Temple Week #19, 13-19 October 2014

The weather was interesting this week.  Beginning on Sunday, it was cloudy and rainy clear through Wednesday without a speck of sunshine!  Then came Thursday and the sun came out and how nice it was.  Its brightness and the cool autumn breeze made a perfect mix for being outside.

The temple was busy and we were on the late schedule.  By Saturday there were two coaches in the car park plus the baptistry was busy the entire day.

Throughout the week we spoke with children on the phone, cleaned the flat, and got the laundry done.  We did grocery shopping Thursday morning with stopping for breakfast at Toby Carvery.

Friday was Milton's funeral and I thought of him and all the family that would be together.  I so wanted to be there. We called the children on Saturday and Sunday to hear how it went.

Our children who attended the funeral:  Halie, Jeanna, Kendal, Sam, Bridger, Bob, and Tyler.

My Sunday story:  We had just begun Gospel Doctrine class at church when the teacher asked a question.  I quickly raised my hand when to my surprise, before I could answer, a member of the Primary presidency asked  for one person to assist in nursery.  When the teacher looked up and saw my raised hand she said:  "That is great Sister Brown.  Thank you!"  So off to nursery I went.  It wasn't bad at all.  The leader was prepared and I assisted with six little ones.  Some became my buddies and even smiled at me after class was over and we met in the hallway.

Dad and I went for a walk during the afternoon and captured some of the beauty of fall here on the temple grounds.

Planes fly over constantly.  It appears Moroni has something to say to this one!  President and Sister Johnson were out walking and Bob coaxed them into a photograph.  We had a very nice visit with them.

From Home:  Katie's family attended the Phoenix Temple Open House.

Katie, Lorili, Gabe, Henry, Caleb, Eliza

Temple Week #18, 6 - 13 October 2014

Monday evening we had a Hi and Bye.  What fun it was with all the hi's.  So many more missionaries are coming to our corner of the world.

Sister Pilgrim is here from Belgium for her second mission at the temple and is on the B shift.  Top:  Brother Head (his wife was ill), from England, is here for a second mission at the temple and is on the A shift.  Sister & Brother Key are here for six months from Jersey and are on the A shift.  They come for six months and then go home for six months for tax purposes.  Middle:  Brother and Sister Prentice, from England,  are going home from their service in the temple office, him was an assistant recorder.  The Crosslands are in the photo with them.  Bottom:  President and Sister Crocker are here for a second mission and will be on the B shift.

Our week in the temple was busy with patrons and we were on the afternoon schedule.  We were in sessions together here and there and worked in other areas of the temple as well.  Saturday I was in clothing/till.  It had been awhile so I refreshed my memory with looking through the user binder.  Patrons were steady in and out and things went well with Sister Davis and I working together.  We enjoyed visiting and getting to know one another more.

Brother Vowels helped Dad get the car to the mechanic and in two day's time he had it repaired.  By this time, though, Dad was deciding he needed a larger, newer car, and bought Brother Roger's Peugeot.  While our car was down, we hired a taxi to take us to Jimmy Chop Chop in Crawley where I had my haircut scheduled.  Dad shopped while I was there.  We ate out and by the time we got home, it was 7 p.m.  It was quite the experience with a £33 haircut and a £28 taxi fare!

2005 Peugeot, four-door.

I made phone calls concerning Milton's passing.  I talked with Sonia and asked that she notify the Farar extended family.  I also called Uncle Ralph and Aunt Shirley.  I had a wonderful conversation with the two of them.  They were sad to hear the news, but they are doing well.  We reminisced on days gone by and family members that are now gone.  I also called Katie and asked that she let Delma and Janet know.  She did and then let me know the sad news that Janet's daughter Camille, collapsed outside a Circle K on 5 Sep, and went into a coma, then passing away on 7 Sep.  Causes are unknown.  She was 35 years old and left two children.  What a sad time for all of them.

