Contrary Husband

“We can choose to limit our gratitude, based on the blessings we feel we lack. Or we can choose to be like Nephi, whose grateful heart never faltered. We can choose to be like Job, who seemed to have everything but then lost it all. We can choose to be like the Mormon pioneers, who maintained a spirit of gratitude during their slow and painful trek toward the Great Salt Lake, even singing and dancing and glorying in the goodness of God. We can choose to be like the Prophet Joseph Smith who while a prisoner in miserable condition in Liberty Jail, penned these inspired words: ‘Dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for His arm to be revealed.’ We can choose to be grateful, no matter what.” – President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Dora's Delight

If you live in the Salt Lake valley, and if it isn’t too cloudy, you can watch the International Space Station pass by at 9:48 tonight. It’s amazing to watch that small bright spot (it’s actually reflected sunlight) zip through the sky, and to remember we puny humans put it there. US taxpayers contributed more than $60 billion to build it. You can just about double that amount if you factor in the cost of the space shuttle program we used to assemble it. And we spend more than $3 billion every year to keep the thing running. But we can’t use it; at least not without a ride there. Ever since August of 2011, when we mothballed that same shuttle program, NASA has had no way to put astronauts on the space station. Russia is happy to provide transport, at $71 million per trip. When you’re the only game in town, you can charge what you want.

The Cog Block

What’s your favorite road trip snack? I like low-sodium pistachios and (when they’re in season) Bing cherries. I’m not sure whether I like these in spite of the inevitable mess the pits and shells cause, or because of them. At least keeping the trash from filling the car gives me something to do on long rides. I’ve learned to avoid really salty snacks like potato chips and pretzels when I’m in a car. I hate discovering my feet won’t fit back into my shoes when it’s time for a pit stop. I also steer clear of sweets and caffeine. They make me fidgety and then leave me sagging later. Instead I like to pack popped corn, carrots, apples, tangerines, cucumbers, bell peppers and string cheese. And bottled water, of course. Okay, I’ve got my shopping list. Now all I need is a road trip.

Kissing Fish

The evening of January third 2007 Heather, her dad and I were dodging rain as we left Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Darkness was falling fast and most of the other guests were already gone. We came upon a cast member with a metal tray of animal food. “It’s for the white-faced whistling ducks,” she said, “Watch!” She tapped the tray against a fence and several dark ducks with white cheeks hurried over, squeaking with delight. They sounded exactly like toy rubber duckies. I was disappointed (but not surprised) to find that these South American birds can’t stand our harsh Utah winters. They’d have been a fun addition to our pond, where all the other birds quack or honk. Yesterday I took Heather to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium; our first visit since last week’s opening. The exhibits aren’t all up and running yet, but they DO have a pair of white-faced whistling ducks. It’s like they read my mind!

Nelson's Victory

Some few of you noticed yesterday’s post had nothing whatever to do with April Fools’ Day. I didn’t forget what day it was. I simply ignored it. I’m not a big fan of April Fools’; perhaps because when it comes to practical jokes I’m usually on the receiving end. For years I’ve gone out of my way to avoid teaching on the first of April. Seriously, how many times a day can you hear an eight-year-old say, “Mrs. Bowe, there’s a spider on your shoulder. April Fool!” before you go quietly mad? Instead I spent the day in the least foolish way I could imagine. I did a little cooking, a little laundry, a little housework and a little sewing. I walked the dog and made a thrift shop donation. I popped some popcorn and watched Austenland (Thank you, Matt!) Okay, that last item may not have been all that sensible. But it was fun.

Rising Star

I played in the dirt a bit yesterday morning. I planted some thyme, parsley, dill, spearmint and a lot of onions. I’ve been thinking about adding basil, garlic, bell peppers, carrots and radishes as well. If I find the time (and the potting soil) I might even stick some tomato starts in my big terra cotta pots. As I look over the list I’ve just made, I realize I’m deliberately avoiding plants that have caused me trouble in the past. I love rosemary, but it doesn’t return my affection. I’ve lost every head of cabbage I’ve ever planted to snails and slugs. My only attempt at Brussels sprouts resulted in sprouts too tiny to harvest. I planted romaine once, and I swear the leaves grew thorns! I had great plans for last years’ bok choy, but they never happened. No, if gardening has taught me anything, it’s this: If at first you don’t succeed, plant zucchini squash.