Jetting to Jerusalem

Bob and I were not home long after enjoying Gatlinburg with the Bosen Family, before we flew to Jerusalem on August 28, 2022.  But before doing so, a few things needed to happen. Eve turned six on the 8th, the same day that our daughter, Chelsea turned 33. Bob celebrated - wait - he simply had his 64th birthday - without even a single photo to witness it. And Bennett, who turned eight on August 1, was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the afternoon of the 20th. It was nice that the Bosen's were able to come over from San Antonio for the baptism. We couldn't be happier to know our family walks in obedience and faith.

One of the sister's which I minister to had a baby, so I gave her a baby shower earlier that morning. Thankfully, another sister in our ward had all kinds of party supplies which she let me borrow. It was a simple event held in the primary room at our church.

On the 28th, Bob and I boarded our Delta flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. Jim and Shauna had flown to Houston the night before to join us. We had booked a cruise which originated in Haifa, Israel, visiting several Greek Isles and then returning to Ashdod, Israel. We planned to arrive on the 29th, and spend the next two days touring Jerusalem, before the cruise departed on September 1.  All went smoothly with our flight, although the plane change in Paris, France was a nail biting experience, with a very short lay over. We made our connection, but much to my dismay, my luggage did not! Fortunately, I had packed an extra set of clothing and a few bathroom essentials in my carry-on bag (but it was a stressful couple of days in Jerusalem of uncertainty as to whether I needed to do some shopping for the cruise). After a crowded one-hour bus ride to Jerusalem, we made our way to our hotel, went out for a quick bite to eat in the cute, modern area nearby, and then caught our first views of the city from the rooftop of our hotel.  We were in for a couple of jam-packed days of sight-seeing in the Old City - the places that Jesus walked.  I had to pinch myself before falling asleep!

Sunshine and Snow; Baptism and Bargains - 2021 Begins

We began the year 2021 with high hopes, following a somewhat challenging 2020.  Regardless of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, I became anxious to get out and do a little traveling. Chelsea and kids invited me to join them in South Padre for a few days of sand and sunshine, and I could not resist! On January 27, 2021, Bob put me on a plane, and Chelsea, who had driven south, picked me up at the Harlingen airport.  The weather was perfect and we enjoyed 6 wonderful days together.

We had fun observing wildlife along the boardwalk . . .

Enjoyed splashing and digging at the beach . . .

Hiking and playing on the sand dunes . . .

And just hanging out together.

The ongoing saga of my foot surgery continued, having the incision from November's surgery become infected about the same time we left for Padre. (Yuck!) Fortunately, upon our return home, my doctor drained the wound and after a couple of months my foot finally healed adequately and required no more care. It was a long drawn out process, but after three surgeries and a year and half of pain, I was able to wear shoes and return to normal activity!  I've decided I can live with the bunion on my left foot - no more surgery for me!

February of 2021 began sweet enough with a "Heart Attack" delivery to our front door and treats made for friends.

But on the 14th, we were hit with a snowstorm unlike anything imaginable for Houston!  Here is a quote from the National Weather Service website:

The Winter Outbreak that occurred on Valentine's Week 2021 brought not only snow, sleet, and freezing rain to Southeast Texas, but also extreme cold temperatures that lasted for several days. This was one of the most impactful winter events in recent history that brought multiday road closures, power outages, loss of heat, broken pipes, and other societal impacts for the region. While the damage is still being assessed, this will likely go down as the first billion dollar disaster of 2021 globally, and potentially the most costly weather disaster for the state of Texas in history, surpassing even Hurricane Harvey from 2017.   

After the initial glee associated with the beautiful and rare substantial snowfall, the cold truth set in.  It was a devastating storm which resulted in broken pipes at both our house and Stephanie's as well, although ours were just outdoors. The Johnsons have to replace their entire downstairs flooring! We were fortunate to have a whole house generator and grateful for heat and gas power that we could share with Chelsea and kids who drove over from San Antonio after trying to get by for a day or two in their freezing cold all electric home. Not only were roofs caved in, homes flooded, and food and household supplies scare, but yards were destroyed. The phrase "horticultural Armageddon" was the buzzword as everyone began to realize the extensive damage to their landscapes after the week-long hard freeze. We felt very blessed to have prepared adequately, and to have survived well, but were sorely disappointed with the loss of so many plants in our yard. We even had to trap mice who nested in our attic!

But we bounced back quickly, and Bob and I flew out to Utah, March 3-8, for Elynor's baptism and some fun with Bobby's family.  It was a quick visit, but we had a great time.  Bob and I enjoyed dinner with my siblings and their wives at Little American in Salt Lake.  I love my brothers who are always good at making us feel loved when we make it out west!

And with Bobby and Jill's family, it's a perpetual party!  We cheered on Max at his indoor soccer match, tried our hand at Top Golf, feasted at Chuck-a-Rama, and painted ceramics together.

And, of course, the highlight of the trip was Elly's baptism, where Max accompanied the opening song and Linley gave a beautiful talk!  Elynor, we are so happy to see you officially become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The first quarter of our year was finished out with a little bargain hunting at the world famous Round Top Antique Sale.  While it was generally a lot of wandering through "junk", Bob and I enjoyed the scenery and even found a couple of treasures to take home with us.

We stopped for our favorite Blue Bell Ice Cream in Brenham, where it is made, and loved the charming murals and homes all over town.

One thing we have come to know for sure, is that 2021 is going to be another unusual and memorable year!