Live Virtual Tours

About two weeks ago we decided that we would begin giving virtual tours.

After a bit of training with the technology, we, I actually, chose the Riser Boot and Shoe Shop to give tours.  I had been driving past that cute little home for a few weeks and had the feeling that I needed to give tours there.  We figured out how to create a dialog and then went to practice it.  

We've given our first tours and I was so satisfied to do so.  We went yesterday to the Browning Gun Shop and did some research so we could get ready to do that tour.  This is fun!
 

Getting Rid of the Pink

We have a row of four homes on Young Street which are known as Widow's Row.  That's because when there used to be senior single sisters, they lived in these homes.  Apparently there were a pair of Sisters who wanted wanted their trim painted pink.  

The color is actually called Rosy Tan.  It is not my favorite by any stretch of the imagination.  The front door as well as the bedroom door were also painted the same horrible pink.  

A new couple was coming to move into that home and when Sister Carlson and the other conservation Sisters were there cleaning, she asked if she could paint over the pink.  I told Sister Carlson that I would help her paint it. We were able to paint one day with the help of some of the other sisters. This pale yellow is a much better color.  It even made the walls look like they were freshly painted.

We painted the living room and the master bedroom.  We did not paint the office room.  When I went back to look at it, I was aghast at how horrible it looked.  I decided I would go the next day after work and paint it.  Sister Odum heard what I was doing and volunteered to help.  Between the three of us, we had it finished in no time.  The final coat of paint went on the next morning.  The Hokensens showed up later that day.  Not a moment too soon!

Birthday Flowers

I had a very nice birthday.  No gifts, just love from those who love me.  

About a week later Sister Rizley stopped by with this bouquet of flowers.  She said everyone gets a birthday card and she forgot mine.  She was embarrassed that “of all people to forget” she forgot mine.  I don’t think I do anything special in this mission.  Both of us just do what we’ve always done.  Apparently it is appreciated.

Still enjoying these beauties.

 

Finding Humor

We went out to dinner to the Hawkeye a few weeks ago and this is the sign that greets you on the door.  I'm so glad people can find the humor in all this craziness.

Feeding YSMs

Last summer we were able to have these beautiful faces in our homes for meals.  Covid 19 has ruined that.  On this day I had to make something gluten free; dairy free and red meat free!  So chicken tacos it is!

  We still love being able to take a meal to these hard working Sisters.

How we love them!

Turning Eight

Evelyn turned eight years old last week.  That means she is old enough to be baptized.  She's quite excited to do so as well.  But, uh oh, there was a bump in the road.  The Gourley family has Covid-19 in their home and would not be able to attend.  Since they had been together, the Fillmores made the decision to hold off and quarantine just in case.

Sammi had Cierra make the painting below.

Evelyn is such a tender hearted little girl.  She desires to be helpful and she also wants to do what is right even when it is difficult.  How we watching all of our grandchildren grow and mature and become such good people.  

When we take the opportunity to be baptized it really is like taking the Savior's hand and letting him lead us.  He is with us through the most difficult things in life and stays with us even when we feel we are all alone.  He makes it possible to go where he wants us to go.

We won't be attending Evie's baptism in person but we will be there virtually.  What a blessing that technology makes it possible!

Friends in Nauvoo

When we came to Nauvoo for this mission we met Rick at our morning meeting.  He was there every day unless he had some other appointment.  He is not a member of our faith but rather a member of the Community of Christ church.

Rick is good people.  I didn't really take the time to get to know him in the beginning but my sweetheart did.  In October I asked him if he had people in his congregation that would like to sing in the choir for the Christmas Walk.  He pointed to his wife and told me that Sherry is a singer.  So I went to talk to Sherry.  

When she came to the first rehearsal I introduced her and she and Eloise Carlson made fast friends.  I went to sing alto as there were way too many sopranos so I didn't get to sit by her any longer.  Since then, we have become such wonderful friends. The MacGregors, Carlsons and us have had many a meal together.  We taught them how to play bocce ball and they invested in their own set.  

I didn't expect to make friends with people in Nauvoo who were not working in the FM group.  I'm so glad we did!