New Year’s and Snow

Our New Year’s was quiet. Elise worked New Year’s Eve. The rest of us went to a party hosted by the drama/speech class instructor. Amidst the food and games, each of the class members gave a speech they had worked on. Some were serious, a few humorous, and others light-hearted. Shelley gave a speech on the employment of stealth in order to accomplish good or evil. For food, we brought some chocolate chip cookies and a little bit of mochi in a soy-sauce/sugar glaze. Most people who tried it though that it was interesting, but good.

Yesterday evening I grabbed some pre-packaged seasonings and mixes that had come from parents and relatives and put together a Japanese-themed supper of omelet, chirashi-sushi, miso soup, and oshiruko with mochi.

Last night was the coldest night we’ve had so far this winter. The temperatures were down into the lower single digits. It’s come up to about 10 degrees now. It was clear last night, but heavy clouds and fog have rolled in and we’re in the middle of a snow storm.

I haven’t been out much the last few weeks. Part of it has to do with the cold. I went out a couple days ago to the Post Office on the bicycle. It was okay for the most part, but it was cold. The loose snow in some parts made for a bit of sliding and dexterous riding. But I think I’d rather have this than the wet, mushy slush. I’m sure that we’ll have that kind of surface soon enough after this cold weather passes.

The little sprouts in my new AeroGarden have been coming up. The thyme, purple basil, Italian basil, chives, and dill are up. The parsley and mint still have to show their faces.

I’ve been practicing flying the R/C helicopter about, and have gotten fairly good at controlling it. It’s still a challenge though.

That’s more or less life in these parts. Elise and I will be in Anchorage starting in about a week, and staying for a week. There are some church meetings, and the Conference decided they wanted us there so they purchased our flights. We get to go from cold to colder.