TRIP TO IGHTHAM MOTE AND EMMETT GARDENS

Well—this is what is has come to. 

Niel stays at the flat (in bed) and I go on a really neat van excursion with some of the ladies. Only two of the husbands accompanied us, one because he was the designated driver of the van and the other came—well—just because, I guess. It was a beautiful spring day, not too hot and not too cool. The birds were singing like crazy. Did we ever tell you how beautiful the bird’s singing is here? They start before the sun even begins to make an appearance and can be found still singing and chirping away into dark of night. Some people say it’s because the temple is so well lit and they think it is still day time. Maybe. 

The place we visited is a very old Medieval Manor and has some interesting history. Sister Curley explained to us that it was one of many places in which Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife, had left her special mark during her short reign as the King’s wife. She chose the Pomegranate as her personal symbol. When the king put her aside and she was replaced by Anne Boleyn, all of her personal symbols were removed or destroyed. However, there were maybe three that were missed. The picture of the small stained glass panel is one missed by whoever removed them. It is located at this manor which is called Ightham Mote. 

This is a class A #1 English dog house. Built for the American owner (Robinson's) Great Dane. Robinson restored the building etc.

The mote goes all the way around

Ightham Mote, pronounced "Item Mote." The "Ight" is pronounced like "light" and anytime you see "ham" it is pronounced "hem" or "hm"

Let me switch gears and report an experience that happened to Niel in the temple last week. He was sitting at the front desk, where the recommends are checked and in walked a young man who was wearing a lanyard around his neck, identifying himself, and wanted to leave a missionary message of The Jehovah Witnesses. Whoa! This young man then began a conversation with Niel about the things our churches may have in common.  He also talked about the 144,000 elect people who his church believes will be the only ones to make it to live with God etc.  They talked for a short while and apparently he felt like he had accomplished what he came to the temple to do. But as he prepared to leave he asked if he could put some names on the temple prayer roll. (?)  Niel gave him a slip of paper and he scribbled down some names and left.  Niel couldn’t read any of the names, but put the names in the prayer-roll box anyway.  You never know!  

Then later in the week, he received a call that was transferred from the recorder’s office as he was again sitting at the front desk. Now, just who would be calling him at the temple, at 8 am on a Saturday morning? It was Mary Jane Palfreyman. They were just passing through the nearby airport and wanted to say ‘hi’. You never know!

We are looking forward to sending pictures of the beautiful gardens and paths here on the temple grounds. The pictures are nice, but they are nothing like seeing it in person.  

Rhododendron's blooming

Elder and Sister Strong (Oh how their family misses them!)

Niel with Byron Lovell, SHS buddies...Class of 1964

Elder and Sister Byron and Cynthia Lovell, missionaries together in 1965-1966

Beautiful sister missionaries!

Elder and Sister Strong, wonderful Temple  Missionaries

Hi's and Bye's as of recently:

Abraham, a visitor from Nigeria

Hi to Brother and Sister Cummings from Cedar City, UT. 

They will be serving in the Visitor's Centre

Hi to Brother and Sister Rushforth

Bye to Kenton and Marilyn Anderson from Rexburg, ID

Bye to Brother Alan and Sister Rosland Carter from Croydon, England

Brother Carter gave Niel a fly kit as a "going away gift"

Bye to Roger and Moira Head from Poole, England

Bye to Sister Joyce Morgan from Alpine, UT

 Hi to Elder and sister Brown from Yuma AZ

Hi to Elder and sister Parkinson from Rexburg ID

All our love to all of you.

Niel (Grumpa) and Carolee (Granny)

WALTZING INTO LONDON TO SEE MATILDA

Boy, am I going to miss all the STUFF that goes on in London. There is not only the beauty of the countryside and the London Temple grounds, but the theatres, museums, galleries and over-all history of the place. It is such a blessing to be spiritually fed by serving in the temple during the week and then seeing and experiencing all that this country has to offer on the weekend. 

After we finished our shift at the temple last Saturday (May 3^rd), we quickly hopped on the train for a 40 minutes ride to Victoria Station in downtown London. There, we met with the Turners (Ian, Maggie, Jacob, Emily and Ross) to see a musical called, Matilda. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but, I’ve never read the book (shocking) or seen the movie, so we didn’t know what a treat we were store to see. We took a London taxi to the Cambridge Theatre and you could have walked there by stepping from one car or taxi bonnet to the next, it was so crowded. 

The sidewalks were literally covered with vacationers going from one site to the next. Has the tourist season already started? We found the Turners, who, by the way, had a couple visiting them from Las Vegas. It turns out that this fellow (try as I might, I can’t remember their names, sorry) baptized Ian when he was serving on his mission in England in the mid 1970’s. We thought that it was wonderful for them to reunite here in England and it was great to actually meet them, too.

Maggie and Carolee

The actors where "Stonking" And talented!

Love the way the Brits describe their theater

The musical was a special treat. However, part way through it, I turned to Maggie and expressed that it wished I could understand all of what they were saying. She expressed the exact same thing to me! What can I say? You just can’t put a cast of young kids, screaming the words and singing the lyrics at the top of their lungs and combine that with old people, who can’t hear or understand them. Niel understood nothing. But, we got the jest of what was going on from the adult cast members. We walked into the production with a little trepidation and walked out with smiles on our faces. Personally, I loved it. The music and stage and special effects were brilliant! Love the Turners for inviting us to go with them.

The next day, which was Sunday, and after just a few hours of sleep, attended church and prepared ourselves for a Temple Missionary Fireside. The Pinegars from the Visitor’s Centre had asked us temple missionaries to provide a musical fireside of our own. The young missionaries have been doing it on a regular basis. They are all very talented spiritually, as well as musically. Many of them have written their own music to share the gospel message and their own testimonies. So, we didn’t think we could even begin to compare with their firesides. We did quite well, though. You’ll all be surprised to know that we actually got Niel to sing in the choir. He wasn’t and still isn’t feeling too well (got a bad cold), but he helped us out and we needed his help. You’ll also be surprised to know that I wasn’t at the piano, doing the accompanying, but singing tenor with the choir. Guess I’ve been put out to pasture again to refresh other talents. 

London Temple Choir rehearsal

London Temple Choir Trio

Temple attendance has been slow this week. We had record crowds during Easter week. Apparently, it is a tradition for families to come to the temple on Good Friday. The families picnic and mingle on the grounds if the weather is good and they fill the temple sessions all the day long.  We were not there to help, as we were with Julie and Will in Cornwall. I guess they needed and missed us.

Parker Larsen turns 13!

We want to wish our grandson Parker Larsen and Kim Eberhard (Carolee's brother) happy birthdays. We are still trying to find a good time to get in touch with them. 

Our grandson, Luke was also baptized last Saturday. He is sure a handsome boy. 

(Like all of our grandsons) Way to go Luke! 

Lezlee, Brad and Luke Strong

Love to everyone. Stay strong!!

Niel (Grumpa) and Carolee (Gram)