Road Trip!!

I rented a vehicle for a trip, and ended up driving a 4 wheel drive Ford F150 club cab. The rental agency gave me the same price as a compact plus a free tank of gas, if I'd take the truck. Surprisingly, I loved it. The ride was comfortable and other cars stayed out of my way. I drove 3 hours East of Tel's to check out Morgantown, West Virginia. I've applied to school there and although the university isn't my first choice, I can see myself living in this town. It's close to my family, it has four REAL seasons, the people are very friendly, the crime rate is non-existent, it's right in the heart of many American history sites, and the price of real estate is great. According to several residents, Morgantown is "unlike any other city in West Virginia." Given the influence of the university, which boasts a medical research school in addition to hundreds of other programs, Morgantown residents are diverse in both education and ethnicity, PLUS the Southern influence of manners and gentility was evident but not overly. The population is 26,000 but doubles when school is in session. Here's a sampling of the photos I took when a wonderful woman, Judy, gave me a tour of the town.

Lots of trees on every street. This was taken from a neighborhood called "Southpark" which has some really nice homes, but older ones, which I love for their high ceilings, beautiful woodwork and porches large enough for porch swings. View looking North.

This was taken from the same street, looking West instead of North.

The medical facilities taken from a hill on one of the three campuses of West Virginia University.

Love the architecture in this town, older but kept up.

Morgantown, like most East Coast cities, boasts a lot of churches. I thought this doorway was especially beautiful. This church is in town, one block from Main street, but right next to a residential neighborhood.


A frat house across the street from the red door church.

Typical residential street within the city limits of Morgantown.


Main street looking North.

Main street looking South.

The Old Stone House, the oldest structure in Morgantown from the 1780's, right in the downtown and now a gift shop.

Morgantown is built on the banks of the Monongahela River, American Indian for "river with slippery banks." These photos were taken outside of town. Rivers, creeks and trees are prevalent all over the area. Fall here is purported to be "glorious."

The main building on the University's main campus (there are 3). Lots of trees but not a bad shot from a moving car.

Ok, I didn't take this one, but it's a different view of the same building and gives one a feel for the Colonial influence in Morgantown. Even if I don't go to school here, I would definitely come here to vacation.

Christmas

I finally bought myself a digital camera and I'm still learning how to use it. The 1st picture below is the only one of Owen that I got on Christmas morning before my batteries died! The other ones were taken with Tel's camera. For a more complete "show,"of Christmas morning, 2006, check out her blog: www.degeneratesubspace.blogspot.com (or click the link from this blog.)


Chantel hand-made me a stocking with my name embroidered in gold thread--a work of pure love. I have a handmade jewelry box at home from Christmas past that I also treasure.

Christmas Eve Day

There is something sublime about the simplicity of love and family. I am enjoying, actually basking, in the love of the Calder household--their love for each other, for family, for God. I'm reminded that these simple pleasures of tenderness and relationships are more important than any other endeavor we undertake during this life. Austin is such a devoted father. He has a wonderful job, but the minute he gets home from work, it's all about his family. He spends time playing with Owen every day, leads the family in prayer every night, and completely supports Chantel by helping with Soren whenever he can. In addition he is thoughtful and helpful to me. Chantel and Austin are a team, amazing parents, and a blessing in my life. I love you family!

Owen is a constant wonder and delight. He comes in my room every morning and wakes me up either singing (a french song from The Little Mermaid), pretending (sea urchins and fire-breathing but friendly dragons) or simply snuggling under the covers with me for all of 5 seconds before he says "Get up now, Grammy! Let's play!"

This past week we spent making treats, doing a little shopping, reading, making ornaments, wrapping gifts, attending the ward Christmas party, singing Christmas carols and hymns, having family night and once, eating out at Chevy's thanks to Brandon's generosity. (I highly recommend the chicken flautas). Yesterday, on Christmas Eve, I went to primary with Owen. It is always refreshing and uplifting to see the world through Owen's eyes. In class, the teacher asked who Adam and Eve were and one little boy said, "They were the first people born," to which Owen responded: "They weren't born, they were the first people on earth." Owen has an old spirit in that little body. I'm soaking up every bit of love I can from being with him and Soren.

Ward Party

This was all at the dinner table in the cultural hall. The food was great, but obviously this party was all about the kids!

1st Morning here, Dec 19, 2006

My first morning here started with both boys coming in to wake me up. Soren loves my suitcase--or anything he can find to climb on.Owen crawled in bed with me and posed.

Owen took this picture. He's had way more practice taking photos with his mom's camera than I have with mine...but I'm learning.
I took this photo without looking...Owen was hiding from my camera under the bed. He is so much fun!

More Wine, Less Cheese

Rewind from yesterday's post...my daughter figured out how to upload my pictures. I wish all of you were in these! We had a great time at Lynn's party and last I heard, she's planning a beginning of the semester party as well. Keep writing and enjoy the photos.