This past week started with a task that I put off time and again for the past month. If you have ever seen a meme that says, “Don’t ask me to hem your pants; I’m a quilter!” Well, I offered to help one of my fellow temple workers with a special project for her husband. He had a couple of worn hoodies that he loved and didn’t want to throw out. Both needed the zippers replaced. I was first a sewist before I became a quilter. I do know how to hem pants and sew curtains, make clothing and so on. I even made some replacement cushions for a friend’s travel trailer.

Kristy brought the hoodies over with a replacement zipper and a zipper pull. Unfortunately, both zippers needed replacing, so we spent our visit ripping out the old zippers very carefully. When I finally decided that I better get cracking, I discovered that the zipper was not a separating one, which you need for a jacket. In the USA, JoAnne’s the fabric store closed across the states last year and it’s not easy to find sewing supplies. I saw an ad for a place called Wawak Sewing Supplies and opted to order two zippers for the hoodies. I was able to get the correct size plus some fabric glue to baste them in place.

Finally, the day arrived and I set up everything to get the job done. First hoodie, the gray one, was not a problem but the second one, the Quik Silver was the “problem child”. I put that zipper in three times. Working with old fabric that is worn and extra stretchy gave me a run for my money. The first time, I installed the zipper, I was horrified because nothing lined up. Erik takes pity on me when it’s time to rip stitches and he offers to do it for me. Finally after a quick plea to God, I was given instructions on how to proceed. What a joy to have the job done!

We were still experiencing snow flurries last week. It was quite chilly with brisk winds and made me not want to go for walks. It is getting better this week because the Japanese Cherry Trees are in bloom.

This past week was very busy again at the temple with Spring breaks ongoing and we were able to meet many people from far off places. One sister from Australia came in with bare feet on a chilly, rainy day. She explained that in Australia, she’s always in bare feet. This dear lady, carried a pair of flip flops in her hands to wear in the temple to the change room.

It’s been fun working with the new temple missionaries; the Allred’s and the Dayton’s. This week we will have three new couples starting their service here. One of the young temple workers has been set apart for her mission and has done home missionary training this past week. We were invited to their home after church for lunch. It was so fun to meet most of the Chalupa family. Sister Chalupa is going to the California San Bernadino mission (Spanish speaking) this month. As we were leaving their house, the three year old runs out to say goodbye, “Bye, bye, We love you!” My heart!!

This past Friday was my mom’s memorial service. I made a video talk to be played for the service. Unfortunately, the Zoom camera for the Cherry Grove Ward was not working so one of my nephews held a phone to record the service and then I could watch it on YouTube. I am loving having my mom’s photo as my screen saver on my phone so that I can see her whenever I want. I don’t think of my mom being dead, because I know that she is alive on the other side of the veil. She’s busy doing family work on the other side. Her spirit is just separated from her body until the resurrection.

I am the oldest of four girls and I had to be responsible and took everything seriously. My parents gave me a lot of leeway and didn’t put restrictions on me. When I was late teens (17), it was a trend to get a streak of color in your hair. I told my mom that I wanted to get a streak of blue in my hair. This was the only time that my mom put her foot down with me and replied, “Absolutely NOT! People pay a lot of money to get their hair the color of yours. You are NOT dying your hair!!” End of discussion in my mind because my mom was quite adamant. I did not become a big hair dyer, haha! Now my blond is turning a light blond-gray.

On Sunday midafternoon, I wanted to go walking in the Sacred Grove and asked Erik if he wanted to accompany me. Off we went. We didn’t see another soul on our hour in the Grove. The birds were chirping in the reedy area before the Grove; the Song Sparrow, American Goldfinch, American Robin, Northern Cardinal and the Red-winged Blackbird. As we entered the Grove, it became quiet and we enjoyed seeing what was sprouting up. Daffodils were blooming.

We walked through the Smith farm, past the homes and the barns. There is a small apple orchard and we found deer snacking as we approached. I told Erik to get into stealth mode so that we could get close.

The farther into the grove we went, I saw patches of greenery and then they were everywhere. Wild Leek was growing profusely. They are also known as Ramps. Ramps are one of the first spring wild edibles. They are also called wild garlic, wild leeks, or wild scallion and are a relative of wild chives. These delicious leaves burst from their bulbous bottoms around the time your daffodils bloom. Their timing also coincides with the emergence of fiddlehead ferns. And like fiddleheads, the life of ramps in their wild edible prime is brief. Within a couple of weeks, the wild garlic will flower and the tasty leaves will wither. Ramps grow in moist hardwood forests or near shaded stream beds. They thrive in wet loamy soil. April and May are the peak months for ramp collection in the Eastern United States. Where we were was perfect for growing them and there were acres of them. Erik broke off a leaf and tasted it, then I had a bite. I was delighted as I am a huge garlic fan. I picked my own leaf and really enjoyed it.

I am already a fan of wild foraging and now I have added another treat to my list. I love Lamb’s Quarter, Dandelions, and Nettle. I haven’t tried Cattails yet.

Between Palmyra and Auburn is the Montezuma National Wildlife Reserve. They have a 3 mile driving tour in the reserve. This time of year the Bald Eagles are hatching and I saw a lot of cars on the trail as we were driving down the thru-way. Our friend Bruce Allred is a bird photographer and I have a feeling that he would really enjoy some time at the reserve.

This sculpture of the Bald Eagle is 21 feet tall and has a 20 foot wingspan. It was installed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Bald Eagle Restoration Program. It is magnificent and easily seen from the thru-way. It was created with steel, stone, wood and glass by artist, James Seaman.

It is wonderful to see signs of Spring and feel a warmer air on our faces.

I love to be among the trees and look at their majesty. It’s always thrilling to see animals, birds and plants. We are going to be celebrating Earth Day soon. People will be planting gardens. These all give me hope of things to come. While the world really seems to be going mad everywhere, I need to be in nature to feel peace and bring serenity back into my soul.

Enjoy your week, peace be upon you all!