September 13, 2015

Sept. 13, 2015

We had a beautiful Labor Day!  It was a very nice, hot day.  The Mission President had planned to have the Rochester West Zone and the Palmyra North Zone come to the mission home and have a P-Day party.  It began at 11:00 and ended at 3:00.  We played games ate hot-dogs and hamburgers, and visited.  It was a great day.  After eating I found a nice shady place to sit and several others sat there also.  I was visiting and looked over at Elder Merrill just as he started tipping over in his plastic chair (the kind that the legs buckle under you) and he grabbed my chair.  Well, that was all it took and I went heels over head down with him.  Elder Workman from across the yard said that he would give me an 8.5 for the full gainer (or whatever you call the maneuver I performed).  He would also give me 10 for grace.  I’m sure it was quite amazing!  No one was hurt in the performance of the spectacle.  We had a relaxing day!

Elder & Sister Merrill, Elder Detlor, Elder Scott, Elder Rushton, & Elder Peterson-Rochester West Zone

It’s funny, but taking off on Monday didn’t seem to make the week at work go any faster.  We were surprised on Tuesday by the lack of mail that came into the office.  (our carrier thought that someone hadn’t opened some of the carts or whatever there is that holds mail at the USPS) 

We went walking after work by the Erie Canal and found out that they are running the Sam Patch canal ride in the fall at 12:00 and 2:00 on week days.  We are planning what we will do when we are visited by Grandma Merrill, Marilyn, and Rebeca.  We are excited to see them!  We may also get to see Hannah, Jake and Charlie.  

Elder Merrill and Flat Stanley at the Erie Canal

We hadn’t had rain her for 3 weeks or more and so on Thursday we were happy when it began to rain.  It rained hard and then was over.  It’s funny how fast the rain disappears here.  They have great storm drains.  On Friday it looked dry again, it clouded up and rained all day Saturday and has been overcast all day today (Sunday).  I think we will be alright—drought avoided!

We had a sister today at church from Utah that used to live in Batavia.  She seemed to know everyone and told them about others that had moved west.  She said that one of the members isn’t attending now because she is saying, ‘if I had known that Joseph Smith had plural wives, etc. ‘  Well, she told her that ‘oh, don’t use that excuse—you knew he lived polygamy when you lived in Batavia—you need to come up with something else’.  There is a lot of anti-Mormon publication out there and they are really hammering at Joseph Smith.  Well, I have gained a stronger testimony of his mission being here and reading the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants more.  NO ONE could have written those books without the help of the Lord.  They testify of Jesus Christ and his mission.  The Book of Mormon is true!  Another thing—why would anyone want to go through the tests and trials that Joseph went through if he didn’t have a testimony of the Lord?  I certainly wouldn’t want to be tarred and feathered, beaten, put into prison, and murdered for nothing.  Was he perfect?  NO, but he was God’s chosen prophet to usher back the true religion of Jesus Christ, and I am thankful for him.

We bought some scallops from Trader Joe’s yesterday and cooked them on the stove.  We have had such a fish house since.  We have used Fabreeze  (and it doesn’t work as well as the commercial says) and opened every window and door.  PHEW!  I will not be cooking those again! 

Oh, we made the lasagna this week (the one with the Beesley recipe) and it turned out really good.  We took it to work and shared with the ladies.  We put half in the freezer so we have a quick meal when we need one.  

We went for a drive Saturday and found this interesting sign.  I didn't know if it was an entire field or one bulb.  They must have quite a few because they had a table with a cash box.  We got 2 large bulbs of garlic. (or is it cloves or heads--I don't know)

The fair has been going this week and it sounds like they have had lots of business and work.  We have missed being with them at the fair.  It is always a good time to be with our family.  

Breading the Shrimp!  Fun! (love the tongue)

Blessing:  We found out today that Summer was helped last night to avoid an accident.  She was leaving the house and looked at the oncoming traffic and thought that it was alright, but felt that she needed to wait.  A car came roaring by and she ended up following it and it wrecked about 1/4 mile from our house at the canal.  The driver was able to jump the canal and then roll the car past the bridge and wasn't injured.  He was drunk and if she hadn't waited--we don't want to even think about that.  We are so happy that she will be celebrating her 18th birthday on Wednesday.  

Happy Birthday Summer, Elizabeth, Grandpa Butch, & Roger!  We love you all!