Thanks, Tom and Jo Ann, this Amaryllis has been a bright spot for me ever since you sent the pre-planted bulb for Christmas. It was fun watching it grow and here it is in it's final glory! A beautiful reminder of spring and summer in an otherwise long cold winter.

After shoveling out the driveway from this storm, Mike said, "Well, maybe this will be the last snowstorm of the year." Ha! It wasn't even the last storm of the week!! That pile is now about half again as tall. And guess what, they are predicting more snow for the weekend!! Have I mentioned that I hate, hate, hate February?!

This is how I pictured I would be spending this early part of the week, in Iowa City with Katy, Kent and Lucia. But once again this winter had different plans. Yesterday the winds blew the snow around so much that it was impossible to keep the roads clear. Mike drove in near white-out conditions until he reached interstate 35 and then it was still rough going until he got to Kansas City on his way to Coffeeville, KS. He called and advised me not to try to drive to Iowa City. Now this morning I woke up with a virus so I cannot go and get my fill of holding this precious bundle. I am asking again---will this winter ever end?!? The prediction for the rest of the week is still more snowing and blowing snow. Have I mentioned that I hate, hate, hate February?

This is what we woke up to this morning. It's a nice coating of ice. And just when you think it can not get any worse, it has started to snow. The weather channel is still saying that the blizzard warning will not end until 8:00 tonight. They are saying anywhere from 5 to 8 inches. What fun! Have I mentioned that I hate, hate, hate, the month of February.

I can't stand it!! I just spent 45 minutes mixing up a Layered Chocolate Mocha Cheesecake for Valentine's day for Mike. As soon as I put it in the oven, I realized I had forgotton to add the chocolate. Does anyone know where I have left my brain? I dont seem to have it with me lately. Oh well, I guess it's time to pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.

It snowed again, another 4 or so inches.
And that is all I have to say about that.

I was able to spend a few days in Iowa City with Katy, Kent and Lucia Anne. The weather was not the best, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

While comparing notes on Katy's baby and my baby Katy I discovered that I have been lying about her birth weight for several years. I dont know when I got confused about the numbers, maybe back in '79 when I had that car accident and bumped my head. I lost several numbers then and I could have 'remembered' this one wrong. Anyway, I found out that Katy weighed 9lbs 2ozs and not the 10 lbs, 2 ozs I have been saying for years. So then I wondered about Chris' birth weight, and sure enough, he was a pound lighter than I have been saying also. He was 8lbs 14 ozs. Sorry kids, but you have known for years that I am nuts. Anyhooey, here is a new picture of Lucy, and an old picture of Chris and Katy.

Here she is!!! This is our beautiful little Lucia Anne. I spent Friday with the new little family.

They are amazing. They are natural parents, and Luci is a content, sweet baby. What a joy!