Head Honchos

Beautiful Bolton Abbey

2011-04-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

On the winding road to Skipton you see the turn off for Bolton Abbey. There isn't a clue of the treat that awaits you as you round a curve to see what is left of the magnificent old Abbey. Henry VIII is the one they blame for the ruinous state they are in today. You could spend a whole day hiking around the grounds and up on the moor.

Salsa Class is getting beyond me!

2011-04-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

Another partner is needed so Jordan Watt can learn to Salsa dance. Guess who gets to fill in??

SPRING HAS COME TO LEEDS AGAIN. HURRAH!!

2011-04-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

Daffodils line the streets in all shades of yellow and soon after come the blossoms on the trees. It is a welcome and beautiful sight.

2011-04-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

J.P., AS RUTHIE (R.B.) CALLS HIM, LINES UP WITH HER, ROBIN, RACHEL, AND BETHAN AFTER BEING IN THE TEMPLE BAPTISTRY.

SAME GROUP WITH SISTER PLATT!

JAY, TRICIA, AND ROBIN AT THE PRESTON TEMPLE

2011-04-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

ROBIN, A NEW MEMBER FROM CHINA WENT TO THE TEMPLE WITH THE YSA TO DO BAPTISMS. HE LOOKS SO NICE IN HIS BORROWED SUIT!

GRAND NIGHT AT THE GRAND THEATER

2011-04-04T01:28:00.000-07:00

THE GRAND THEATER IN LEEDS BRINGS IN THE SAME SHOWS THAT PLAY IN THE WEST END IN LONDON. JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR COAT PLAYED IN MARCH AND SO WE WENT TO SEE IT. VERY WELL DONE!! WE ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. THIS IS A PICTURE AIMED AT THE CENTER OF THE CEILING. IT IS A BEAUTIFUL OLD BUILDING.

NOSTEL PRIORY NEAR WAKEFIELD

2011-03-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

Robert Adams designed some of the furniture that Chippendale built. The decoration matched his ceilings. He even painted some of the paintings in the house. What a talent!

More Robert Adams' Ceiling Art

2011-03-30T00:10:00.000-07:00

Robert Adams' ceilings

2011-03-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

Talk about gorgeous! It looks like wedgewood on the ceiling. I'm in love with Robert Adams' work. We've seen a lot of it now in the great homes we've visited . You can't see the 3 dimentions in this picture, but I assure you the plaster work is fantastic.

Eating, and More Eating, then comes the Exercise!

2011-03-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

Tom Walker just started an exercise class as part of his work at Uni. The guinnea pigs are: Sarah, Becky, Sally, Bethan, and Laura.

Anyela's Salsa Dancing Class

2011-03-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day Activities

2011-03-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

How about a Blind/Blind Date? That's what we did one night. Everyone was blindfolded--girls on one side and boys on the other. They did an activity together, then moved down a chair to a new date. They built something out of Legos, decorated a cupcake, moulded something out of playdough, and had taste tests with whipped cream, pudding, and hot sauce. It looked really fun!

Tom Mc Nee was the host for a FHE version of THE DATING GAME. He took on the persona of a well-known British television personality. Scuba Steve ended up choosing Megan Price as his date, and I can't remember now who was chosen by the other contestants.

Matthew Wilkinson's farewell

2011-03-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Matthew Wilkinson was called to serve in the Madrid, Spain mission. We drove up to Warfe Valley for his farewell. He is one of those valient young men who served as executive secretary to his Bishop at 18 years old.

Kevin Lund's Baptism

2011-03-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

Kevin, Tracy Lund's brother, was baptized by Elder Huemos from Germany. Also pictured is Elder Murphy from Austrailia. These two missionaries have been with us for several months and we hope to keep in touch with them. Isa and Jordan were instrumental in Kevin's decision to be baptized.

Farewell to Jainan

2011-03-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

Jainan left to go back to China on January 10th. We had a farewell party for him at the institute and he gave a little speech telling everyone what a good experience this had been and how he had come to know he had a Heavenly Father and he hoped he would be able to find the church in China. He is very special to us and thanks to email we keep in touch.

