times a week and have great conversations.  I also stay in touch with all my family and friends.  I am healthy, enjoy a variety of healthy foods, and have spacious, comfortable home.  I am truly thankful.

January 7

 One of the most gratifying experiences for a teacher is receiving a message from a former student saying that, as a teacher, you had an influence on their life.  Yesterday, I received a Facebook message from a student who was completing his third year of music at the U of S.  He was listening to The Unicorn Song by the Irish Rovers and was inspired to send me a message saying I was the one who exposed him to folk music.  Singing old folk songs like "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain", "The Cat Came Back", and "Farewell to Nova Scotia" was my way of passing on the songs that have been passed on from generation to generation.  Now, I am teaching those songs to my granddaughter.  Furthermore, my old student took his ukulele skills and branched out to other stringed instruments.  Now he is a member of a local bluegrass band.  Warms my heart!

January 3

 Happy New Year.  I really had a Merry Christmas.  I was able to spend quality time with my little crew.  Of course, we conducted ourselves with the utmost compliance.  Having a two year old being part of your Christmas experience is pure gold!  Luvisa is bound for medical school with her new doctor's kit.  She is also equipped for building a comfortable home with her tool kit complete with hammer, drill, screwdriver, and saw.  On January 2, I enjoyed my 7th Saturday in a row cross country skiing Eb's Trails near Duck Lake.  The snow and weather conditions continue to be perfect.  I can't recall whether I have announced this news, but in case I haven't, I am announcing Mary and Morgan will be welcoming another child into their home in early June.  Mary is feeling well and is the picture of health.