The last couple of weeks have been spent largely with Kathy studying for her theory driving test. She took it yesterday and missed only one out of 50 questions (meaning she had the second highest score in all of England–right)? She also scored very high on the hazard perception part (much better than I). Now all she has to do is pass the behind-the-wheel test and she will be a right-proper British driver!
Richard and Suzie have been visiting. They arrived and stayed for a couple of days and then took off to Scotland–where Richard served his mission 50 years ago. Amazingly, they were able to hook up with some of the people he knew then. When they returned, they met a couple at the temple both of whom (or their families) Richard was instrumental in bringing into the Church. We went out to dinner with them and had an enjoyable evening. Richard and Suzie left again the next morning and will be back tomorrow for a couple more days.
Visiting Dunham (early Church history site)
Kathy and Suzie
We are starting to lose some of our friends whose missions are coming to an end. Mom has worked closely with the Robbins (from Sandy, Utah) and the Dicks (from Edmonton). We had them over for dinner. They are just very good people.
The Robbins and Dicks
We had a couple of days of sun this week, so we got out at lunch for a walk. It is just a couple of blocks from our house to be in the Yarrow Valley–with streams and fields. Still need boots because there is a lot of mud–but it is all worth it.
On a walk in Yarrow Valley (near our home)
Due to a lot of traffic at the temple, Kathy has volunteered to work on a couple of her days off. She does enjoy things much more when she is very busy. Strangely, Tim’s work often seems to focus on one country at a time. The last couple of weeks have involved matters in France. Temple projects always seem to be very involved with challenges. They involve such unique land use and design and the construction is very specialized. Often, they are located on a hill–which requires specialized surface and ground water design. The whole process is managed by the Temple Department–which operates quite differently than the regular project management group for other construction projects.
Squatters are a continuing challenge, particularly in the winter months–where eviction is a very unpopular act and often draws media attention. The Church has been extremely humane–but still it is still difficult to keep all under control.
We have had some very cold mornings here. Tomorrow, I expect to once again have to slide down the hill in the car. Our cul-de-sac turns onto a side street which is a bit of a steep slope down the main road. If you get into a slide (which is very hard not to do), you have to be ready to run up against the curb for traction. The alternative is to slide right onto the main street which is not recommended.
Being Valentine’s Day, the kids are calling, so I am going to sign off for now.