February update

Writing this feels a bit surreal. I am posting this update in March while the world as we know it has changed significantly due to the Covid-19 virus. Virtually all activities outside the home have stopped as the world tries to contain this virus. I will write more about that for my March update. For now let me focus on the fun we had in February. I will also try to remember the lessons this pandemic has taught us, hold family tight, cherish every moment and try to remain calm and positive.

I was able to attend the second session of this years Etna Project. This is my tenth year taking part of this incredible learning experience with some of the best, most dedicated interpreters across the US. We learn so much on these weekends but also spending Thursday night through Sunday morning with these folks allows us to create friendships and incredible bonds. This is a photo of us playing a game in the evening.

Sophia has been studying for the 4-H Horsebowl competition. They competed at the local level in February to see the "seats" the members would take. The first chair tends to get the harder questions and the fourth chair gets somewhat easier questions, yet they are all difficult! Sophia is part of the senior team for the first year. In the past competitions she was third chair on the intermediate teams. Sophia did very well in that position. This year she did very well in the local competition and earned first chair. It is exciting but also comes with more pressure. She has been studying hard. 

We went to see Wicked. It was an AMAZING show. All three of us enjoyed the play, the music, the storyline, and theatre experience.

Sophia was invited to the 4-H Horsemen's dinner as she place in the top five in two of her state competitions, horse judging and communications. It was a nice dinner and silent auction. Sophia and I sat with her friend, Emma, and her family. 

Our furry family is well. The boys (cats) like spending some supervised time outdoors in our backyard. They are good, most of the time, about not leaving the backyard. Sometimes Otto makes a run for it but runs back to the house quickly. We don't let them out unless we are standing with them.  Gracie is slowing down a bit but that is to be expected at 16 1/2 years old. The cats love Boba, most of the time. He is always a bit nervous when they rub up against him because sometimes they smack him for no good reason! Guess someone needs to keep Boba in line. 

Until next time...