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)