P Day Trip to John Deere Factory

Sue and Bruce Douglas in front of the "mural" in the lobby of the John Deere Factory in Waterloo, Iowa. They planned this trip for 13 temple missionaries. It was a 3 hr. trip to Waterloo for a one hours tram tour.

This is what they assemble at this plant--quite the production. The facility covers 48 acres. This building was clean and uncluttered. They use up their inventory within 3 days--each tractor takes about 10 hrs. to assemble--quite fascinating to see the process.

We began with a movie about how the company came to be and it's growth. They ship tractors all over the world.

Following the tour we enjoyed lunch at Olive Garden--a real treat considering our limited dining choices near Nauvoo.

President's Day Activity

Family Home Evening at the Arrival Center on President's Day

Gathering of the missionaries

President Ron Rutowski shares his experiences in Viet Nam--when he was 18 he looked just like our grandson Michael! His life was saved miraculously several times as he was in the thick of things. Because he was wounded he was awarded a purple heart.

Wedding Shower for Diane Lambert

Diane (our capable temple laundry supervisor) is getting married this month! She's the one with the red ribbon around her neck

More of my missionary friends celebrating with a brunch at the Arrival Center

More special ladies that I have learned to love

Why are we so happy? Because we got away from our husbands for a couple hours!

Valentines Day

Lunch with the girls at Ivys in Ft. Madison

Roses from John, candy from Geddies and cards from everyone--our cup runneth over!

Taken at our Missionary Valentine dinner at Grandpa Johns (no relation) Feb. 14

Sunday Dinner

We had two groups for dinner today--the first 6 came at 1:30 and the second 3 at 5:30--we have to work around schedules here but the manicotti was just as good the second time around. The roses were left over from my birthday. Next to me is Karen Haering from Glendora who now lives in Nauvoo and runs the Wilford Woodruff B&B and the Temple Gallery. The couple are the Footes who have the awesome responsibility for the Pageant.

Exodus Walk Down Parley St. Feb. 4, 2012--166 Years later

It rained and there was wind but nothing compared to the weather when thousands of the Saints were forced to leave Nauvoo in 1846. Here we are with our Temple President Spencer Condie getting ready to join the procession down the "Trail of Hope" (Parley St.) to the Mississippi. We are wearing the names of John's GG Grandmother and two of her children.

Flags represented the countries of origin for many of the early Saints. Our Ann --age 45-- (John's mother's GGrandmother) Sarah (10) and Samuel Pitchforth (20) hailed from the Isle of Mann in the British Isles. Ann left her husband and 6 of her children to travel to Nauvoo to be part of Zion. She was converted by John Taylor in England.

Can't imagine traveling 1200 miles in one of these--but it was better than walking and pushing a handcart.

And here is Brigham Young himself as part of the parade.

Judi's Birthday

Breakfast with our neighbors Bruce and Sue Douglas--oatmeal/pecan pancakes with a homemade syrup, ham, scrambled eggs, fresh strawberries and a fruit compote--this lady knows how to make a good breakfast!

With my two good friends, Susan Cottrell (Bountiful) and Sue Douglas (Richfield, UT)

So many eagles along the Mississippi during January and February--magnificent birds--they seem to like having their pictures taken.

Winter in Nauvoo

January Birthday celebration at The Bistro in Keokuk (no tablecloths in this state)

The frozen Mississippi

Plethora of eagles nest near the shore

Movie night at the Arrival Center

Catalina Quilt is Found!!!

Found in SLC dead letter/package prison--my Catalina tile wall hanging that I spent hours piecing and had machine quilted by one of my fellow missionary's daughter--prayers are answered~ Isn't it beautiful! It will hang in the Catalina house when we return

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Actually it's been lower than this--like 9 deg.

The scenery is pretty bleak but I like the contrast

Visit to Brigham Young's home on a cold winter day

Wearing the new topcoat and trying to stay warm

Pete starts school

Our youngest grandchild began preschool this month! This is Peter Daines and I bet his mother, Laura, is ecstatic.

Daily Morning Walk

We have befriended 4 horses by giving them "treats" every morning. Meet Moon, Breeze, Harley and the black one (no name)

This is Jan Johnson--my walking buddy and fellow horse spoiler. Yes, we are bundled up for a reason!

New Years Party

Decorating at the Arrival Center across from the temple--filling 30 balloons

Party Committee--Jill, Judi, Sue and Carol

Original hats with one piece of tissue and some frills--just call John "Pope"

Here we all are looking very festive (and silly) but having a great time welcoming in the New Year