Hey...It is Seriously Cold Here!

As I write, it is dark outside, and I have the blinds open.  Across the lake and beyond is Tivoli and they are treating me to a spectacular display of fireworks.  It has been going on for several minutes and even from this distance it is impressive...I can only imagine what it must be like right now for the people who are in the park.  This will happen the next few nights until New Year's Eve and then we will feel like we are in a war zone.  From the vantage point of the top floor of the apartment building which is open air, we will be able to see fireworks in every direction, and the noise will be nearly constant.

Tivoli will close down on January 1 until April.  It makes me sad to see it all closed up and I remember last year anticipating that day when it would be open again.  But I was surprised at how fast those months flew by....Spring arrived and with the blossoms and the brilliant yellow-green folliage came the crowds and excitement.

SK served in the temple this morning.  We are both dragging, but he has to be nearly at death's door to not be where he is supposed to be.  I cleaned and organized the apartment and rested, which felt good.  I have been fighting a cold all week, and even though we have had a marvelous week with friends and celebrating, I am worn out and was grateful for the quiet morning.

It has been below freezing on and off during the day.  I opened the blinds and was delighted to see the ducks and geese and swan standing on the frozen lake.  They look cold out there, but it must not be too terrible since they stay right out on the open surface.  As the day progressed, the sun came out and there were patches of the ice that gave way to liquid and many of the fowl began swimming around with gusto.  Many still stood on the ice.

Despite the temperatures there was the usual parade of runners, walkers and bicyclists going by on the lake path.  At one point, a young mother walking with a child of about 3, helped him sit down on the top of the little hill outside the apartment building and gave him a gentle push....it was icy enough that he had a nice little ride.  It is sweet to see little slices of life like that.

I am still listening to Christmas music....and one of my favorites is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert from a few years ago.  Sissel was the guest...she is Scandinavian...I think Norwegian.  She sang one song that is haunting. Here is the link for "Like an Angel Passing Through My Room:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_MAAS3nOX0