Wednesday, November 19, 2014

         While I went to the church to practice the concerto with Gina, Glade called his taxi friend and went to swim.  When he was finished, David picked him up and they started back here in the taxi.  David has always been good to stop and give people a ride if their destination is within the range of his current fare, and he doesn’t charge them.  Although he is not a member of the Church, he has learned to recognize the missionaries and people dressed in their Sunday best who might be going to the temple and will stop and give them a ride. 

         Today, as the taxi approached the steep hill that starts the journey back to our apartment, David noticed a man dressed in a long-sleeved white shirt, tie, and dress pants and a woman companion also dressed in Sunday attire.  He turned to Glade and said, “Is that a missionary?”  Glade looked and said he didn’t think so because they weren’t paired as companions.  Then David said, “Do you think those people are going to the temple?”  Glade said that maybe they were; so they pulled over, rolled down the window and asked them if they were going to the temple.  They said “yes, yes,” and started hurrying toward the taxi.  They were so grateful for the ride.  They had taken a bus or a van that had dropped them off near the Casa Campo just off the main highway, and then faced the difficult mile and a half walk to the temple. 

         Glade had seen the man in the temple before and they recognized each other, the man calling Glade “Presidente” as many of them do.J  He introduced his wife to Glade and said that they were on their way to the temple and this was her first time ever to attend.  The last session always starts at 6:00 p.m. and it was about 5:00 p.m. when they got into the taxi.  Of course, people are asked to be at the temple at least an hour or hour and a half prior to the session when they are going for the first time.  Obviously, they would never have made it on time without the ride.  It was more than a tender mercy for them—more like a small miracle—to have David and Glade stop for them and make sure they arrived in time for this special experience.  They were so grateful for the help.  It would have been such a sad disappointment for them had they not been in time.

         Sending love and prayers your way from us—Good Night!

                

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

         After Family Home Evening last night we learned that the schedule had been changed and we were switched to mornings for this week.  No one told us and Glade only found out after talking with the couple we thought were going to be doing mornings.  Anyway, we almost missed being there this morning and were caught a little unprepared since we use the afternoon before to get everything ready for an early start.  But we have learned to “roll” with so many things here that we just “go and do” and all is well.  They were all sweet last night to sing “Happy Birthday” to me in English and then in Spanish.

         November brings rain again to this city and while I was practicing piano I heard it pounding on the roof.  The first raindrops were as big as silver dollars and really landed with a loud splat.  Eventually the storm rained itself out and I was able to walk home without getting drenched!

         Have a great week, everyone.  Love to all!

Monday, November 17, 2014

         What a fun and happy birthday it was today!  There was so much to be grateful for including the best family in the world and wonderful friends who remembered this day for me. 

I’m grateful for stalwart, faithful, parents who gave me life and nurtured it with love, a strong work ethic, and integrity.  I’m grateful for a happy childhood filled with a sense of safety and security and with traditions that carried over into my own family.

         I’m so grateful to be a mother and I love those unique and wonderful children the Lord sent to me.  Now, that love has doubled as their spouses have joined the ranks of family.  And twenty-eight precious grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and two grand-children in-law have all filled my heart to over-flowing.  I’m so grateful for skype and a phone call that let us be in touch today and for the love and birthday wishes that came electronically—and instantly! 

         I’m grateful for my one-and-only sweet husband who provided another memorable birthday with his cheerful company and patience while we perused the sights and soaked in the holiday mood created by all the beautiful Christmas decorations at the City Mall.  It was relaxing to just get out and enjoy the day without pressure of schedules or things that had to be done and even do a little shopping.

         I’m grateful for truly special friends who sent their greetings and added even more pleasure to this day.

         All is well.  Good Night!  Love and prayers to you all!  

On Sunday morning a member of the Bishopric came into Relief
Society and asked for two or three sisters to come help put up this beautiful
Christmas tree, and they willingly obliged.  It didn't take long for it to go from
boxed to decorated!

Pumpkin Bar dessert that was my birthday cake.
It tasted so good by itself  we decided not to frost it.

Glade is getting our lunch at Wendy's at the mall.
 It wasn't quite like the Wendy's at home, but good enough.

