Shutdown for Two Weeks

We had some special experiences this week. We also were privileged to assist in getting the temple ready for closure Saturday after the last session. Sister Timmy Siebach, our temple matron, had surgery last week and is doing better every day. The Cederlofs have gone home to Bountiful for two weeks and the Jones are taking charge of cleaning the temple.

Today in the Palmyra Ward a new Bishopbric was called. Bishop Kevin Hill, Robert Ingold, and Steve Clark were released after 5 2/3 years of service. Our new Bishop is Gary Wildey, previously on the High Council, Ken Grier, and Greg Templeman and Dave Collett executive secretary. Also Sister Nancy Bassett, our Home Teaching sister, turned 86 today and is the oldest member of the Ward. We have enjoyed getting to know her.

The temple has closed for two weeks for cleaning and maintenance. Monday morning we go in to help with cleaning and inventory. Tuesday is my birthday and Thursday we are taking a tour of the Susquehanna River area. We'll let you know what else we do.

We have had a wonderful visit from the Juan and Ginger Brea family this weekend. What fun we have had being with them. They arrived late Friday evening. Saturday they went off to Niagara Falls and had a wonderful day seeing the falls, taking the Maid of the Mist ride and seeing the film.

Paul, Juan, Sophia, Ginger, Tabatha, Zachary & Owen Brea. They now live in Massachusetts but came from theCamarillo Wards. Today we attended Church together and then walked around the temple.

As we entered the Sacred Grove Owen was picking flowers along the way. We had a delightful tour from Sister Ward to the log home and frame house.

Thursday the Temple Missionaries took a tour of the George Eastman home in Rochester. You might remember this elephant from last year. It was this room that Mr. Eastman thought was too small and he had it enlarged 9 feet at the cost of $700,000. They actually cut the house in half and moved it. The home was made of steel and for year no one thought they could do it.

As we started our garden tour it was raining so we didn't get as good a look as we would have liked but it is a very beautiful place. Mr. Eastman was a very generous man and gave away most of his wealth while still living. He gave away more than $100 million to education, hospitals, dental clinics, parks and theaters.

Elder Gary Clawson found his spot early and thoroughly enjoyed himself. We love Elder & Sister Clawson and have had a wonderful time serving with them. He is one of our sealers from the Logan Temple.

The Eastman gallery had an African exhibit and I thought the kids might enjoy these pictures.

Robbie's 5th birthday was a success from what we hear. Everyone enjoyed riding the train up and down the street and he gave the whack to break the pianta. We are anxious to see all our grandchildren, Corutney, Kaylee, Mallorie, Brayden, Tyler, Josh, Gage, Robbie & Riley. We send hugs and kisses to you all.