Looking back on January 2025, then on to February

I'm doing my best to be hopeful the new administration will be OK

           Celebrating the 93rd Birthday of wonderful friend Gae Rose

The Trinity Irish Dance Company's performance at BYU was amazing!

 I can never get enough of the BYU International Folk Dancers,     representing many cultures. Among them, above, the Philippines,  below, India

                    Hungary and Indonesia

                                  and Ukraine

                                

I enjoyed a weekend in the San Diego area with my siblings and 2 spouses: Elaine, Irene, Brion and Roy. Eloise passed in 2015. And a walk at Carlsbad lagoon. It was a bit rainy but warmer than Utah!

My niece Lisa (and two kids) has missed her husband, fire captain on several of the horrific California wildfires. He came home this week.

     Clear skies flying from San Diego, but on the way in, dark brown     haze from the fires to the north and at the border.

I learn so much from great films at BYU International Cinema, including 2021 Maixabel, a widow whose husband was killed in the radical ETA Basque terrorist movement, who agreed to meet with her husband's killers. Forgiveness is a powerful healer for both sides.

    The BYU philharmonic players and great soloists (voice, piano,     instrumental) are so talented.

This 1000 piece puzzle of the gorgeous Carpathian Mountains was a challenge.                             

                                         ***********      Emily & family put on a wonderful 81st birthday family celebration for me! Bavarian theme commemorating my study abroad in 1963-4 in Munich, and a later trip back with some of my kids. Kelly wore my dirndl and Emily ordered lederhosen for Peter and Marc, and dirndl of herself. Delicious dinner, fun traditional games, kind thoughts.

And everyone toasted me with kind compliments. What a blessing to be part of such a wonderful, fun, generous family!

And a toast from me to all of you, my dear family and friends, who so enrich my life. Pass on your love, kindness, and wisdom to others.