Thursday Letter to Nie Nie — by Guest Mom cjane

Nie,

Don't be alarmed, but I caught the 2007 Spring Cold. I have used close to 400 lbs of tissue today alone. You know what? Somebody out there needs to design the world’s first good-looking tissue box (Shall I e-mail Gabby?) Maybe I should try the Kleenex cups.

I am also on my last swipe on Mentholatum for my sore-blown nose. We finally went to the grocery store and bought a large bottle of chopped garlic to combat this horrific onslaught (what, am I sounding too dramatic?) So garlic is on the menu this week.

Tonight: 15 bean chili loaded with Garlic.
Tomorrow Night: Garlic fruit salad.

And all of this whining brings me to your mentioning of planning a trip. Sedona sounds perfect right now. I am also planning a getaway with Christopher to the San Rafael Swell including a romp through Goblin Valley.

We should take your kids there sometime, they would love it. Because of wind and erosion these little goblin-like rock creatures have been formed throughout the valley. It is the best natural playground. I recommend playing hide-and-seek, climbing through the mini-canyons and “finding the rock that looks like a…”

While we are on our getaway, I am also going to take Christopher through my favorite slot canyon Little Wild Horse.

Mostly, I need to spend a lot of time in the desert sun. Dry wind. I crave it when it’s been too long. How about a trip to Lake Powell this year?

Iceberg canyon? Just thinking about this is making me feel better.

I am in charge of Easter dessert on Sunday. I've got this idea about turning a bundt cake upside down to make it look like a nest. I am thinking I’ll fill the hole with Easter eggs. Cupcakes for little people too, using your idea of nestled eggs on top. All Chocolate! What do you think?

Garlic Chocolate? Maybe?

Love,
Your sickly-but-still-and-evermore-devoted sister