We went to family night on Wednesday and learned about beauty from within and that the outside is not all that matters.  We also learned and played a British parlor game, "The Minister's Cat."  Everyone stands in a circle and the leader is in the middle.  He begins the phrase:  "The Minister's cat is a . . . . .cat."  Using the alphabet and beginning with the letter a, each person is to use an adjective beginning with that letter to fill in the blank.  If you do not come up with an adjective that has not been previously used, you have two tries before you are out.  When the letter is missed, you begin with the next person using the next letter of the alphabet, b, and so forth clear to z unless only one person is standing before then.  The phrase is spoken in rhythm while everyone claps to it.  We had a lot of fun playing and you guessed it, I was the winner!  (I think it was because I was the only American playing and I have a different vocabulary.)

We called our son Bob for his birthday on Friday to wish him a happy one.  We had a great conversation and it appeared he was having a wonderful day with greetings from family members.

We enjoyed a talk by Brother Steven Vowels, Anthony's father, in church on Sunday.  The Goose Story has many truths that can be applied in many different aspects of life that will help us learn the art of loving and caring for others.

The Goose Story

Next

fall, when 

you see Geese

heading South for 

the winter, flying along

in V formation, you might

consider what science has dis-

covered as to why they fly that way:

as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an

uplift for the bird immediately following.  By

flying in V formation the whole flock adds at least

71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

Family members who share a common direction and sense of unity

can get where they are going more quickly and easily

because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

When

a goose falls

out of formation,

it suddenly feels the drag

and resistance of trying to go it alone

and quickly gets back into formation to take

advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

If you have as much sense as a goose,

you will stay in formation

with those who are headed the same way you are.

When

the Head Goose

gets tired, it rotates back

in the wing and another goose flies point.

It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs

with people or with geese flying South.

(He mentioned here how a father and a mother work together

in sharing the workload of raising children and keeping

a home together.)

Geese

honk from behind to

encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

What do you say when you honk from behind?

(Are they words of encouragement or words of criticism and bullying?)

Finally,

and this is important,

when a goose gets sick, or is

wounded by gunshots and falls out

of formation, two other geese fall out with that

goose and follow it down to lend help and protection.

They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until

it dies.  Only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation

to catch up with their group.

If we have the sense of a goose,

we will stand by each other 

like that.

Word for the Week:  Flu jab, not shot.  We have been trying to get a flu jab and the surgery schedule has not been able to fit our working schedule.  We were at Boots pharmacy and saw they give them out, so we took advantage and got them without having to wait.  It was quick and easy and we were on our way.

The Isle of Wight - The Rest Of The Story, 4-5 October 2014

We awoke on Sunday, the 5th, to blue sky and warm sunshine.  We ate a leisurely breakfast in the hotel's restaurant overlooking the Solent.  To our surprise, we saw that Yarmouth Castle was built right onto the George Hotel, or I should say the George Hotel was built onto the castle.

Yarmouth Castle was built to protect the harbor and to defend the western end of the Solent.  It was the last and most sophisticated addition to Henry VIII's chain of coastal forts, being completed after his death in 1547.

The street we drove on to the hotel.  The George Hotel from the pier, showing the castle to the right.

The hotel from the castle wall.  The patio from the restaurant.  From the castle looking out to the pier, and Barbara.  I stood on the end of the pier to take the previous photos.

Two areas in the castle.  The iron gate opens out into the hotel patio.

From Yarmouth, we headed on around the coastline to Alum Bay to view The Needles.    The Needles is three distinctively stacks of chalk.

We rode the chair lift out over the cliff to the beach, where we boarded a boat to get closer to the Needles, way out at the end of the point of the land.

We chose to ride the chair lift.  You can see the walkway to the right.  You can also see the dock down below.  We did not ride in the speed boat you see there, but a larger one that went slowly up to the Needles.

Alum Bay is known for having 32 different colors of sand in its cliffs.  The colors are so definite.  We are edging closer and closer to the Needles and begin to see the lighthouse.

The lighthouse was built in 1859 and sits near sea level.  It was continuously manned until 8 December 1994, when it was made fully automated.  Note the helo pad on top.

Bob and I enjoyed the boat ride with the wind in our hair.  When we got back to the top we took the bus that brought us up on top for a spectacular view of the bay, The Solent, and different angles of The Needles.