The Shambles in York

2011-03-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

This street is one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe. The buildings on opposite sides of the path hang over far enough that two people on upper floors could reach out and hold hands. Shambles comes from the word shammel which means animal flesh. There are ledges on the lower windows where butchers would display their meat. They would slaughter animals in the back of the building so there would always be a fresh supply of meat. Some of these shops and houses date back to 1350.

York before Christmas 2010 and New Year's Day

2011-03-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

The knave of this chapel was built in the 1200s. Here it is all lit for the last time of this Christmas season.

After attending the York New Year's Eve dance, we enjoyed a day in the old city with the Westons.

Bitter cold winter's day in York

2011-03-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Straight out of Mary Poppins-"Feed the Birds"

2011-03-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

2010-12-15T13:51:00.000-08:00

I'M THE WINNER!!!!!

THE ALL TIME MOST MASSIVE SET OF COLD SORES IN THE WORLD!

AS THE BRITS WOULD SAY,

"B R I L L I A N T ! ! !"

FAMILY HOME EVENING ACTIVITY......SPOONS

2010-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

WE HAD A GREAT FAMILY HOME EVENING ON DECEMBER 13TH. J.R. CONDUCTED AND WAS IN VERY GOOD FORM. JOSH LOYNES GAVE AN EXCELLENT LESSON, AND THE ACTIVITY WAS A GAME OF SPOONS! IT WAS HILARIOUS! JUST LOOK AT JAINAN'S FACE WHEN HE GETS "OUT" AND IS WATCHING THE GAME PLAY OUT! BEING AN ONLY CHILD, HE HAS NEVER REALLY PLAYED GAMES, AND HE THOROUGHLY ENJOYS EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

THE ELDERS BROUGHT ONE OF THEIR INVESTIGATORS WHO IS IRANIAN. I THINK HIS NAME WAS NIMMITZ.

LOTS OF GOOD FUN!

2010-12-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

OH CHRISTMAS TREE, OH CHRISTMAS TREE

HOW LOVELY ARE YOUR BRANCHES

IN BEAUTY GREEN WILL ALWAYS GROW

THROUGH SUMMER SUN AND WINTER SNOW

OH CHRISTMAS TREE, OH CHRISTMAS TREE

HOW LOVELY ARE YOUR BRANCHES

CHRISTMAS AT 12 BREARY TERRACE,

HORSFORTH, LEEDS LS18 5QJ

MY NIGHT JOB

2010-12-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

I REALLY LOVE THE LITTLE TOWN OF OTLEY. ONE DAY I THINK I SHOULD BUY THIS BAKERY! SOMETHING TELLS ME THE OWNER HAS THE SAME IDEA! WOW!

Thanksgiving with the Young Single Adults

2010-12-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

2010-12-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

Elder & Sister Platt, would you make a real Thanksgiving dinner for us? So...Sunday evening after Stake Conference we met at the Institute for a "real Thanksgiving dinner". It was fun. They pitched in and brought a pound for the turkey, plus a side-dish. Between the two dinners, Jay peeled 30 or 40 pounds of potatoes. We also peeled potatoes for the homeless meal. He has become an expert now!

Sara, in purple, is our newest convert from Mexico City.

Looking out my window, I can see FUN!

2010-12-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Dinner with the Senior Missionaries

2010-12-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

There are 14 Senior Missionaries in our mission, and we decided to do a Thanksgiving dinner at the institute. We had to wait until 3 p.m. to close up the building before we could really start cleaning and bringing down the dishes from upstairs. We had them nearly all washed and dried when the Westons came. After getting the tables set ( I should say the ping pong table) and the serving table ready, we put the final touches on the food. Everyone began arriving at 5:00. Some had a 2 hour drive and had a hard time finding the building. Side dishes included mashed sweet potatoes with a coconut, pecan topping, a raspberry cream cheese salad, a waldorf salad, brioche, hand dipped chocolates, fruit & cheese platter, and fresh vegetables. The only negative was the cost of the turkey--75 pounds. Americans aren't used to paying that kind of money for a turkey. It wasn't a bit better than our "free with $50 of groceries" turkey.

