Master Closet

Ed spent the last two weekends renovating our master closet. It was big enough, but with only one bar around the perimeter, it didn't offer a good way of organizing our clothes.   I'm posting before and after pictures. My side of the closet is first, then Ed's side. 

I designed the new closet in Coreldraw, and I also helped paint the shelf supports. Other than that I tried not to get in the way too much.

I'm thrilled with the results! I'm hoping that when Ed's aching body recovers from the rigors of construction work, he'll also be able to relax, look on his handiwork and contemplate the joys of having a place for everything and everything in its place! Thank you Ed!

Powerless

We're without power this morning. Now that it's light outside I'm considering attacking the driveway. That ought to warm me up! It looks like we got about 10 inches of snow yesterday. Too bad Ed isn't here to enjoy it withme!

House Concert with Ken Perlman and Alan Jabbour

We're hosting a house concert February 24th, Thursday, at 7:30 for Ken Perlman and Alan Jabbour. We first met them 10 years ago at Rocky Mountain Fiddle camp and have loved their music ever since. Their joint album, Southern Summits is really terrific. Let me know if you'd like to attend the concert, and we'll save you a seat!

Snow Day

It's snowing today, and Ed is out of town! However, he left me with a full tank of gas in the snowblower! Perhaps I'll crank it up later and see if I remember how to use it. Sadly, we had to cancel band practice, but I can use the time to stay home and get caught up on things.

It's quite beautiful outside. When I need a break from working on the computer I'll just snuggle up with Coda in the conservatory and watch the snow fall.

Peregoy Cousin

While I was in Utah last week I was going over some genealogy with my mother. When we came across the name Peregoy I remembered June Crue, my visiting teaching partner, telling me a story about her Peregoy ancestors. So, I came home and did a little research with June. It turns out we are related through the Peregoys, the Coles, and possibly a few other Baltimore lines! It is amazing to me to be related to her! She is a convert to the church, and has no family in Utah! I'm so happy to have family in Baltimore, and I couldn't be happier that June is my cousin.

It gets even better, as we both descend from George Calvert, Lord Baltimore himself!  I didn't realize I would be coming home when we moved to Maryland!

Amanda Goes to the MTC

We took Amanda to the Mission Training Center today. Ed Melzer got up early and fed Ed Bush before he went to the airport. He (Ed Bush) had stopped over in Utah for the day, and continued on to his business trip to California this morning. Amanda got out of bed early to give her dad a hug and share a few tears. Amanda said goodby to Grandma and Grandpa, and we left to run a few last errands before dropping her off at the MTC.

We had to return to Jdawgs to enjoy a polish dog together before dropping Amanda off. We last went there with Crystal the day she went to the MTC. We have started a tradition. Too bad we've run out our daughters!

Brittany and I got our last hugs and shed a few tears at curbside, where Amanda and her luggage was whisked away by the elders who met our car. We're sitting around tonight wondering what she is doing, who her new companion is, and even what she had for dinner! I guess we'll have to wait till next week to find out!

Last Supper

We had a family dinner last night, which was a real Thanksgiving feast! Nikki cooked the turkey, and Annette brought the sweet potatoes. Grandma made a great oatmeal cake for dessert. Amanda, here with her Aunt Annette, is looking at Nikki's award winning photo.

Eli and Isaac, our Colorado cousins, also came. It's nice they live in Utah now so they could drop in! I'm sure they'll feed Amanda well in the Mission Training Center, but good food and the company of loving family members is a warm memory for Amanda to take to the MTC this afternoon!