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| I've let your hair grow waiting for my next blog! Ready?? |
Almost everything has been shutting down: concerts, schools, church services, workplaces, gyms, pools, gatherings of more than just a small number of people. Social and work communication is over the internet or by phone or other social media. Stores are out of hand sanitizer, wipes, paper towels, and sometimes there is hoarding of ordinary groceries. Trips and flights and entertainment are canceled for how long, no one knows. What will be the effect of this deadly Corona virus (COVID-19) that has upstaged even the U.S. primary elections that have been so controversial. The first cases appeared in Wuhan,China, thought to have originated in an animal market, but this respiratory flu-like epidemic has become a pandemic, something not seen since the Spanish flu of a century ago. It is advised that hands be washed often for 20 seconds with soap and water, coughing into elbow, or handkerchief and then disposed of. Incubation can be from 2-14 days. Symptoms are coughing, shortness of breath or fever. It tends to affect those with compromised health and the older members of the population, though anyone can be a carrier. My son Peter and family have spent the last 2 months in Washington DC, but return next week to BYU, Provo, with the interns she has been supervising, "thanks" to the virus. I had planned to visit in April, but, alas, that trip is now cancelled.
Before stronger measures were advised, I left the California flowers and blossoming trees, activities, and friends, for a few days' visit to two daughters and their families in Utah. I wish we lived closer, but I'm not ready to move there yet. While in Utah, my youngest son Marc announced he will be working for the church in digital marketing, so as of June four of my five children will live in Utah.
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| Hank Taylor is the youngest 89 year old I know! And Colette one of the best hostesses! Birthday party friends shared "most interesting jobs they'd had", though probably no one has had such a variety as Hank himself. Some were horrific (Norris Finlayson's early pathology experiences) and some scary and dangerous, others just hilarious! |
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| I always try for a window seat flying over my favorite lake,Tahoe |
I love these paintings by James Taylor (?) Harwood (above) and still life by his wife.
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| by a Swedish artist |
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| I always love Diego Rivera's art |
  
Utah had recently had snow but it was warm and sunny when I arrived. The Carlston kids were in a wonderful Churchill middle school (above, where their dad attended, too....I can't remove the duplicate!) production of the Wizard of Oz. Sixth grade twins John (without his monkey costume) and Luke practiced for 2 months, 7 year old twins Elise and Stephanie and other cast siblings were invited to be munchkins with a short practice at the last minute...a fun gesture!
 
The next day my daughter Julie took her kindergarten camp kids to find special rocks at Pete's Rock/Mountain
 
Phoebe and I tagged along and talked mom into returning the next morning to a trail along the Wasatch.
Friday afternoon I took the light rail "Frontrunner" to Provo to visit daughter Emily Taylor and family. We saw a BYU production of "Little Shop of Horrors," enjoyed some Improv Comedy, attended the Provo City Temple, and watched Andrew (#7) score in overtime in the Provo High School basketball gym.
  Sunday morning I was thrilled to attend the farewell talk of Elder Mark Taylor (friends Marian and George Taylor's son, with two of his many cousins: elder on right served in Kenya). They are the other Taylor family in their Provo ward. Mark should now be in the Provo Mission Training Center before serving in Guayaquil, Ecuador West Mission, but his training will be remote, thanks to the Coronavirus 
Mark's grandparents are Hank and Colette (the "dwarf") Taylor, my friends in Palo Alto Foothills ward. Tim Schmalbeck (the "giant"), their foster son, came with his family to the farewell. So nice to see Tim, his wife and 6 kids again!
I visited with my Spain missionary friends the Zimmermans who drove me back up to Salt Lake to spend the night with the Carlstons before returning to California on Monday. I hope I don't get tired of my steady diet of reading, writing, walking and cooking, limited by corona virus restrictions. At least the weather is great in this beautiful part of the world. I know all will be well.
 
California has recently lost a favorite star. Our world is filled with wonderful people who are great role models. May we all be such examples of service, dedication, and hope for others, especially for our young people. We are also worried about actor Tom Hanks (who played Fred Rogers, the wonderful TV friend of children) and his wife who have the virus.
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| Amazing Los Angeles Lakers basketball star, Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter were killed along with 7 others in a helicopter crash January 26, 2020, are remembered with many murals, memorial service and many tears. |