I thought we would play cards and pool and have a good time, but by the time we got things cleaned up, it was 10:30 and everyone was bushed. It was a very nice day. I have to say that even though we didn't have our own dishes and serving pieces and tablecloths from home, we did our best to make it look nice.

As we went around the table saying what we were thankful for, it was a tender experience to hear how good Heavenly Father has been to all of us in so many different ways.

2010-12-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

Tricia, Sister and Elder Martin, (new CES missionaries serving in Hull, the only British Senior missionaries) President & Sister Lindley from Riverton, Utah, the Boyacks from New Mexico, and Sister Armstrong

2nd photograph

The Armstrongs from Tucson, the Westons from Logan, the Bowens from Ephraim, Tricia, and the Martins

2010-12-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

Elder Bowen, Elder and Sister Boyack, and Sister Armstrong visit before our Thanksgiving dinner.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer

2010-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

Fixing food for the Homeless

2010-12-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

Since it was the week of Thanksgiving, we wanted to share our bounty with those not having a place to call home. We fixed mashed potatoes, gravy, steamed carrots, and a nice sausage roll. Then the YSAs paired up and went to a crypt where the homeless stay until the shelters open for the night, and presented them with a good meal.

The kids returned in time for their institute classes and afterwards we fed them Turkey Sandwiches on homemade rolls. There were lots of mashed potatoes and gravy left, so they had a mini-feast.

POOL SHARK

2010-12-02T06:58:00.000-08:00

We acquired a new pool table for the institute and guess who just loves it? Elder Platt is all smiles when someone says, "Care for a game of pool?" He's known as the biggest "trash talker" ever. Just as his opponent is ready to pop the ball he'll say, "Sarah, your shoe is untied." "Jordan, did you know you put on two different colors of socks this morning." And so goes the ribbing! I think they quite enjoy it! And he is full of excuses when he misses the ball. You don't fool me, Jay Platt!

Part Of The Everyday Lunch Crowd

2010-10-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

It is reminiscent of a by-gone era when the kids would come home for lunch and often have friends with them. What to serve a hungry mob with 20-30 minutes to eat? That was the question then, and it is the question I ask as I start each new week. I'm getting a little bit food-weary and I'm the one gaining weight! Not Fair! Sunday night Jay always asks, "What are you going to fix for FHE treats tomorrow?" My answer now might sound something like this, "I don't even want to think about it till tomorrow." I usually have a pretty good idea what I'm going to be doing.

Kirkstall Abbey in October

2010-10-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

Bake-A-Date Night

2010-10-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the cakes the young women baked. The little pool table cake went for 80 pounds. Only Isa and Jordan could pay that price. They are employed and get a paycheck!

Bake-A-Date Night

2010-10-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

The first two cakes were made by 2 of the young women, and the "hot dog" was made by a young man. Quite clever, I think.

The top bid was 80 pounds for a double date.

J. R. Allwood and his Bake-a-date cake

2010-10-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

It's time you all met J.R. He is another of the valiant YSAs. For Bake-a-date night, participants could bake a cake and decorate it. Girls were to put their cakes in one room and boys in another. Then they brought the boys' cakes out and the girls bid on them without knowing who they were getting. The winner got the cake and a date with the young man. The price she paid for the cake is the price she was to spend on the date.

J.R. sold some dvds to get the money to go out and get what he needed to put together a cake. I think someone bid 18 pounds for his cake and he was absolutely thrilled. (He said he spent 30 pounds on his cake)

Everyone loves the new pool table

2010-10-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

Isa, the sharp shooter is king of pool. This young man is one of our favorites! (We only have 100 favorites) He joined the church about a year ago, and is the only member in his family. He's such a good young man and has supportive friends in Huddersfield in the form of Jordan Wilkey, Paul Stainton, Ben Rawnsley, Megan Platt, and Nathan Salcombe.

