Since it has been so long since I last updated this blog this installment will be pretty random at best. But I didn't want to forget a lot of these things and since my memory won't get any better they are posted here for my benefit and the amusement of others. Enjoy.
On our way to church each Sunday we go through a small town with a lake. It's called Loon Lake and this picture was taken late in April. I couldn't believe that it was still mostly frozen. A final stamp on the indictment for this past winter.
This picture was taken April 25, 2015 outside our house near the garage. Ugh! At least the crocus' were popping through.
The man who advises my mother on finances and has for decades partnered with a friend years ago and bought this 2nd edition copy of the Book of Mormon. He knew we were Mormons (he is not) and invited us to come and see it at his office before he was to sell it. We gladly took him up on the offer so left right from work to meet him. We donned the gloves and were permitted to handle it and open the pages. It was quite a thrill. The book is valued at over $50,000. Neither on of us had ever had so valuable a possession in our hands before.
Supposedly this is an excellent copy of the book. It is believed only about 3000 copies were printed in Kirkland Ohio in the 1800,s.
We had a recent job to remove a section of concrete at the Seneca lake girls camp. Bill never tires of having to use a tractor. Seems I always get the grunt work if a tractor is involved. I need to learn how to drive one.
The after shot.
There is definitely an upside to some of our work. When we were out at the camp the lake was as calm as glass. Very rare as the wind whips across Seneca lake most of the time. The water was crystal clear and we could see tons of giant carp swimming about.
Bill decided to buy a trailer to get things home in. We are bringing back some things from my mom. He opted for a $75 version of one which he intends to remake. Some months down the road you will get an after shot. Don't hold your breath.
On the way up the Hill Cumorah was this beautiful lilac tree. It smelled divine. We had a work order right around the corner so it was a good place to have to be for the afternoon.
Bill chipping ice off the Joseph Smith log cabin back in February. I don't much like him on the ladder. He did this on my day off of course. No grief from me that way.
The above 2 photos I recently saw on a new feed on the internet. It was the anniversary of the capsizing of the "Eastland" in Chicago harbor long ago. The reason it got my attention is because one of my ancestors lost her life here. More then 800 people were killed when the ship capsized tied to the dock. A very tragic story in US history.
Hot air balloons are my favorite. Here is a teaser for upcoming pictures. Taken by Sarah Wade
The icy waters of Canandaigua Lake this past February
We pass these trees on our way to Hornell along the lake (Canandaigua) I don't know what kind they are but was struck by the color of the limbs and twigs and branches. No leaves on them but a neat color all winter.
This is a picture of what the Hill Cumorah looked like back in the early 1900's. It is now covered with trees courtesy of Willard Bean back then.
This picture goes by the tractor pictures above of our work on the concrete.
Always passing fun things. A herd of sheep was being attending by this cute dog.
And of course we passed a vintage truck that Bill had to have a picture of.
A peaceful stream that runs through the Smith property. Very restful scene before you enter the Sacred Grove.
Now on the the balloons. We attended a balloon launch at Letchworth State Park a week or so ago. I have always wanted to see this. I was not disappointed. There were about 20 balloons and we were very close to all the action. We got to see everything from start to finish. It was so fun! We went with all my family. Sarah and Lee were in town and we all had a picnic dinner courtesy of Jenny Lega and Donna Hiliger. The launch was to go off at 6:30pm. They usually launch in the early morning as the day has to be just right but the evening proved to be perfect this day. We were so happy about that.
Here they are testing the flame.You can see the basket.
Then they begin blowing them up.
Sarah timed it. It only took 5 minutes to fill up and take off. They flew right over our heads. Awesome.
This was sooooo cool.
They took off over our heads and over the gorge next to where we were. You actually saw them from above. They dipped way into the gorge then back up again.
My mom enjoyed it too.
Someday that will be me in the basket!
Down in the gorge.
Back up.
Couldn't resist this modified deer crossing sign. Rudolph would be proud.
One day at work we got word that there was going to be a ground breaking ceremony for the new Storehouse that is to be built near here. We had to quickly get a shovel, spray paint it gold and get it over to the site. Here is the shovel after the fact. I wonder what someone will think when they go the shed next to get a shovel. I'd take the gold one!
Fairport canal days was last weekend. We enjoyed wandering around Saturday with my brother in law Steve. From the bridge we saw this old steam boat on the canal.
These baby Robbins are nested on the window ledge at my mothers front door. We are having to use the garage to enter so as not to disturb them. It is pretty cool to be able to watch them so closely from inside the window. They grew so fast. There are 4 of them and the mother doesn't even spook easily when she sees up through the window. I imagine they will be gone very soon.
We had a nice dinner at Mike and Donna's when Sarah was in town with her gang. All the kids ate at the little table. So cute.
Sarah and Lee on the top of the Hill Cumorah.
Out of order picture of ice fishing on Canandaigua lake.
One of Sarah's pictures that I stole. I just love this. Yeah Sarah!
Snow on the patio table. Lots of it.
Picture of the trap door that lead to the oxen. Very funky but fun to investigate.
Temple attic carpeted so that noise is kept to a minimum.
My mending of the temple oxen horn and the door that leads to them.
One last shot of the balloons courtesy of Sarah's camera. I love that you can see so many of them at the same time.
The Marshalls and Bill and I in the Log Home Joseph Smith farm.
Fun day at the balloon launch. Mom, my brother Mike with Will on top, Emma and Amy, and Mike Will and Matthew.
This is what our missionary plaque looks like hanging in our home ward in Powder Springs GA.
My niece Nicole with Emma and Amy at the launch.
I stole this picture from Ben's facebook of our little Portland family. Brooklyn, Chase, and Landon.
Sarah with Tyler, Amy and Will at some gardens in TN.
The Wade family on their way to New York to visit us. Happy day indeed. Stole this one too.
That's it for this update. Hopefully it won't be so long til the next one but you never know. Fun memories to have and enjoy.