On top, we walked to the other side of the point and had amazing views of the cliffs, The Needles, and the sea.  God's creations are beautiful.  I thought of what Michael must have thought after he had helped create the world in all of its spendor.

The Needles Old Battery is punched amid acres of unspoilt countryside.  It is a Victorian fort built in 1862 and was used throughout both World Wars.  The middle picture is of the point we came down the chair lift to the beach.  We did a lot of walking and at one point Dad started studying all the trails in order to find the shortest distance to where we were going.

The parade ground still has its two original guns.  We went down 19 steps to an underground tunnel that led to a searchlight emplacement with dramatic views over The Needles rocks.

The view from the searchlight emplacement out to The Needles.  The first soldiers came to the Old Battery in 1864 and the last left in 1945.  Their job was to protect the Solent passage and the dockyards at Portsmouth from enemy invasion.

We completed our tour, caught the bus back to the car, and headed out, traveling along the southern coastline.  The beautiful weather lent itself to gorgeous views of ocean, cliffs, rolling fields and grasses, and where water meets land.  We were sailing along without a care, just looking for a bed and breakfast for the night and to watch general conference.

All of a sudden Dad noticed the car was getting hot.  We pulled off and he checked engine to find everything looked good and sound.  It had cooled some from stopping.  We headed back out and more anxious to find a place for the night.  We came to The Wight Mouse Inn in Chale, and a room was available for us.

We settled in, Dad checked out the car once it had cooled, and then asked some of the guys at the Inn if a garage was near by.  They told him where one was and he decided he would take the car there in the morning as he was thinking the thermostat was stuck.  We watched general conference and it was during the break when Nelson made contact with us about Milton passing away.

We awoke Monday morning to a storm that had blown in during the night.  There were high winds and plenty of rain.  Dad got the car checked out and the mechanic agreed with him it could be the thermostat, but he was not able to fix it today.  Dad got the same news from the Vauxall dealer on the island.  He then called AA, our roadside assistance service.  They sent out a tow truck and a mechanic.  Adrain said his shop would not be able to fix it today either.  Our best bet was for him to take us to the ferry where we could get to the mainland where we would have a better chance of getting it fixed.

We had our things already packed in the car, he loaded the car onto his truck, we got in, and he drove us across the island to the ferry in Fishbourne.  Our time was scheduled for 4:30 p.m., but we all figured we would be able to get on earlier if there was space, like when we came on Saturday.  Well, due to the weather in the Solent, and the ferry service down one boat, the 12 noon ferry had been cancelled so that put all the other ferry's behind.  We sat in the coffee shop all afternoon waiting for our turn.

Five hours at the ferry. . . .without much to do. . . .but figure out things to do. . . .like count how many cars load onto the ferry. . . .112. . . .with lorries or without. . . . .eat lunch. . . .play endless games of spider. . .edit pictures on my phone. . . .walk around. . . .watch people. . . .talk to people. . . .go outside when the sun comes out for 20 minutes. . . .count the coaches lined up to load. . . (they don't load because they are empty and are at the end of priority.) . . try to guess when we will load. . . etc.

Our turn finally came and we were on the ferry and underway at 5:55 p.m.  The ride over to Portsmouth went smoothly.  Dad made the decision that we would drive the car home with going slow and stopping when needed to let her cool down.  So, off the ferry we drove at 6:40 p.m., headed to Newchapel.  The hour and half drive it took to come to Portsmouth on Saturday, took three hours going home.  We made two stops to let her cool down and continued driving with the heater on to draw heat off the engine and the windows down to draw heat off of us.  Dad stayed off the motorways so he could pull over when needed.  The clear night and full moon made for a beautiful canopy to drive under on the twisting, winding, narrow country roads we found ourselves on.  We were without a flashlight to view the map and Dad could not figure out how to turn the dome light on, so we relied heavily on the GPS.  The drive was without incident and we were both very happy to arrive at the lodge safe and sound, at 9:30 p.m.

Milton Passes Away, 5 October 2014

The day ended with the sad news that Milton passed away this morning.  It came as a shock but a relief at the same time and I am thankful he is my brother and for the love he always showed me.  