I'm sure there are many more I haven't named.

I love Red, and so can't stop taking pictures of the vine.

2010-10-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

Beautiful England

2010-10-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have been excited to see the colors of Autumn unfold. Now we are seeing the change from green and more green to bright red, orange, yellow, and gold. The grass stays green all year round, so it makes a beautiful contrast to the fall colors.

The Virginia Creeper has now lost most of its leaves. Only the red stems remain. We pass by this row of flats every day as we travel on Low Lane.

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" dance

2010-10-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

Wednesday nights we started having some dancing after institute classes are finished. So far there was one on Salsa, then Jenny Boyd taught the Michael Jackson "Thriller", then we went back to Laura Thornley and her ballroom dance partner teaching the cha cha and other dance moves. It has attracted some fun kids who really want to learn how to dance.

2010-10-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Human Battleship and Human Checkers were two of the games the activities committee organized for our Opening Social. Their philosophy is "Keep it Simple". It has always worked. These kids participate and always make it fun. There was a sheet dividing the room and separating into two teams. The kids are the battleships, then they have a bean bag they throw over and try to hit a battleship. If you get hit, you're out. So goes the game until one side destroys all of the ships on the other side.

Human Checkers involved some leap frog moves and piggyback rides.

All in all the evening was a success with good food, lots of laughter and visiting, some guitar playing, and of course the christening of the pool table.

There were over 100 that attended.

Last Day of Manchester Convention

2010-09-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Wish we had pictures of the Sunday Meetings, they were wonderful. Elder Teixeira and Elder Kerr area seventies were with us, one from Frankfurt and one from Scotland.

We sat all day listening to talks and the choir and only at the end did we realize our legs and bottoms were suffering.

Here are a couple of the groups doing their service projects.

More Service Projects

2010-09-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Painting a logo on T-shirts for a school in Africa, and tying off quilts which go to a shelter.

This is one of our YSAs, Michelle Coke. (you've got to love her name)

Some of our favorite youth from the Huddersfield Stake. All have gotten real active in the last little while. We love these kids. The boy without a hat is waiting for his mission call.

Manchester Convention - one of four service projects

2010-09-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

They made these little Nativity Sets for hospital rooms. They turned out cute.

The red head is a girl we've not seen much at the institute, so we were glad she went to the convention.

2010-09-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

Here we have a picture of Jainan, Clio, and Bethany. Dad helped Jainan with his dissertation .

Another Family Home Evening Activity

2010-08-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

Dad looks on to make sure no one crosses the line while knocking down the water bottles. Oh boy, we are improving when it comes to activities.

Minute to Win It

2010-08-24T04:58:00.001-07:00

Katie Wills told me about "minute to win it". There are many fun games. This one they put pantyhose over their heads. In one leg is a ball. By getting your head swinging, you knock over eight bottles of water (unopened, of course) in under a minute. This was our FHE activity last night. It would be a fun one for your own FHE.

2010-08-24T03:55:00.000-07:00

I forget every time that the first picture and posting I use will actually be the last in the series. I need some help. How do you keep the text and photos flowing so you don't have to go to the next post to see something that belongs together? Anyway, this British Prom was fun to attend. The Brits are fun people and they love their country and think it is the greatest in the world. We had to keep reminding them (yeah right) that there is no country like America.

2010-08-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

Castle Howard Prom

2010-08-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Castle Howard Prom

2010-08-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

A Rainbow topped the night off

2010-08-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hail Britannia!

2010-08-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Castle Howard gleaming as the sun sets. We all felt as though we had a truly British experience that night singing Rule Britannia and Jerusalem--"And did those feet in ancient times walk upon England's mountains green, And was the holy lamb of God on England's pleasant pastures seen."

2010-08-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

Castle Howard Prom

2010-08-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

A Prom is a program held at one of the grand estates. They put up a band shell and the National Symphony accompanied a wonderful young Scottish tenor and an English soprano who sang some of our favorite pieces. Everyone brings lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and flags. Dad told the Westons about it and so they got President and Sister Lindley, and the Armstrongs, and we all went together in the mission van.

