Springtime and the Baby Pig

 Oh hi kid! I love sharing that Google photo folder with you, you look really good in those pictures that come up. There are pictures in there of an older guy and your old comp with you in your baptismal clothes, did you get to go back or is that an old photo? And your eye is looking so much better, hopefully you got to see the doctor and it’s okay.

Well, as the title says, I think springtime is finally here. It feels really good outside and there’s no rain, or snow, in the forecast. Time to work on the yard. 

The other part of the title is in regards to a little silver Ford we traded the Fiesta ST in for. I’m not sure if the name is going to stick, but it’s not too far off. Ever since my new boss told me that we weren’t going to be required to return to the office regularly I have felt that my zippy little Fiesta was probably redundant. I’ve been pretty sluggish about selling it though because I love the way it drives and because as a rebuilt car, I wasn’t sure I could trade or sell it very easily. Mom was fully on board getting rid of it, she and I don’t share automotive tastes. I had been thinking it was time for a car that was reasonably reliable, more reliable than the little Jeep anyway, a little bit bigger for you tall boys, and an automatic. Ben was willing to learn the clutch, but not really enthusiastic. Joe was enthusiastic, but got a little discouraged after the first time I took him out for a lesson. I found a 2016 Ford Fiesta SE with only about 10,500 miles on it. I got it at the same place I got the Fiesta from, Prestman Auto. It’s also a rebranded or rebuilt title, meaning it’s been in a wreck and totaled by the insurance agency. From the carfax report it looks like it was driven into a ditch, had the airbags deployed, and received water damage (We know a little about water damage, don’t we). 10,500 miles is about how much most people drive a car in one year, it looked really clean with no obvious signs of the rebuild. Mom felt good about it, so we decided to get it. It drives really nicely, honestly it much more comfortable than the Fiesta both in roominess and ride quality, it’s not a zippy as the Fiesta, but it’s not gutless either, and it handles nicely too. I figure between you three boys having two cars available you guys should be able to find a car until you can buy your own. Ben’s driving this one to trax for now. Joey takes pretty good care of the little Jeep. 

It’s funny that spring was in the title of this letter when Monday the U went virtual for a huge snowstorm and Jordan school district did the same on Tuesday. It was really deep and heavy. It started Monday night about the time mom and I went to a play at Hale Center Theater. Aunt Lithia gave us some tickets and it ended up being a nice date with your beautiful mother. When we came out the snow had started, it was sketchy getting home but we made it fine.

(Right now Ben is ranting about bringing in chairs, then I got a “Ben look” when I said “no ranting when grandma’s here.”)

Wednesday night we went to the Nicklecade with the young men. It occurred to me how your generation is playing the same games, listening to the same music, and watching remakes of the same movies that were popular when I was a kid. Joey and I pretty much hung out apart from the other YM, which probably defeated the purpose of the activity. I still have a long way to go to get good at my calling. I do like to be around bishop Snarr and brother Blattman though.

Thursday night is when we bought the car, and the snow was starting to melt. Friday night mom and I went out. We went to Red Robin. It was good as always, but my new medication has really taken the fun out of eating. I ordered a smaller burger than I normally do but I still only made it halfway through. The good news is that I hit the 20 pounds lost mark this week. Which may be short lived since mom and grandma are making brisket for Easter dinner. Yes, sweet uncle Tim has asked grandma to feed his 16 mouths and here we are. 

Yesterday was a busy day. Ben had a field trip and I was glad I didn’t have to take him. The funny thing is, I already miss my rides with Ben going to and from trax and it’s only been two days. We did the normal breakfast with Joey in the morning. Then we went shopping with grandma for today at Sam’s. Then mom and I went to Orem to the woodworking store, the only redeeming quality of Orem, to get a giant slab of wood for the fireplace mantle. It beautiful but I’ll have to size and finish it. I felt bad because mom got some pretty bad splinters when she was helping me load it into her car, and I broke one of the heater switches in the back of the Buick when I was unloading it. Luckily, she was able to extract the splinters and I was able to fix the switch, at least for now.

After we got it unloaded we went to aunt Stella’s to fix a large hole in her wall. The plumber had removed a big square looking for a leak. Luckily he was a pro and the piece was cut perfectly and was easy to replace. Even uncle Temmy was impressed. It was really fun working on it with him. We’ll need to go back a couple of times this week to finish it off. I’m no grandpa when it comes to drywall though.

After we stopped by grandmas. I fixed the latch on the gate next to the guys house that’s obsessed with yelling “put it in four wheel drive!” We also picked up some more groceries for today.

After we got home I did some chores around the house. The smoker died last winter so I took it apart and ordered a part for it. Then i checked a few things on the new ford and tried to clean a little water that had condensated into one of the the headlights. After that I started wiring up the lights on my new rear bumper, I still have some grit in my eye from that.

When Joe got home we had dinner and then went to the movies. It seems like movies are back. We saw the Super Mario Movie. I was prepared to be disappointed but I really enjoyed it. It took me back to those days playing N64 with your cousins before I met your mother. 

Today was a heavenly sacrament meeting only day at church. Then we got the house ready for Easter dinner. Grandma came really early to get stuff ready. It’s all about done and we still have an hour and a half left before the throngs of people start coming over. I’ll finish this letter later in case of any classic uncle Tim classics.

Well, it’s post dinner now, going on three hours and uncle Tim’s family is still here, I’ve ducked into the basement with your brothers. Sometimes enough family is enough family. 

I’m excited to hear from you tomorrow. I hope you can find some time to write, but if not, I hope you have some fun and enjoy your P-day.

Well, lyity,

Pops