Danny, Mom, Barbara, and Milton.  We flew to New Hampshire in 1983, when Milton was called as a bishop.

Nelson called to tell us the news and then I went to our email and found this message from Lynette:
"Extended Family:   This is my first email out to let close family and dearest friends know that Milton passed away this morning about 4:30A. This is a wonderful release from the suffering of Alzheimer's and I keep thinking he has graduated and is thinking, seeing, feeling and communicating again and, although I know he is concerned about all of us left behind, it must be a joyful experience for him. I was able to have two hours with him two days ago and, although he couldn't communicate with me, I know he was hearing my voice and I felt like he was trying to open his eyes and speak to me. We talked of so many things from our time together to our beautiful family to how grateful I was for the ordinances of the temple that seal us together for eternity. I am so grateful for that time.

   We don't have all of our plans together yet, but our thoughts are that there will be a viewing and very short program here in Texas and then he will be flown to Salt Lake where there will be a funeral and burial at the Wasatch Lawn Cemetary. We are hoping for Friday, October 17th, but please don't buy any tickets or anything like that until I have definite information. Kim, Evan and I are meeting with the funeral director tomorrow at 10:00A so I should have more information after that.

   I know how much Milton loves all of you and I know he would want me to tell you what a wonderful, positive impact you have all had on his (and my) life. 

Love, love, love, Lynette"

The next email:  "The schedule is now set. There will be a viewing in Texas at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 3701 Rowlett Rd., Rowlett, TX 75088, 972-412-5195 on Friday, Oct. 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. The funeral will be in Salt Lake at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Chapel on Friday, Oct 17 at 11:00 AM with the burial directly following the service in the Wasatch Lawn Cemetary. The address is: 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, Tel: 801-466-8687.

   You can contact me at home (972-240-0890), on my cell (603-231-8509) or by email (lfarar@gmail.com). 

   Thanks so much for your love and support. It means more than you know!!!

Love, love, love, Lynette"

My email to my family:   "You all know that Milton passed away yesterday.  Thank you for tracking us down.  I had a good conversation with Lynette last night.  She is at present, doing okay as he was in a care facility for 2-3 months already and she had made peace with him not living at home.  

   I am doing okay.  I love my brother and am sad that he is gone, but I know he is gone to a better place.  He would not have known me any longer in this life and now he does know me.  He had been in my thoughts off and on throughout the day and when I got the call, I knew why.  We will not be coming home for the funeral.  Please remember his family in your prayers and thoughts as they work through this sad but joyful time.  As Lynette said:  "I know now that when it is my time to go, he will be there for me."

   I am grateful for the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that Heavenly Father loves each one of us and is ever so mindful of us.  I am thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price to know how to succor us in our times of need.  I hope we all take full advantage of the atonement through repentance, forgiveness, and feeling the love of the Savior.  I am thankful to know that our family will exist in the eternities and that this life is not all there is.  It will be a joyful reunion for all of us when that day comes.  Until then, may we all live to be together!

I love you all so very much, Mom"

The last time I saw Milton - Damond's funeral in January 2013.  Bill Conrad, Danny, Milton, Aunt Millie Sonia Serrano, Sharon French, Carla Underhill, Barbara.

Danny, Milton, Barbara

The following emails then began to come and go:

"Dear Family, I will be attending Uncle Milton's funeral on the 17th in SLC.  I have looked at Buddy Passes to SLC for the funeral.  On US Airways there is availability to make it here and then back home.  You would have to come up Thursday night and would be able to make it back Friday night or on Saturday.  The earliest flight on Friday gets you to SLC at 10:15am.  That is not enough time to make it to the funeral. The round trip price from PHX to SLC is $126.70.  I checked flying from YUM to PHX to SLC and the round trip price is the same.  Tuscon price was $8 more at $134.70.  If any of you are interested in coming please let me know and we can get you here.  If you happen to buy a buddy pass and then aren't able to use it, you do get a full refund.  This is standby travel, but I wouldn't offer if I didn't think you would make it.  My kids are out of school the 16th and 17th and I would be able to pick up and drop off at the airport for any of you that come.  

