So You Have Snow in NYC? Not Really

 There was a stretch of over 700 days without a snowfall of over an inch, and I guess that stretch is over. We did get enough that the snow plows got to lower their blades last night at just past midnight. Then it rained and most of the snow went away, now there are tiny icicles on the balcony railings. I'm just glad I don't have to drive in it today. Still, it is nothing like much of the rest of the country, probably including where most of you live. (Nobody wants to hear about the weather in the US Virgin Islands, Cedric.) There is a snow advisory for tonight into tomorrow, but we don't have to drive until Thursday.

As you can see, not really much of a
snowstorm. Apparently, it has snowed
in the past, as evidenced by the snow-
shovel that has been on the balcony since
before we got here.

This week has been busy for us, but mostly from inside the apartment. We are preparing documents, updating reports, communicating with organizations (stake and ward), and preparing things that can be turned over to the couple replacing us in February. All necessary and time consuming, but pretty boring for everyone but us. 

One of the senior missionaries asked Olivia why she wasn't knitting on the last Zoom mission devotional. She thought she was being sneaky, but apparently someone noticed. The reason is that she actually finished the sweater. It is nice and warm, it has no buttons, but is intended to wrap, so it is perfect for our current winter weather.

A nice, warm wrap.

Or just a button-free sweater.

Our English Connect 2 classes are a little more intense than the English Connect 1 classes were. We really have just two students who are serious about being there each time and practicing. Olivia got a laugh with one part of the lesson. Here the students were supposed to draw a map of where they live. Kathia didn't quite understand, and illustrated how she gets to her apartment on Staten Island.

Kathia's English is improving. Her 
husband and children speak English,
but not at home, so she has to be a
little more diligent with her practicing.

"Bus to the train, train to the ferry, ferry to
another bus, then to the apartment. The End"
At least it is all in English.

Julia and her roommate speak English
in the apartment, so she is learning very
quickly.

We did have a fun senior missionary activity this week. It is explained in the pictures below.

Having others to talk to is always a treat for Olivia.

Apparently, other women feel the same.

A little different spin this time. Elder and
Sister Barnes were asked to share some
best practices that have made their mission
so effective. There was a lot of interest and
pictures taken of their tools.

Olivia is now hooked on Pickleball. Her first time
playing and she had a great time.

She and her partner, Sister Baer had to
have a picture together before they left.

From the balmy islands to the frozen north and west, we hope this week is great for you all.

Some random pictures:

A sneak shot of the elders' quorum in
the NY Singles Ward ( ages 35+). This
is where we went to church on Sunday.

These little sculptures are all along the walkway at
the 14th St. E train in the subway station. They are
quite clever. 

The police are catching someone trying
to get on the train without paying. In
fact, the scofflaws just jump the
turnstiles and no one is there to
stop them.

It is very common to see a homeless
person sleeping on the trains. This guy
was a little more inventive, using an
emergency blanket for warmth.