2010-08-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

Dad and Uncle Rich having a good visit over lunch.

York Minster

2010-08-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

270 steps up a winding staircase for

this view. The next day my thighs hurt every time I went up stairs, but

it was worth it. The view was stunning and the cathedral is beautiful even with much of the stained glass being repaired. We are planning on going to Evensong at Christmas time. The sound should be fantastic with those cathedral ceilings.

The City of YORK

2010-08-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

Within the walled city are neat cobblestone streets with quaint little shops. Christa, Erin, Emily, and I could have spent a lot more time browsing. We took a walking tour of York with a great guide that showed us fascinating places where historical events have taken place. We would have missed out without him. Erin has two weeks of single life left, then she'll be a Sadie, Sadie, Married Lady.

Clifford Castle in York

2010-08-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

Clifford Castle in York

2010-08-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

William the Conqueror built up this mound of dirt

sometime around 1066 and then built a fortress on top. It burned and was replaced with

this stone fortress. York was the capital of the

North. Anyone opposing William got hung in

the square next to the fortress. It was entertain-

ment for the town till they outlawed public hangings.

2010-08-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

Shoes from the display at Fairfax House in York--handmade, I'm sure.

I can't remember if these are women's or men's.

2010-08-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

It might be good to have one of these on hand for those bad hair days. A mohair wig--imagine how hot that would be . The black covering might keep the moths out. They had a nice display of shoes, clothing, and wigs from the 1700s at the Fairfax House in York.

2010-07-05T01:29:00.000-07:00

Protect that tie at all costs. Jay has a personal relationship with the man at the dry cleaners!

Who is Winning?

2010-07-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

Michael Brown and Ross Ballock play a game of chess after Family Home Evening. Josh McNee is distracting Ross while Michael works out his moves. Michael is here from Boston working on an his Masters Degree.

Family Home Evening

2010-07-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

Some said it was our best treat ever. Refried bean dip, guacamole, fresh salsa, and chips. "Too spicy," one was heard to say.......we have to break them in slowly to our Mexican Cuisine. WHO WOULDN'T LOVE MEXICAN FOOD? ARE YOU CRAZY? DO YOU HAVE ANY SENSE OF ADVENTURE? Actually, all but one loved it! Here they've even cleaned up the mess.

Summertime Family Home Evening

2010-07-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

We thought there wouldn't be many here this summer for FHE, but they keep coming. This room gets like a sauna. No air conditioning in the Institute!

Kirkstall Abbey BBQ

2010-07-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

We went straight from taking Maren and Mike to the bus station to buying food and preparing for an activity. The action never stops. Here we have Alex, (a nonmember who comes faithfully) Emma Midgely, a newly returned missionary, can't tell who that is with the plate on her lap, but the girl in the white and black top served her mission here. She is from France and returned for the reunion with Pres/Sis Stock before they left to go home.

A SCENE FROM PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

2010-07-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is the very house where Pride and Prejudice was filmed. Does this look familiar, Trey and Brindi?

Four years ago, we were here with Trey and Brindi.

We spent a beautiful day here when Mike and Maren were visiting. The "Capability Brown" landscape is absolutely breathtaking. We'll make return visits with anyone else who comes over. Promise! And can you believe NO RIDING LAWNMOWERS IN THOSE DAYS! That's what the sheep were for, I guess. There were many sheep in the fields.

For the Grandkids

2010-07-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is a big SLUG which entered our flat from under the door. That black space between the wood floor and the white door is just that--a hole. Nothing is finished properly in our cute little, little, flat. So we get guests sometimes. OOOOH they have big snails of all varieties and slugs of all shapes and sizes. They give me the creeps! I hate stepping on them. It's the biggest squish and splatter.

