January 2021

 

It's a new month in a new year. People were hoping that 2020 was going to be all hindsight, and that things would improve with a new president and a Covid vaccine on the horizon. January had its moments though! An almost insurrection at the capital, Bernie Memes, and amateur investors buying GameShare stock overtook the internet this month! Closer to home ...

• Virtual Reality: The Occulus (Christmas gift from GraysonSanta) has been a hit. The boys look pretty funny when they have the headset on and are flailing around. Keaton has added after-market accessories and "moded" it so that they can get a lot more songs for the "Beat Saber" game. There's also an "acorn" game that multiple people can play on their phones while one (the tree) wears the device.
• Getaways: Gray got away twice ... once to Bear Lake (checking out a friend's cabin) and to visit family in Seattle. Cal and Kate hit sunny St. George. Landon and Sol left for a vacation in Mexico (more on that next month I'm sure). 
• Eye Issues: Jen has been struggling (almost a year now, coming and going) with the skin around her eyes. It was especially bad this month. Maybe an allergy to eyeliner? She has been going without makeup, which is easier with Covid limiting social stuff, but ... forever? Also ... sitting in the stands watching basketball games, Jen has realized that she can no longer see clearly. Everyone is blurry! She's outlasted all the Westra Siblings when it comes to getting glasses. Did you know Gray has glasses (he only needs them for viewing distance also, but he does wear them for watching TV). 
• Basketball: Jen has been getting out to basketball games, only missing one night so far (in Farmington, Gray hit that one, just five minutes away from his work). Colton has been getting a lot of playing time in the sophomore and JV games, and has played some varsity (he even started one game!) Most of the games are streamed, and Jen is recording and making highlight reels. Jen even stopped by Cal and Kate's house on the way home from a game (it was on the way!)
• Fitbits: One reason Jen stopped by Cal and Kate's, was Cal had texted saying his Fitbit strap had broken. Of course, Jen had extras, so, she wanted him to be back in business, as he's the only one still wearing a Fitbit (even Dad/Grandpa switched to an Apple Watch!). BUT ... Cooper asked for his and has been wearing it again! He's been hitting the treadmill, and he and Jen play ping pong almost every day. Cooper said "I've noticed on the days we don't play ping pong, it's detrimental to my step count!" *Ü*
• Kitty: Our Joy goes into heat here and there ... she's normally uber ornery, and only Cooper and Keaton can touch her. When she's in heat though, she wants love from everyone, ALL the time! She's very vocal too, meowing and moaning, sometimes all night. It's adorably irritating. It seems like she's been in heat this entire month! 
• Cars: The Durango had a tire losing air (slow leak) so into the shop for a repair. Of course then it was recommended that new tires be purchased, and it wasn't just a sales-push, they did need it. Now there are new tires on the car. Colton also practiced his driving and has been taking practice tests for whenever Jen gets around to scheduling an appointment at the DMV. Maybe Cooper will try for a permit too?
• Work: Gray's work continues to be busy. He got a salary bump this month. Landon has moved to a salaried position. Cal and Keaton continue all electrical. Coop had just been a sub at his cleaning job (guaranteed one day, and he almost always picked up more shifts). He is now officially on the job Mon-Fri. 
• School: Colton's semester ended and with some class changes, he now only has three in-person classes (moved one more online, just scheduling issues). So his pickup is earlier each day now. Coop has started some new classes this semester too. The all-online schooling is going good.
• TV Troubles: Our TV had been getting darker and darker, until one morning, it was SO dark it was almost impossible to tell if it was on or off. At about two years old, we had a couple warranty options (we had bought a SquareTrade warranty, bought it from Costco Concierge ... but when reaching out directly to TCL, they are covering it ... repair didn't work so a new TV is being sent out). 
• Food: Gray has been making fried rice fairly often,  and made shrimp one night too. He even tossed it to Coop and Colton just like at Tepanyaki! He smoked a bunch of meat for french dip sandwiches and made Philly Cheesesteaks. Fancy hot dogs with all the fixings. Gray's (well, Pioneer Woman's) tatertot casserole has been a hit, so Jen has now made it too. Made Ziti (one gluten-free for Grandpa) and lasagna. Homemade Oreos, and Wacky Cake (that was actually part of a school project for Cooper ... it's also called "Depression Cake" as it was made during that time when supplies were scarce, as it has no milk or eggs in it). It was also National Chocolate Cake Day ... really! We started off the New Year with the famous Blackham Pastry Wreath, Clayton continuing Pammy's tradition that goes back years and years.