We noticed that  out of the 18-20 eating places in the food court, about 2/3 of them were North American.  You can see the Subway, Popeyes, and Burger King signs in the photo, and this is just a small section. 

It was a great birthday!
Notice the Christmas tree in the background.  It was huge and the picture doesn't even show the bottom of the tree which was surrounded by giant snowmen, bells, etc.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

         Next week is Stake Conference and there was a marathon choir practice at the Church tonight.  The “choir” bus delivered people mid-afternoon and they were going strong when Glade and I arrived at 5:00.   The Stake Presidency asked that each ward prepare a hymn and sing it during the Saturday night meeting.  The choirs were scattered throughout the chapel and came to the choir seats one choir at a time to sing when it was their turn. 

         After all the choirs had finished, which was supposed to be by 5:00 p.m., it was time for the stake choir to practice for the Sunday sessions—said practice actually started at 5:50.  They sang until nearly 7:00 and everyone was getting pretty tired.  Then, most of them had to get back on the bus for a ride of up to an hour or an hour and a half to be delivered to their homes.  That is dedication to a cause!

         Bless their sweet hearts—they sing with such exuberance and enthusiasm!  Glade is singing bass and says the singing is so loud that people can’t hear their own voices to tell if they are singing on key or not!  It is sounding pretty good for the most part, however.  Their spirit makes up for any lack of expertise.

         We just took our Sunday night walk outside and it was a perfectly beautiful setting with lights from the city making the hillsides glow, croaking and chirping from the ground-cover making the otherwise silent night come alive, and cool temps making for a delightful and comfortable fast-paced stroll.  Loved it!

         Loved also, listening to Christmas music from CD's that I put on my laptop before we left.  However, I'm still loving my leaf garlands and orange lights for another week or so!   

         Hope you all had a great Sunday.  I’m sure you were all busy with your families, your callings, and your service.  Love you all so much!!  Good Night!

Saturday, November 15, 2014

         It was so busy when we arrived at the temple and we just went right to work even missing the daily training/prayer meeting and helping the morning shift finish their work.  There were many people in the temple I recognized as friends and acquaintances and it made for a most enjoyable day.  My friend Valery from yesterday was getting ready to leave and it was fun to see her again and wish her well.  Members of our ward were in a session I helped with as well as members from our former ward.  The English-speaking couple who work with the dental “brigades” was here again and it was fun to help them in English.  There were hugs and greetings from workers I haven’t seen since before the break and there were new people to help and care for.  There were needy sisters whose Spanish was a little easier to understand today, although I still had to find help to answer some of the questions.  All in all, it was a great day and I felt extremely blessed to be here.

         Glade recovered well from his sinus issue and “bump” on the head and returned for work in good spirits!

         Some of you are probably digging out from under the season’s first snows and donning winter “warmers” to survive the cold spells!   Should I not mention that we are basking in beautiful weather?

         All is well.  Good night and have a wonderful Sunday!  

Friday, November 14, 2014

         Glade took a day off today after having a rough night with a sinus headache.  He topped it off when he fainted in the night and woke up to find himself laying on the cold floor.  He broke the skin on his head, but it didn’t raise much of a lump.  He is feeling a little better tonight and is planning to be back in the temple tomorrow.  We’ll see how the night goes.

         A sweet young woman who came with the group from San Pedro Sula approached me with a question this afternoon.  After explaining about my lack of expertise in Spanish, she surprised me with a response in broken English.  A little later we had a chance to talk for twenty minutes or so while she waited for help to do some family sealings.  Even though our communication lacked full understanding—she would say a word in Spanish and I told her what I thought it was in English, and visa versa—we had a great visit and I have a new friend, Valery.  Her English, of course, was better than my conversational Spanish J

         She had cards for her grandparents, great-grandparents and two  brothers of one of her grandfathers and told me how excited she was to be in the temple and get the work done for these family members.  As it turned out, a sister was needed to assist with the sealings, so I was able to help.  She asked me to be a proxy for one of her grandmothers and I felt so honored.  It was so kind of her.  When the sealings had been completed, she was just beaming and told me that all of the ordinances for these family members had been completed in one day—today—and she could return tomorrow to her home knowing that the trip was a great success. 