    Please don't feel obligated to come.  Full price tickets are close to $400.  Just trying to help where I can.

Kendal"

"Thank you Kendal, That is extremely kind. That is my schedule exactly. I was going to leave Yuma at 6 p.m. Thursday and return Saturday morning/afternoon. I accept you offer. How do I get you payment? On another note, I am renting a car at the airport and am willing to provide the transportation from the airport and back. I am also getting a hotel room I am willing to share. If anyone needs a ride or a room, let me know. I'll save you a trip to the airport Kendal. I'm sure you drive there enough. Thanks again, Bob"

"Thanks Kendal. I will be driving up and attending also. I can help with airport transportation along with anyone that wants to come my way and travel up. I will be staying with Halie Thursday night and home Friday after funeral. I would love to connect with any of you that are attending.  

Jeanna Mortensen "

"Thank you kendal and Bob for the offer. It is extremely kind of you. Unfortunately I will not be able to take you up on it since I will be 36 weeks at that point and with the pregnancy issues we've been having already traveling is out of the question for me and my family.

    Although I am glad though to know our family is going to be well represented and showing forth the love that uncle Milton always did with our family. He was a great man and we were all blessed to have him as our uncle.

love, Juliann"

"Lynette,  It appears that some of our children will make it to Salt Lake.   We love you all so much and our prayers and thoughts are with you.  Love, Barbara"
      "It will be wonderful to see them! It can't be easy for you to lose a brother who watched over his little sister. I'm so happy you are serving in the temple. Working and serving in the Boston Temple is a major highlight in my life and I felt like it helped me over many "bumps." I love you and your family!

Love, love, love, Lynette

Thank you for letting everyone know. We have had so many friends and family who have gotten the word out and the expressions of sympathy and support are totally amazing and wonderful. I understand the feelings of peace the atonement brings. I am sad occasionally, but more often joyful about the peace and happiness Milton must be feeling. John called and said he was envious of all the answers to questions his dad is getting and how much he must be learning. I have to admit the thought has occurred to me as well. We are being truly blessed!!!

     Thanks so much for your email. I'm so glad you get to serve a temple mission. What an incredible blessing!!!     Love, Lynette

Some memories of Milton:

Milton was my big brother.  Due to the age difference, we really never played together, but he always looked out for me and took care of me.

I remember the time in grade school when I had an injured knee with bandaging that kept me from bending it.  I wanted to ride the bus to school as usual but it would be very difficult to climb the steps up into the bus and then get off the bus.  Milton was in high school at the time and drove himself there each day.  To solve my dilemma, he carried me onto the bus and then followed it to school so he could carry me off the bus.  He repeated this ordeal when school was over.

Top left clockwise:  Dad, Milton, Danny, & Barbara.  Our family one Easter.  Same Easter, getting ready to go to Church.  Young Danny & Milton.  Danny, Dad, Milton, Barbara, & Chow dog at Tacna house.

Family photos, Milton as a toddler and with Chow.

When Milton started dating, he took me along to the drive-in movies.  I cannot tell you how many movies I watched!  He included me with his "girl" friends which always made me feel special.

Donna Lane, Milton, Tom Burk, Clara Jo Atkin, Barbara

When He and Lynette got married and later moved to Utah, I began spending summers with them.  I was there when Kim was born and when Debbie was born.  They always made me feel a part of their family and included me in all that they did.

Left to right:  Bob, Lynette & Milton at Visitor's Center, Washington D.C. temple, 1978.  Family photo taken in Salt Lake, October 1986.  Mom and her posterity at a Farar reunion in Cottonwood, 1977.

When Bob and I got married, Danny and Bill were on their missions.  It was a special treat to have Milton and Lynette in the temple with us on that special day.

When our first baby was born, Milton & Lynette's Bill was born a few weeks later and we enjoyed telephone calls about our baby boys being the first of our parent's grandsons.

Over the years of our families growing, Milton and Lynette made numerous trips to Yuma between Christmas and New Year's Eve.  We have so many wonderful memories of being together, playing games, shopping, going to Mexico to eat, recounting family stories, sleeping all over the house and out on the trampoline, and cooking food in many forms and making lots of it.  Each time it was wonderful to be together and enjoy the bond of family.  

