Rhodes rolls

Dear Jacob,

Why yes, your dad is a slacker. I realized Thursday or Friday that I hadn’t written to you on Wednesday. Then I went to start a letter, and realized that I ha pretty much nothing to write to you about. 

I did enjoy your picture from zone conference. You looked happy and handsome as ever. And I do always look forward to Mondays.

As far as this week goes, work has be it’s normal busy. But at least there hasn’t been as many meetings. My freelance project hasn’t really materialized, which I have mixed feelings about. I started our taxes. So super exciting dad stuff going on here.

The final episode of the Utah 2022 highlight video came out on YouTube on Tuesday. It was probably the best one so far. I got the feeling though that it was produced by the people that do the hype videos and social media videos, and they’re not quite as good at the long format stuff. 

On Tuesday the second episode of Moon Knight came out. I know nothing about that character, but it’s solid. Probably my favorite Disney+ marvel series so far. But still behind the Mandolorian and Bobba Fett. Looking very forward to the Obiwan series next month. There’s supposed to be lots of dark Darth Vader in that.

Wednesday night was young men, we made cookies and went out to find service work for this week. Looks like yard work this Wednesday. Today in priest’s quorum Wesely gave the lesson. He did a fine job. The rest of the quorum was being, well, you know how they are, not cooperative. But I got them somewhat settled down by reminding them that it was their turn next. I’m finally feeling like I’m having some influence in there. I’ve suggested that we start opening exercises on Wednesday's so we don’t have to spend twenty minutes rounding up the groups so bishop started that last week. I suggested the boys teach the lesson and volunteering your little brother. Even though the entire second hour of ward conference was about exactly that, it took that to get it started. As I read this paragraph back it seems like bragging, that’s not really my intention. I’ve just felt like for so long I’ve be out of place in this calling, but maybe my role is to be that annoying old guy that tries to make everyone do it right. I’m actually fine with that.

Friday my buddy Scott invited your mom and I to the last jazz home game. It was really fun, even though the jazz gave up a 17 point lead. I’m ready to see this team blown up and I really think that snider is a crappy coach. Despite that, we got burgers at Cubbies in the arena and an an iceberg shake. It was fun to be with my friend. We first met in kindergarten, which means we’ve been friends for 50 years. Holy crap it’s weird to be that old. I was friends with him and his twin brother until they moved away in third grade. Then in my second district of my mission the district leader was getting a new trainee. They were going to stop by our apartment on the way to their area, which was about an hour further on. So about the time the were supposed to come by my comp, elder Geddleman from Alberta, had the idea that we should run home and pretend like we had been sleeping and listening to rock music all day. For some reason my friend Scott came in the door first, and wasn’t even fazed by our little rouse. But when his comp came in, he was totally aghast until we started laughing. Ahh…missionary pranks. Anyway, I recognized Scott immediately, and we’ve been pretty close friends ever since. We did a lot of stuff together in college, we went to singles wards together, we’ve done tons of Utes stuff together. We had tickets to the first jazz game in the the delta center, but that game was canceled because that same day magic Johnson announced that he had aids. We even got married within six months of each other. I think in some ways he took the place of my brother after he died. That was just the year after I got home. I’m really grateful for Scott Cragun.

Saturday was a normal chore day. I trimmed and mowed the lawn I mostly enjoy that work even though I detest gardening and weeding, which We haven’t really started yet. I also fixed mom’s headlight. Old man rant warning, the newer cars are ridiculous to do simple things on. To change the bulb I had to Jack up the car, remove the wheel, remove the inner fender, remove the access hatch. Stick my hand into it in a way that blocked my view and scratched up my hand and blindly figure out how to remove it. Then reverse the whole project just to find out that the new headlight it a cooler white than the original. Which I’m sure your mom won’t notice but will annoy the crap out of me. When I was in there I saw that she was due for a brake job and her front strut was leaking. Both procedures you will be suffering through in future letters.

Today after church we had planned on going on one of those rides with uncle Tim like we used to during Covid. But mom came down with a cold so I asked if we could postpone. We were just going to go to camp Floyd, which is a cool place. I figured since we didn’t go he either r starved or got himself invited to grandmas. I’m sure he didn’t starve. We had roast beef, mashed potatoes, Caesar’s salad, carrots, Rhodes rolls, and ice cream. I miss you when I see ben making mashed potatoes, roast beef and gravy sandwiches on the Rhodes rolls. Tonight we watched the second half of return of the king. That movie gets me every time.

I’m in denial about going back to the office, but I’m happy to have a job. Thursday I might take the day of to go to Moab on a quick adventure. I may take Friday off because mom will be starting spring break, and i don’t think we’re going anywhere because ben has school. We are trying to plan our summer, ben wants to go to Oregon, so maybe. Uncle Aaron I are planning an adventure to western Idaho and eastern Oregon. Or at least that was the plan but he mentioned something about going all the way to the ocean on dirt roads, but after driving through Oregon on paved roads that time, that’s probably a bit much for me. I’ll keep you updated.

Well kid, just know that I love you. If I have something to write on Wednesday I will but if not I may be on a once a week basis.

Pops