The past month has passed so quickly. Even in these slow winter months, there seems to always be places to go, things to do and people to see! And the weather is ever changing.
You may have heard of the polar vortex that visited us. Note the "feels like" temperature. For us Californians it was a bit cold.
So we visited the blacksmiths shop! There was a roaring fire and it was so fun to visit with these brothers. On the left is Brother Flanders whose wife we had met at a different site and on the right is Brother Whiting who happens to come from Kuna, Idaho and knows my brother and sister-in-law very well. Such a small world.
My friend Sister Tolman modeling a "shirt apron" that we found at a quilt shop. Most of the Sisters took a day trip up north into Amish country to visit some quilt shops, a creamery and grocery store.
Here are most of us at a mall for lunch.
We visited the seventies hall and found some interesting artifacts upstairs. I thought the clam shell buttons were pretty. I would love to see how they made them.
In the Heber C Kimball home we found this family portrait. I thought the way the little girl was portrayed was interesting.
So the snow melted, we had a heat wave in the 40's and now it is snowing again.
The first weekend of February was the annual remembrance of the exodus of the saints in 1846. We were in the temple for our regular Saturday morning shift so we missed the reinactment of everyone walking or riding in wagons down Parley street. So I took my own trek that afternoon. It is one of my favorite walks, anyway, down to the river where they crossed over to the Iowa side. Reading about my grandmother Patty Sessions experience at this time makes it come alive for me. She left a few days later. This is from her story, using her diary: " On the twelfth she crossed the river, remaining on the west bank while Mr. Sessions returned to Nauvoo for some forgotten things. "Knit almost a mitten for him before he came back," she records. "Gave breakfast to some people whose wagon had not caught up with them." Patty, who was sometimes regarded as being close in a deal, was indeed generous when she felt inclined to give. She and Mr, Sessions moved on to Sugar Creek February 14th, "3 o'clock . . . Just done storming," she wrote. "Ground covered with snow and water, is very bad underfoot. Attended prayers, Father John Smith's tent. Visited many of the sisters. It was very cold. The wind blows. We can hardly get to the fire for smoke, and we have no tent but our wagon Thursday 19 no tent yet, but wagon comfortable. Wrote letters to children in Nauvoo. Mr. Sessions sent a dollar yesterday for cloth to make the ends (of the tent). It has come, but no twine to sew it with. David (son) has come back. It storms fast. He takes dinner with us again and starts for home. 20. Friday. It does not storm but the wind blows and it is very cold. 23. Monday. We qot canvas for a tent. Sewed some on it. 24. Tuesday. Stormed all day. Finished sewing it together. Mr. Sessions went home to get tent poles and other things. 25. Wednesday. Lie very cold this morning. On Thursday, the 26th, she wrote, "So cold I could hardly stir Mr. Sessions and I went over to Nauvoo to get the stove and cow. Saturday 28, came back. Put our stove in the tent. We put John Scott's wife to bed. Miscarry. Are comfortable." Since living here and feeling that bitter cold and wind that comes off the river, I have a better understanding of what she meant about being cold. And she didn't have my sleeping bag coat, warm boots and fleece everything. I'm so glad they were able to get the stove for the tent.
As part of the remembrance celebration, there was a fireside featuring Brother Ben Pykles from the Church History Department. He is an archaeologist, but spoke about building up Zion. This was the last quote. The reference is covered up, but it is from the Times and Seasons.
One morning I was out for a walk and there were so many honkers out. Here are a few of them. They were honking up a storm and it was beautiful to see them taking off and landing in groups.
Every Fast Sunday we divide up into groups for dinner. In February we were able to eat with President and Sister Irion in their home. They are on the right.
We never get tired of seeing the temple.
For FHE on the monday before Valentines Day, we had a dance in the Cultural Hall. We stopped on the way up the stairs to see the quilt collection. This one was Peter's favorite.
So this is where Emma and Joseph and the other's in original Nauvoo danced. The floor is original. This was taken from the little balcony up above. Most people aren't allowed on this floor, so it was pretty special to get permission for this activity.
First we square danced and then Elvis and his friend came. The suit looks tan here but is actually gold and looked pretty fun. They are both temple engineers but sounded great singing oldies that we "missionary oldies" loved.
On our last P-Day, we drove to an Amish grocery store that was really fun. We found some great cheese at a great price which always makes us happy!
The store had everything from cheese to clothing to yardage to books to kitchen gadgets. Here are a couple of ice cream makers. Guess how much the 5 gallon model costs. For serious ice cream lovers!
( $1400)
I don't know how he does it. but my sweetheart always manages to spoil me on special days like Valentines. He found some beautiful roses in little Nauvoo and delicious dark chocolate. And he takes me to the temple almost everyday. It doesn't get any better than that.