2010-06-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

Remember the tale of Peter Rabbit? Well, I have to believe that Mr. McGreggor's garden looked just like this, with a little shed on the side filled with pots and tools. This is Beatrix Potter's home and office after she left home and was a woman of independent means. She called it Hill Top. I love her beautiful illustrations and her clever stories. I love Mrs. Tiggy Winkle and Jemima Puddle Duck. Whenever a farm came up for sale in the Lakes District, Beatrix purchased it, and when she died, she gave over 6,000 acres to the National Trust. That is why the L.D. is not over-developed today.

2010-06-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

With the old stone houses and beautiful vegetation, even towels on the clothesline add to the charm.

This is in the Lakes District.

The Brits love to hang out their washing.

2010-06-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

On our way up to Newcastle to pick up Maren and Mike, we stopped at Beamish, an old mining town which is now a living museum with people dressed up in costume at the school, mine, old candy store, etc. I really enjoyed seeing what was up on the walls of the schoolroom. (maps, plants, animals, historical events) The cupboards were filled with snakes in formaldehyde, butterflies, bugs, and reptiles. Kids would be intrigued with these objects.

The smell of coal permeates the area. We went into the mine and heard about the life of miners. Many boys started as young as 8 years old. They would use boys to push the heavy coal carts, or to open and shut the heavy wooden doors. Because they used dynamite to blast the coal off, many men went deaf and many lost their lives. It was a terrible life, but it paid a wage which was hard to get in those days.

2010-06-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

Saying goodbye to Anyela Rodriguez on the day she left England for Venezuela. She is a friend from Trey's mission and a very special YSA in the Leeds Institute.

Come back soon, Anyela.

2010-06-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Our last time with President and Sister Stock at the Harrogate Zone Conference. They have been called "Ever-ready Bunnies" as they never seem to run out of energy. They go from one conference, to new member firesides at their home, to dinner for all the incoming missionaries, then for the outgoing missionaries, they have been so good to all of the senior missionaries, as well. We have all enjoyed their hospitality, love, and enthusiasm for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Two reasons we love the Leeds England Mission.

2010-06-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

This is our last Zone Conference in Harrogate, and Elder and Sister Boren sat at our table. What a nice couple! They are working hard down in Sheffield, and are reaping some success in terms of baptisms. Yea!

2010-06-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Food, food, and more food. I spent Friday cutting pineapple, melons, and other fruit for kebabs for graduation. We spent the day before shopping for all the produce. Saturday we decorated, then ran to the Institute to put the kebabs together. Jay has become my best helper. We fixed for 150. They seemed to love the fruity drink and the chocolate fountain and fairy cakes. It all turned out so nice, and that makes it worth all the effort.

2010-06-06T15:31:00.001-07:00

These are some of sweet girls we'd like to bring home with us. (Heidi (from Utah), Rachel, Sarah, Ruth, and Rosi.

They worked hard to help decorate for the Institute Ball last night. It looked beautiful with netting on the ceiling, fairy lights, butterflies, and roses to fit the theme "A Midsummer Night's Dream".

2010-06-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

Yummy! Trey always wanted us to taste the food of Venezuela and we now know why he loved it. The plantains tasted like potatoes, the Venezuelan french fry.

2010-06-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Anyela Rodriguez is here in Leeds as an assistant Spanish teacher. She and Trey served in the same mission in her country of Venezuela. She came over and showed us how to prepare arepes and empanadas. They were delicious--filled with ham and cheese or chicken and red bell pepper. She ended up with a burn from the oil-- one of the hazards of empanadas.

Practicing a dance for EFY.

2010-06-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

There is always something fun going on at the Institute. This time it's learning a dance for EFY.

The YMYW are in for a treat with Sarah, Clio, and Rob serving as their counselors.

Elder Randy & Sister Deb Weston

2010-05-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

Sister Stock, The Mission Mother

2010-05-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

Our Mission President, President Stock from Wyoming

2010-05-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hardy Brits

2010-05-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

While going for a Saturday afternoon ride through the Dales, we came upon these two young girls playing in the river, then going clear under for a swim. It was cold yesterday. I had on a turtleneck sweater with another sweater on top and I was freezing. They seem to be able to take cold really well, for when it's snowing, freezing rain, or whatever weather condition makes me want to hunker down, they are out jogging as if it was a balmy day.

