January 9, 1989 Orem, Utah

Dearest Johnny; Roy, Patrice & Emily; Bob, Claire, Michael, Laura, Brett & Katie; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean, Mary Ann & Sarah; and Ron, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell, LeeAnna & Jimmy:

It's another cold and wintry day here in Orem - we don't mind it at all and it really is pretty to look outside and see the snow just glistening. I can't help but worry about all the homeless people though. A young woman in our church yesterday told about living in Manhattan - she has recently married and moved there. She says they have lessons weekly on how to help the homeless and she & her husband find themselves asking "What would the Good Samaritan have done if he had found homeless and needy people every fifty feet?" I don't believe we have near the problem they have in other places but it's kinda' hard to sit in front of a warm fireplace and think of people who are freezing!!!

This will be a short letter - we don't have any interesting news. Johnny has moved into his new apartment - he came over last night and got his "Poof Pillow" - his room looks bare without it but it will be great if they can make their apartment more homey with it. We really like the young man he is living with - he is a friend from Billings and he has his feet on the ground. Johnny and two of his friends from Orem have been working on a "business" for quite a long time - their first venture wasn't very successful but we believe he is on to something now that could be quite profitable. They have what they call a "Utah Valley Key Card" and they have signed up about a dozen businesses that will give "two for one" deals - McDonalds, Godfather's Pizza, etc. They sell the cards for $8 and $6 of that is profit for them. The problem right now is selling the cards - they have put them in the BYU Bookstore and have given them to different social clubs and also to some Boy Scout troops. We hope it works for them!!!!! Johnny has to have a lot of these "business experiences" to prove to him that in the end he will have to really work for a living.

Patrice - we loved your sweet letter and we also appreciate you calling us Roy. It is SO fun to hear little Emily in the background. We had just been working on our photo albums when you called and of course we love to look at pictures of our grandchildren. It's SO hard to believe you could be having such warm beautiful weather - the homeless people should all go to San Antonio - Ha!!!! I had talked to Chris & Marc on Saturday and it was really warm there too and then Chris & Wayne are always calling to tell us how warm it is on the coast. We are really looking forward to your visit in February and there is no doubt that you will have excellent skiing - the Utah ski resorts have it "their way" this year and we are glad!!!!

Bob - we appreciate your call too. Before I forget - some of our neighbors are moving into the "Oaks" right next to your church so they will be in your ward probably. He has been Hospital Administrator for Utah Valley Hospital here and has accepted a position with a hospital up there (I forget which one but it isn't Humana). Their name is "Tintle", Keith and Trisha. They have four darling children and I have always admired Trisha because she is just beautiful and a little on the "plump" side - she looks SO healthy - Ha!!!! We don't know them really well - she has been the music director in the Primary. I gave a lesson in Relief Society a week ago and somehow it came out that I thought the sisters were quite unfriendly (you know me) - I have always thought Trisha was unfriendly but she talked to me yesterday and said she was SO happy to hear me give that lesson because they have lived here five years and she has felt the same way. Claire - you will enjoy her and I believe their youngest is about Katie's age - Trisha is older than you.

Annie and Jessie came by on Saturday to show us Jessie's new contact lens. What a thrill to have her close her left eye and have her read with her injured eye - she won't be able to read the small print but we were amazed at what she could read. There will be absolutely no difference in the things she will be able to do now than before the accident - A TRUE MIRACLE!!!!! She has such a winning personality anyway and this experience has even magnified that - WE'RE SO PROUD OF JESSIE!!!!! I must say too that we are very, very proud of that entire family and how they have handled this.

Jeannie & Rick - are you unpacked yet???? We have worried about little Mary Ann - she is probably all well by now and back in school. When I talked to Chris Jordin she said she was so thrilled to receive your Christmas card but then she said, "Oh Barbara, Jeannie is too thin" and of course that makes me worry. I don't think you are any thinner than you have been for a long, long time and I think you look great!!!! Has the bus system worked out okay for the children. There has been a lot of news on television about the need for fixing Highway 89 - we have felt that was a problem right by your new home - it will be wonderful if they are able to fund that won't it???? Rick - the hole in the wall is all patched and you would never know it even happened. Daddy has finished his "door project" too and it looks wonderful and keeps the cold air upstairs - I love it!!!!

I believe that's all the news. This week will be a busy one for me - I am in charge of the "Taster's Table" for our Relief Society work meeting - they want it to be a light supper!!!! Then the next night we will have the High Priest Temple night and they will come over here for refreshments after. Then I am invited to a luncheon on Friday (they want me to join a club) and then we have two wedding receptions to go to - fun!!!!

We love each one of you so very much. PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. Let us know how we can help you.

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