First Snow in Utah

We finally got a real snow! It felt like we might not get to see winter this year. Especially since we know our NH friends have already had that experience. It is still snowing so we hope to have something you might call a real snow.

Over the weekend we went to Iadho to our youngest grand daughter's baptism. Avery Stirling is Scott and Konnie's youngest. Julie, Dave and two of their chidlren were able to join us. Scott and Konnie had a nice pre baptism meal at our hotel and we had a very nice time. The best part was not having to fly or drive for days to get to the event.

We have our Christmas tree up and lights up outside. It does make it feel more like home. Our ward had the ward Christmas party last week and we could not believe what a nice event it was. They had set up 36 tables and almost filled them. They had a wonderful dinner and program. it was fun and nice to feel like we knew a few folks. I kept telling myself that by next year we would know most of them.

This is a picture taken of the girls in the family who were at the baptism on Saturday. We are left to right, Konnie (Scott's wife), Ruth Ann, Julie (our daughter;) front row, Sarah Calder, (Julie's youngest girl,) and Avery Stirling, (our newly baptised grand daughter.)

Arrived Safely in Utah

We arrived safely in Utah on Sunday. We so enjoyed being with Scott and having his help as we drove west. We truly could not have done it without him.

As we drove west, we stopped several times to see church historical sites. Our first stop was Kirtland Ohio. We took the Community of Christ tour of the Kirtland Temple. They have built a new visitors center since we were there last and it was well done.

We stopped again in Liberty to visit Liberty Jail and enjoyed that tour also. Different from the last time we were there when we went to the Nauvoo open house. It was so crowded that time. This time we were in a small group. After we left there we drove out to Far West. We love that site and wanted Scott to see it and feel the spirit there.

The big problem was that it added several hours to that days drive. The total miles from our house to Julie's is well over 2600 miles. So glad we won't drive that again this year. We actually drove across the country 5 times in the last 12 months! Too much driving.

I guess I ought to tell you that the sale of our home went through without a hitch. We were holding our breath - wondering if they would change their minds with the economy so fragile right now. Those last several days were difficult for me. Realizing that we were really going to leave and not return in a couple of weeks or 6 months. We do hope to return for a visit in a year or two and see how things have changed.

Today we drove up to the Cache valley and the Logan area and went to see how the changes we had requested were coming on our place. All appears to be going well and we take possession next week, October 29.

Last night we went to dinner at Julie and Dave's and both sets of newlyweds were there. It was nice to be with family and just be part of the group. Everyone has been so welcoming and glad to have us nearby.

I will post some pictures tomorrow so be sure to check back in soon.

Fall Colors are at peak!

The fall colors have reached peak around home. In fact some of the red leaves have already fallen. Felt has said more than once that he is so grateful not to have to deal with all the leaves this year. This in spite of his newly acquired (last year) super leaf blower with a jet pack device you wear on your back. He has used it several times this week, but only to keep the drive and lawn clear.

Today we wrapped and moved several pieces of furniture into the garage in preparation for next week. The house is really beginning to look barren. The dinning room table has been taken apart and wrapped. I did the wood floors in the dinning area and the kitchen so that won't have to be done at the end.

I am going to attach a picture of the POD full and ready to move and some pictures of our leaves. You will no doubt wonder about the "pumpkin people", this is a local custom and we thought you might enjoy seeing how creative some people get in creating their "pumpkin people".

One really nice thing happened yesterday, we received a call from the president of our homeowners association. Feltus had served for two years in that capacity before we left on our first mission and Ruth Ann had served as secretary from the time we moved here until our mission. Our neighborhood community has planned a farewell get together for us next Friday. We are so pleased and it will be so good to be able to say goodbye to good friends and neighbors. I guess it is a truth that you never know you made any difference until you die or leave.

Today is a glorious fall day. Cool and bright sunshine! It is definietly a chamber of commerce day and when we went out for awhile, we remembered quickly how many folks come up here to visit and see the wonder of the changing of the seasons! So we hope you enjoy our leaf pictures.

The work begins

Hello,

We have begun the process of loading up our belongings to move! Yikes! We have chosen the PODS method. What this means is that the company delivers a large storage unit and you load and lock. They pick it up and deliver it to your new home and you unlock and unload. So far it is working very well.

Our good friends Pam and Corky Hall have come over several times to pack up boxes and today to help load the POD. Felt and I began the loading process a couple of days ago. But today they added those strange size containers and most importantly the kayaks. They devised a way to hang them from the supports using the kayak racks we use to transport them on top of our vehicle. They seem to be tightly and securely loaded. They were even able to add a few furniture items i.e. file cabinets, bookcases, a small patio table and chairs, plus wardrobe boxes. Sure hope I don't need any clothes that I put in those for a few weeks!! :)

The next unit is delivered next week and on October 11, we have asked several friends from church to come help load our furniture. Later that afternoon we will drive down to Manchester to pick up our son, Scott, who is flying in from Idaho to help us finish the loading. His main purpose however, is to drive one of our vehicles out west. Ruth Ann is not a "cross country" driver. We so appreciate him taking time from his busy work and family to come help his folks.

We will keep you posted with stories and pictures as we move toward closing on October 14, and begin our adventure of driving one more time across the country. If you count the year from our home coming last fall, we will have driven across the country 4 times in the last 12 months.