Moss Carpet

2010-05-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

I love the moss covered tree trunks and the beautiful rock walls covered in moss.

You never know who will turn up to FHE.

2010-04-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

Fashion Show--Family Home Evening Activity

2010-04-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

For the activity part of FHE we had a contest between four groups for the best outfits out of garbage bags. They are pretty clever. They walked down the runway and posed in front of the judges (Jay and I) so we could get a really good look before we made our final decision. This was the winner.

Spring in the Yorkshire Dales

2010-04-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

If I had a good camera, and knew how to use it, I'd be out taking pictures by the hundreds. I love all this beautiful color in the trees and flowers. Oh but....I'm on a mission. I better control myself.

Here's to James Herriott!

2010-04-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

Years ago we started watching the BBC series All Creatures Great and Small. It became a weekly ritual that we looked forward to with anticipation. With fond feelings for the author (pen name James Herriott) we set out for Thirsk, the village where he lived and had his vet practice in the Yorkshire Dales. Because of their love for Herriott, the people of Thirsk purchased his home after his death and now have a museum. (They also filmed the BBC production on site here.) We were told his son still practices veterinary medicine in the area.

The Surgery & barn at James Herriott's home

2010-04-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

Where do pigs get their personality from?

2010-04-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

For the Grandkids

2010-04-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Temple Newsam has a collection of rare breeds of farm animals. How do you like the bare-necked chicken? Not as pretty as the chickens we have at home. The Hereford breed of cattle is now considered rare.

Temple Newsam

2010-04-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

We spent Saturday afternoon with Elder and Sister Weston at Temple Newsam, an historic house built in the 1600s with a marvelous art collection, and a Capability Brown landscape.

(1500 acres of landscape) Lord Darnley, husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, lived here for a period of time. It was a warm day with lots of sunshine, so the massive lawns were full of families having picnics and visiting the farm. I'll post pictures of some of the rare farm animals they have in their collection.

Mornings for Missionaries

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Hall Park

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This park gets prettier every day now as blossoms come out and flowers begin to bloom. It's a great place to walk (for me and dad) and jog (dad).

More Yorkshire Dales

2010-04-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Since the Institute has been closed for Spring Break, we have gotten to see more beautiful country. On our way home from Haworth we stopped at Chevin Forrest and climbed part way up the hills to get this view of the Dales. It is a spectacular sight. It only takes about 10 minutes to be out of the city and into farm land.

Bronte Parsonage Museum and Cemetary

2010-04-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite books of all time is Jane Eyre. My mother showed it to me when I was still a girl living at home. Now, Wuthering Heights, on the other hand was a little disturbing. Only because I always want things to end happily and they just never did in this book. (Poor Heathcliff) I have only seen Tenet of Whitefell Hall on BBC. The Brontes were beyond talented. Just think what they might have produced had they lived longer. All of the Bronte children proceeded their father in death. His wife died in her 30s, followed by two young daughters who had gone away to school. It was common in Haworth for four or five families to share a privy, and for the waste to run down the street in open ditches contaminating water supplies. In spite of it all, Charlotte writes, "My home is humble and unattractive to strangers but to me it contains what I shall find nowhere else in the world - the profound, and intense affection which brothers and sisters feel for each other when their minds are cast in the same mould...." (spelling as she wrote it)

HAWORTH, Home of the Brontes

2010-04-09T03:50:00.000-07:00

Beautiful stained glass windows from the church where Charlotte's and Emily's father served as curate. There is a parsonage behind the church where the family lived and where the three daughters, Charlotte, Emily, and Ann wrote. They are known throughout the world as the #1 literary family. The second pictures looks down the cobblestone street of their little village.

My Thrift Store Find

2010-04-09T03:41:00.000-07:00

Van Gogh for 4 pounds. With every wall bare, I've been looking in thrift stores for something to brighten things up. I found this little print a few days ago and will keep looking for a few others.