Salt Lake City and Back

Well, it is March! The days go by fast when I am having fun. This last week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I went to SLC to visit with Irene and Dennis. I also visited with my daughters, Tonie, Cyn and Cyn's hubby, Kyle. I was in SLC to sit with Irene while Dennis was in surgery at the VA. Besides that, we ate and played and visited. Irene and I visited a bunch at the hospital and Dennis came through surgery swimmingly. In fact, the people waiting in the surgery waiting room with us commented that we must not live close since we visited non-stop through the surgery. We told them where we lived. It was really fun to visit with the others waiting. One guy does a lot of crocheting. You would never guess he did that as a hobby because he looked like a biker. He made cartoon animals, rugs, afgans, doilies, etc., as a hobby. Irene was working on Keyah's quilt so that sparked a discussion on crocheting.

Tonie, Cyn, Kyle and I ate dinner at the Navajo Hogan. We had frybread. I like getting frybread if I can when I go to SLC. We visited for a long time and I think they were waiting for us to leave so they could close the restaurant. On Wednesday morning, Tonie and I had breakfast at the Oasis. This was a really neat place with a bookstore. I wish I had the time to spend in the bookstore because I like getting exotic gifts for my friends. I wanted to get a present for Tamara becuase she was going in for foot surgery on Thursday. Alas, I did not find anything really fast. Oh well, I will send her a card. I was also looking for something for Leslie, it is her birthday on Saturday. Yup, another card.

After breakfast with Tonie, I went to the hospital and visited with Irene and Dennis for a bit more before leaving. Dennis was doing very well. It is very fortunate when one does not smoke or drink -- much healther and recovery is so much faster. Thank heaven that we have the "wisdom word" to guide our lives.

I left SLC at about 3:30: On the way home, it started snowing. It snowed from just before Snowville until the junction near Burley. After that, it was raining all the way home. The most difficult part of driving was when the semis would pass and spray slush all over my windshield. Going 75 mph and not seeing anything in front of you is very disconcerting. I almost came to a stop after one such incident. And then I was very grateful that there were no cars behind me. Whew!

I have to go back to work tomorrow. I really do like my job. I really do like my job. I really do like my job. I have to convince myself before tomorrow morning so I can go in and do something productive. Actually, I read my e-mails today and I have a couple of offers and counter-offers to discuss with the parties. What I should really be feeling is gratitude for having a job. Many people are losing their jobs in this downturn in the economy. I worry about budget cuts and how it will affect my job. The legislature has already voted on an across the board pay cut of 3% for all state employees, which means me. Another 2% cutback is to be decided upon by each agency. I think we will be taking furloughs to make up the 2%. I am not happy about the pay cut but having a job is better than not having a job. I am glad that Robb loves his job and he can continue with his job during this turmoil. Finally, I am thankful that we have the family and friends that we have. I know that we have lots of help if we need it. We will weather the storm and come out on top.

The Sweet Sixteen finals playoffs are beginning tonight and I am now watching UConn and Purdue playing. They are about mid-way through the second half. I think UConn will win but Prudue is sticking to them. We will wait and see. I am really hoping and UNC wins the NCAA championship. Since both BYU and Utah lost their games, I have to switch teams. One of these days, Utah or BYU may make it pass the first and second rounds of the play-offs. Boise State, of course, did not make it either.

Robb is deep into tax season. I do not see him much during the daylight hours. He comes home anytime between 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. and leaves the house to be at work by 8:00. I have company at home though because Buster and Funky Mama are home and so it Sashi.

Well, I better fix dinner. Maybe Robb will be home in time to eat something before he goes to bed. Yummmm.