Oh Rats!

 Upon arising this morning I opened all the blinds to look out at the world shrouded in gray.  Oddly enough animal life seemed particularly busy.  Birds especially were scratching all surfaces looking for a morsel or two.  Even the rat family that lives under our neighbor's wooden-planked patio were scurrying back and forth industriously....carrying stuff in their mouths.  I watch them with a certain curiosity laced with horror.  We see one or two a month maybe....sneaking around outside....under the bushes and over the grass....no doubt trying to get in on the daily feasts the pigeons and seagulls get from people throwing breadcrumbs.  But it is plain to see that there are more than a couple.  Monday morning we will talk to the caretaker of the building.  Those rats have got to go!

By mid-morning, large flakes of snow were drifting down and not melting.  It looked like it would cover everything before long.  No wonder those revolting little rats were getting food secreted away....they apparently knew something about the weather that Google didn't!

The snow looked beautiful.  Believe it or not, it didn't keep the traffic down on the lake path.  Just as many joggers, runners, walkers, and baby carriages as usual....but not quite so many bicycles.

SK served in the baptistry this morning for a few hours, while I worked on a lesson for the YSAs in our branch tomorrow for Sunday School.  We are a small group, so it is relaxed, but they are all knowledgeable, so I need to make sure that I am properly prepared!

In the afternoon I made Shepherd's Pie and a carrot cake for a dinner we had at the Thornes this evening.  Sister Sederholm came and the Brooks and Sister Hamblin were there also.  We ate dinner together and then we watched a movie together.....a Church video that was very inspiring.

Elder Brooks has still not recovered from a bout with pneumonia a few weeks ago, but he is doing better.  Sister Hamblin has not been well, and Elder Thorne is having some health problems.  He will see a doctor on Monday.  He has hardly ever been sick, so this is no doubt quite disheartening to him.  He hurts all over - as if he has the flu - but he is not sick.  This has been going on for a few weeks.

The winter months take a toll around here.  We have several young missionaries who are also having health woes.  I hope they all start feeling better soon.

I will feel better when that rat family moves away. (far away)