The week was filled with the usual temple shift each day, errands, this and that, and I spent time at the piano each day. I am substituting at the organ for three weeks, so I needed to prepare. We had lots of clouds and rain and cool temperatures. At night I think I am in Yuma during the winter! We saw several American families in the temple as they are on holiday. We always like to hear their "accent."
On occasion the sky would clear and the sun broke out for beautiful scenes around the grounds.
Do you know why everyone looks up to Moroni?
I couldn't resist these photos from home. Kendal was in Yuma and the grandchildren had plenty of together time; some not so happy. . . . . . .
and others, okay.
Our three mission babies, Eliza (13 months), Collins (8 months), and Koa (5 months).
Collins hopes to be the star sports player.
We had a Hye & Bye on Sunday. Missionaries have come and missionaries are going.
Elder & Sister Cummings are going home. They served in the Visitors' Centre.
Elder & Sister Hansen have come. They are serving in the Visitors' Centre.
Elder & Sister Mansbridge are coming. They are serving in the temple. They are on our shift.
Sister Smith had eye surgery on Monday. We made a trip to visit her in the hospital. Sister Bustamante, Sister Christensen, and Sister Allen came with us. Sister Smith was surprised to see us and we all enjoyed being together. Afterward, Dad took us to the Prime Meridian in East Grinstead. Sister Christensen had not been there so she was happy for the adventure.
Monday evening was a pioneer day picnic on the temple grounds. Elder & Sister Garrett put it together and it was a great time. We had American hotdogs, complete with all the trimmings, including baked beans, chili, crisps (chips) of every kind, but no Cheetos, potato salad, macaroni salad, green salad, etc. We had ice and large cups to hold our soda in and the dessert table was strewn with a smorgasbord of American and English sweets.
Following the meal, Elder & Sister Parkinson led us in dancing the Teeton Mountain Stomp. It was a fun round dance that passed one from one partner to another. What fun that was. The celebration ended with a Reader's Theatre about the pioneers and their trek west. It was a well done tribute to their faith, courage, and endurance.
Brother & Sister Vowels, Edward (gardener) & his new wife of two weeks, Sister & Brother Basten, Sister & Elder Garrett, Brother & Sister Whitehouse, Sister Rogers, President (counselor) & Sister Irwin.
Elder Tooley is standing. Behind him is Sister & Elder Parkinson, Sister & Brother Callaghan, and Sister & Brother Brook.
The highlight of the week was our trip to Highclere Castle, the filming set for the TV series, Downton Abbey. It was raining on our way there and when we first got there. We went in for our tour and when we came out, the rain had stopped. What joy it was to walk the grounds and gardens without an umbrella in hand.
View from the car park. It is as grand as it appears in the series.
The present day Castle was designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1842. Barry was also the architect of the Houses of Parliament.
Coming up from the grounds and gardens.
Highclere Castle is the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the seat of the Carnarvon Family for over 300 years. It is the finest occupied Victorian mansion in England.
We were not allowed to take pictures inside. I purchased postcards of some of the rooms to remember this visit as they are in the series. The entrance hall is of stunning gothic design with marble columns and a vaulted ceiling.
The state dining room was amazing. When I entered, I felt just like Carson, the butler, was right behind me with a tureen of food to place on the side table. I just stood there and soaked in the atmosphere remembering many scenes that had taken place at this table.
The drawing room is where the women retire after an evening meal. They conversed with one another and enjoyed polite conversation.
Here in the library, scenes were shot of various discussions, etc. It is not plain to see, but behind the far red sofa is the writing desk Lord Grantham uses in the series. Several scenes came to mind as I saw and touched the desk. The library houses over 5,650 books.
The smoking room was where the men retired after an evening meal to smoke, have a drink, and converse. We also saw Sybil's bedroom and the bedroom the Indian Prince Pamuk died in. Walking in the hallway by the bedrooms on the first floor brought various scenes to mind.
One of the treasures of the Castle is the Egyptian Exhibition housed in the cellars. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon, 100 years ago, along with his colleague Howard Carter, discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun, in 1922. The exhibition is an extensive collection of artifacts from the tomb and mark the time period of Tutankhamun. There is a real mummy. It is amazing how well all of them are preserved and the use of gold in all of their workmanship. It is all most interesting to look at and read about.
We by no means toured all of the gardens or even half of them, they are so extensive. But, we did walk down to Monk's Garden, on to the Walled Garden, and ending up in the Secret Garden. The lush vegetation and foliage was a sight to behold and provided a peaceful stroll and feeling of serenity.
The Monk's Garden
A busy bee gathering nectar from lavender in the Monk's Garden.
Flowers in the Walled Garden. The top ones are called Soldier's Buttons.
"Daisies. I like daisies. Don't you like daisies?"
Dad found the Secret Garden and entered first.
I don't know what this flower is called, but it grows in Yuma. Molly had it in her front yard across the street from our house.
A view of the Castle from the Secret Garden.
