Burning the Prarie Grass

Remember the prarie grass back in June? It was growing "this" high? 

This is how high it was last night, March 26 

 

And this is what a prarie grass fire looks like--fortunately it was a control burn with fire trucks standing by--boy--was it ever HOT! 

Spring's Ups and Downs

Where John is spending some time these days--flu and pneumonia 

A sampling of our beautiful tulips in front of the temple 

And behind the temple 

In President Condie's front planter 

Relief Society Re-enactment Mar. 17, 2012

Waving from the wagon that took us to the Red Brick Store 

Here we are in our pioneer dresses just like the sisters in 1842 when the RS was organized 

Spring has sprung!

We have white blossoms 

..and pink blossoms 

..and yellow daffodils 

Nauvoo Winter Temple Choir

This is "my" temple choir 

John Deere Trip Feb. 2012

Tella says she needed a magnifying glass to find us in the other picture so here's a bigger one of the whole group of missionaries before we took a tram tour of the 48 acre John Deere Assembly Plant.

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.