Kathy’s birthday today. I think she had a great day. The custom here is that on your birthday, YOU bring the cake and goodies into the office. So Kathy was up until midnight baking cakes and cookies to take to the temple. I understand its the most sinning done in the temple since its dedication. We went to dinner with the Backman’s tonight to a very good Italian restaurant right here in Chorley. All the kids called tonight.
A couple of weeks ago, it became necessary for me to go to Paris for a meeting at the temple site (under construction). I quickly made travel reservations, packed and went to check in and get our boarding passes when I realized I had sent my passport to the DMV which is part of the process of getting a driver’s license. So, we unpacked and swallowed our pre-paid travel expenses. Maybe next time.
Last weekend, we went to a seemingly endless string of choir performances–looking for the cathedral choir experience. We never found it, and concluded our stake music program was the best around. But it seems every community has a choir. Mostly older women. In one, the two women in the front were actually basses.
Our journeys last weekend took us to Halifax and up above York to the Castle Howard–a beautiful property which is still occupied by the Howard family. It was, of course all decorated for the season.
Main Hall in Castle Howard
Library in Castle Howard
From the Castle, we drove in pouring rain back to that place you are all getting tired of: Fountains Abby. Each time I go there, I see these big up-lights, but they are never on. But, for two weekends, they are–and this was one of them. Pretty incredible.
The drive home was harrowing. It had been raining all day and the roads were flooded. We could usually see the low spots coming–but not always. At least three times, the water came over the headlights and onto the windshield, completely blinding the driver. We were very relieved to get home.
The weather has been extremely wet, but relatively warm. We have seldom been below 40 degrees and usually in the mid to high 50’s during the day. I have taken to walking as soon as I get home from the office. I normally go about 3 miles–rain or shine. Kathy joins if it is not raining or windy, so….never.
Life is good. We are having a great time. We feel especially close to the Savior as we are able to serve Him so intensely. We continue to find people warm and friendly–especially at this time of the year. Kathy has started making cinnamon rolls, so we are making a lot of new friends.
Our love to all.