Our family in Tacna.  Mom & Milton in Salt Lake.  Bill Bolerjack, Milton, Bill, Danny, & Rebel in Tacna.  Milton, Barbara, & Tyler, Yuma.

We have made visits to their home in New Hampshire and each time we felt the love and joy of family.  

When Milton came home for Mother's passing, he let Katie and her date use his rental car to go to the prom.

When Bob was to undergo surgery, Milton extended his visit and traveled with us to Phoenix for the surgery and stayed with us for the day.

When I think of my brother Milton, I think of his bright smile, his warm hug, and his genuine love for me.  I loved to hear him call me "Sis," and "Babs," as they are endearing names that mean love and joy to me.  My relationship with my brothers is what I have always hoped for, for my own children, because family is really what matters when the dust clears.

I know that what ever it may be, if I needed it and Milton could do it, he would.

I will miss him.  The last several times I have spoken to him on the phone, he was different and I recognized that he was already making his journey home.  I know that he is now free from the bonds of his earthly body and is jumping for joy in the reunion he has had with his parents, brother, grandparents, and others dear to him.  

I love you, Milton.  Your favorite sister, Barbara.

Family in Tacna.  Milton, Dad & Danny.  Grandpa Farar & Milton.

Our family and school days for Milton.

The Isle of Wight, 4 October 2014

We were up at 5 a.m., loaded and on the road by 6 a.m.  We turned on the GPS on Dad's phone and away we went.  The sun had not come up yet so we were relying on the directions given to get us to Portsmouth.  Dad had studied the map the night before and was getting concerned as the way it was sending us was not the way he thought we should go.  We pulled over three times for him to check the map and try to feel comfortable with the way we were headed.  Everything seemed as though we would arrive on time, so we pressed forward, and we did arrive in plenty of time for the ferry.

We even had time to get some breakfast and got to the Wightlink Ferry early.  They went ahead and loaded us, being the last car on.  The middle bottom photo is leaving Portsmouth with the Spinnaker tower to the right.  Bottom right photo is docking at Fishbourne.

While on the ferry, it began to rain and continued until mid afternoon.  The wind blew and the temperature was a bit chilly.

Our first stop was Osborne House, the summer home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and their nine children.  The home is in East Cowes and was built between 1845-1851.  We were not allowed to take photos inside.  The home was full of nude artistry.  One room had a family tree written on the wall to show how Queen Victoria was successful in marrying off all her children to royalty.  It was quite the tree to look at and see where each line went.  The family rooms were all upstairs and the lower rooms were for entertaining, guests, and service areas.

Due to the rain, we did not get a photo of the front of the house.  These photos are from the back as I returned from the beach.

Prince Albert built a Swiss Cottage for the children to play in, a playhouse, if you will.  It is quite the playhouse and is still decked out with furniture, toys, dishes, and dress up clothing the children used.  They even had a garden and out back Prince Albert built a play fort fully equipped with toy cannon, bunkers, flag, and such.  I could only think of all of our grandchildren and how they would love to have such a place to play.  Thor and Nate would enjoy the garden.  The play fort is out back where the tall trees are.  The rain kept us from taking a lot of photos.  We took the courtesy bus to the cottage to avoid being so wet.

The house sits about 5/8's of a mile from the beach and there is a very nice path down to where they would take the children to swim and play.  With the weather being as it was, Dad did not want to walk down to it, but I did.  So, with camera and umbrella in hand I took off.  I was amazed at the beautiful forest and trees and pathway.  Some of the trees were turning colors and beautiful to see.  The beach looked like a nice place to play and swim with a dock going down to the water.  On occasion the family entertained guests that arrived at the beach.

When I arrived, I went right in to the cafe and ordered a hot chocolate.  Oh, it was ever so good and warmed me up for the walk back.  I commented on the weather to the clerk and that I was probably the only one they had seen.  She said one other person was there before me and just then about eight people came in.  I couldn't figure out where they came from as I did not see them on the trail.  It turned out there is a courtesy van that will bring you to the beach.  I didn't know that and since I had walked down, I was going to walk up, and I did.  Dad was cozily waiting in the restaurant when I returned.

