Ned is Dead Again

Our "Ned is Dead" group met again this past weekend. This is a group of 6 couples that met in Everett, Washington in 1978. We lived in the same ward, served together and served each other, had children together and helped each other raise each others kids. We have kept in touch for all these years and get together every two years. We all take turns hosting and planning the event. Events in the past have included a weekend in Aspen, a trip to Lake Powell, and Estes Park in Colorado. John and Connie Woodward (seated) are leaving for a mission to Ghana next Monday. So this was a reunion and a farewell. We laughed, updated each other on our families, enjoyed very delicious food, and cried together. Most importantly, we bore testimony to each other of faith and tender mercies that are part of our lives everyday.

I have always wondered about the name of our group and even have thought it a bit morbid. However, I finally heard the origin of this title. Many (and I mean many) years ago in an old Mutual manual there was a list of ideas for Halloween activities and one was titled Ned is Dead. The group grabbed the name and started meeting on Halloween every year. As time passed, many of us moved and then we started meeting every two years.

I would have liked to have posted photos of us in the early days, but did not have any. It doesn't really matter because as we discussed what we would like to do in two years, it became very apparent that in our minds we are still the same young adventurous group we ever were. We threw out ideas such as build a house for a humanitarian project or float the river and sleep on shore in the Grand Canyon. The photos wouldn't really do any good. In two more years we will probably settle for a cruise to somewhere warm and sunny. But for now the "Ned is Dead" group is alive and kicking and feeling young again.

Groundhog Day

I usually am not interested in Groundhog Day. However, after yet another snow storm this morning and another one on the way in a couple of days, my interest was peaked. I found out that on February 2, Phil, the groundhog, comes out of his burrow on Gobbler's Knob - in front of thousands of followers from all over the world - to predict the weather for the rest of winter. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. I am voting for an early spring. I am tired of having cold hands and feet day after day. A friend of mine gently suggested to me that I should probably wear boots. Okay, I won't complain any more at least not to her.

This past week has been one of mixed emotions. I loved President Hinckley. He was a wonderful prophet and leader. I am thankful for the testimony that I have of the doctrine of eternal life. I am also thankful for revelation that will rest upon the twelve and the whole church to know and sustain our new Prophet. It will be a bitter sweet funeral.

This month we celebrate Valentines Day and because of this, February is a month that we think of ones that we love. I love many people, especially my children and their families. I have great affection for my brothers and sisters and their families. And, of course, I have a deep abiding love for David and the life that we have made together over the past almost 38 years. Ground Hog Day, the movie, happens to be on our Top Ten list of favorite movies. It may seem like I am living the same day over and over this winter. But as the saying goes: I have my love to keep me warm. Hope everyone is well and will enjoy all the people that you love.

P.S. Just an added note. Brace yourself for more wintry weather. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Saturday, leading the groundhog to forecast six more weeks of winter.