Week 34--April 12-18, 2020

We started some new Easter traditions that we learned about from David Butler and Emily Freeman as part of their Easter presentation.  One was a testimony and scripture tree. We had the sisters over. We talked about Mary at the tomb on Easter morning. After Jesus appeared to her she was instructed to go tell the apostles and bear testimony of what had happened. We each then wrote our testimonies on paper,  placed them in an egg, and hung it on the tree. We then discussed the apostles on the Road to Emmaus. After the Savior unfolded the scriptures to them they recognized Him. We each then wrote a favorite scripture about the Savior on a slip of paper, placed it an egg, and hung it on the tree.

 We thought that we would get out of yard work this year. Not So! The beds and trees around the Visitors' Center needed to be mulched. So on Tuesday we all went to work.

Sister Cannon thought mulching would be a formal affair so she wore a skirt.  (She was actually training some of the young missionaries later in the morning.)

President and Sister Cannon.

 We are all part of the Mulch Workers Union. One of our senior missionaries has a good sense of humor.

Sister Larsen carries a bag that is almost as big as she is.

 Elder Brown opening another bag to spread.

 Elder Larsen has been busy pulling weeks before putting down the mulch.

Elder Harrington and Sister Brown work on the bed next to the welcome sign.

 Sister Harrington gets another bag.

Here, Sister Harrington take another one, Elder Brown offers.

It was a good time to be with the other senior couples and to be working outdoors. The temperatures were cool but we soon warmed up with our hard work.

We made short order of 135 bags of mulch in two hours. We will have to wait for more to be delivered to finish the project.

More bags arrived and we finished the project on Wednesday.

On Thursday we drove to Liberty to see the flowers in the beds there. There is an assortment of beautiful purple tulips with some yellow daffodils thrown in.

 We see trees like this one all over the area. They are called a redbud, rosebud, or Judas Tree. The light purple blooms are gorgeous.

This house is across the street from the cemetery where we walk. They have placed a variety of bottles on stakes along the driveway. Yard Art Independence style.

On Saturday we decided to walk to the Visitors' Center. We passed this house which is typical of the older homes in the area with porches. This one is called Bryant House and is on the National Registry. It was built in 1867, and expanded to its present Queen Anne-Eastlake design in 1890. The house was owned by Dr. Bryant and his wife, Harriet Smart Bryant. He was a prominent physician and successful businessman in the area. His wife was the daughter of Judge Thomas A. Smart.

 The flowers at the Visitors' Center are a little behind the ones at Liberty Jail because they are on the west side of the building. A lot more yellow flowers here.  We didn't mulch where the flowers are located because they will be dug up and annuals will be planted in their place.  We hope to salvage some of the bulbs to bring home to Idaho.

This flower reminds me of a peony bud. The tulips that were planted are fuller than the ones we have at home.

A light delicate tulip.


Each Thursday we have the opportunity to join a ZOOM call from the History Department of the Church. We are given presentations on various aspects of Church History from knowledgable people who have done extensive research. This week the presentation was on "Joseph and Emma Smith: United in the Restoration."

Also on Thursday, Sister Henderson had a birthday. She turned 20. Garnalee made a chocolate cake, and we invited the sisters over for cake and ice cream.

Temperatures have really been erratic.  One day in the high 70s; and the very next day highs in the 40s. My sister Marion referred us to watch The Chosen on YouTube.  Season one was eight episodes.  We have watched the first seven. It's free to viewers around the world and portrays the life of the Savior as interpreted by this group of filmmakers.  To their credit, it's very well done and is inspiring.
The project of inventorying the books in the VC library is finally finished.  There are many books and articles in the library that we will have to read as they pertain directly to what we talk about in our tours.  We're thinking this quarantine could last another month.  Only time will tell.  In spite of being sequestered, we can go out for a walk every day and enjoy being out-of-doors.