There were trees of every shape, size, and age on the grounds.

After our time at Osborne House, we headed on to Carisbrook Castle.  We stopped for lunch in a town along the way.

The walk up to the entrance.  

Walking through the gatehouse.

The gatehouse has stairs that lead up and through it.  From inside you can view the buildings of the castle.

The rain stopped and the clouds broke for a spectacular view of the castle from its grounds.  The flag flies atop the keep.  Carisbrooke Castle has been a symbol of political power, a fortress protecting England against invasion, a prison and a home.  People have lived here since before the Norman Conquest.

The castle is noted for its famous working donkey wheel in the well-house (red roofed building).  Donkeys walk to turn a wheel to lower and draw up a bucket from the 149 foot deep well that has supplied the castle with water for centuries.

Jigsaw was the brave donkey for our demonstration.  He was attentive and went right to work.

A walk up the steps to the top of the keep, and then down.  A panorama view of the island was amazing from our vantage point atop the walkway of the keep.  The top right photo below is  Mount Joy Cemetery and the bottom right is the bowling green where soldiers once paraded.

The Chapel of St. Nicholas is inside the castle and is decked out in tribute to all the fallen from England's wars.  The flowers are from Princess Beatrice's garden.  She is the daughter of Queen Victoria of Osborne House and lived at Carisrooke Castle as an adult.  Within her garden stands a statue of the real War Horse, Warrior, with General Jack Seely astride.  His newspaper obituary reads:  "the horse the Germans could not kill."  It is in memory of all the horses that were used in the wars.

The day had been a beautiful outing and we were now ready to find a Bed and Breakfast and stop for the night and to watch/listen to General Conference.  We drove to Yarmouth and secured a room in The George Hotel right on the dock.  The room was very comfortable and the wi-fi worked well and conference came in clear.  We tried to watch it at first but then checked and listening was much better in that it did not stop and start so often.  We were tuned in at 5 p.m. and then at 9 p.m.  Between sessions we took a little walk and found supper.

Temple Week #17, 30 September - 3 October, 2014

The week went well with being on the p.m. schedule and slow attendance in the temple.  We used our workers a lot for patrons.  We had rain most every day and some days the clouds would go away and bright blue skies and warm sunshine was the scene.  I took advantage of that and spent time out on the lawn, reading, and soaking up the rays.

We made a trip to the doctor's for Dad to have blood work done and I talked with the doctor about my tummy issues.  The GERD has been worse and I cannot seem to get a handle on it.  He upped my medication dose and added one to follow meals.  As I began the treatment, relief came.  Since Dad had been fasting for the blood work, we went to Toby Carvery for their breakfast buffet afterwards for breakfast.

One day while on shift, we were asked to attend a session due to the low patron attendance.  That worked out nicely for both of us.  Another day, a female was needed to do a baptism and I was asked.  It was nice to participate in the ordinance and be reminded of it.  Sister George fell sick on Thursday, the regular shopping day, so we took her on Friday when she was better.

We did our shopping at the Sainsburys Superstore in Crawley.  I really like it because it has a much larger selection, is newer, and easier to get around in.  We found all we had on our list.  We spoke with Kendal on the phone as plans are starting to formulate concerning her family's visit the end of October.

Dad came home Thursday night and said he had a thought:  "Since we are not working on Saturday due to General Conference, do we want to go somewhere for the weekend?"  That got us to thinking and I pulled out my bucket list and we selected the Isle of Wight.  We began researching all there would be to see, how to get there, etc.  We went to bed with seeing how we felt about it come morning.

We woke up Friday, and knew we were going to the Isle of Wight.  We finished plans, packed, and then went to the temple.  We had a good shift with plenty to do.

From Home:

Adellae is Student of the Month.  The Umphress Family at the stake open house.

Adellae sent a picture.  Fall is in the air.  The acorns and pine cone are from the temple grounds as the trees are beginning to change colors and drop their leaves.

Tyler sent photos of Charly at her swim meet he attended in the Phoenix area.