She has two little girls ages four and one and a half at home with her husband who had told her he would care for them so she could go to the temple.  He works mornings as a school teacher and then works at a call-center until 11:00 p.m.  That’s a tough schedule, especially when you have kids.  She is the Young Women President in her ward and she had some of the youth who had come on the temple trip help with the baptisms and confirmations.  They are coming back in December and she wants me to meet her husband. 

It was such a comfortable experience—I just felt like we had always known each other and we became friends so quickly and easily.  Meeting her was my “tender mercy” today for sure.

Good Night, Everyone.  Love and prayers are sent you way! 

Thursday, November 13, 2014

         The temple was back to bustling with people and work.  Our favorite days have been the ones that are the busiest.  I loved going from one assignment to another and was given lots of different responsibilities.  I loved seeing the sisters I haven’t seen since before the break and loved working with great people.  Everyone seemed to be smiling and happy today and it was quite contagious.  Sister Ocampo, the temple matron, has always been so good to trust me with things that stretch me and ultimately build little pieces of confidence.   Heavenly Father continues to bless me with a peaceful heart, and the anxiety that always tags along with me has disappeared since being here.  

         It was a late night and we were nearly the last ones out of the temple.  We are ready to “crash” and then we will get up and do it all again!

         We know it has been cold at home and that the snow has started to fall.  Glade is happy to miss all that and be here, but not me—I miss it.  Enjoy! 

         Love you all—Good Night! 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

         The twelfth of each month is a milestone for us since our release date is on the  twelfth of March—so, as of today, we have four months left to serve here in the Tegucigalpa, Honduras Temple.  It has been an amazing experience that we will always treasure; and we are trying to make the most of each day, enjoy the work, the people, the Spirit that dwells in the temple, and even the challenges we face. 

Even though we spend about eight hours a day in the temple, we have had ample time to study during the remaining hours since the responsibilities we have at home are still there—at home in Idaho—and we don’t have to worry about them here.  We recognize countless blessings from Heavenly Father both to us here and to our families at home and give thanks to Him for His love and goodness every day.  No other time in our lives will ever be like this, and although we are missing another holiday season with our precious loved ones, we could fill a huge “thankful tree” with a myriad of blessings. 

I hope you can each find time in your busy schedules raising children, making a living, serving in your callings, etc., to attend the temple.  We have all made covenants there that will bless our lives and remembering them provides us with direction, answers to questions, and peace of mind. 

Love you all—Good Night!  

It is a balmy 71 degrees and partly cloudy—no “deep freeze” here!  J

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

         Since we were awake really early, we hurried outside to walk while most of the world was still asleep and avoided the treadmill one more day.

         It felt really great to be back in the temple and we just stepped right into the routine.  Thankfully, all the Spanish was right there in my memory proving to me how imprinted it is on my brain!  The number of patrons started out low but the trickle kept growing and by the time the last session started it was nearly full.  It was good to see all the friends we have made and I know we will miss them when we leave. 

         This is short and sweet with no pictures, but I have included a quote below that I ran across today, really liked and wanted to share.

            “(Mothers), cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones.  …  Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are, better than you are, and better than you have ever been.  …  You are doing terrifically well.  The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you.  …  He is blessing you and He will bless you, even – no, especially – when your days and your nights may be the most challenging.  …  Rely on him.  Rely on him heavily.  Rely on him forever.  And ‘press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope’ ”  (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Because She is a mother”).

         Good night, everyone!  Love to you all.

Monday, November 10, 2014

         Well, the break is over and tomorrow it is back to the temple and we are ready.  We have enjoyed the extra time to study and rest and to not have to keep a schedule.   It will be good to see our friends and the other temple workers, and I hope I can remember all that Spanish I learned!  It may take a little review.

         Most of the other couples who live here have returned and we heard luggage rolling down the hall often today.  It feels good to have other people around now even though we don’t really see too much of them on a daily basis outside the temple.

         We love your emails and pictures and hope you keep them coming during the next few weeks of holiday activities!  We send you our love and keep you in our prayers!  Good Night!

Sunday, November 09, 2014

         Brother and Sister Caceras returned from San Pedro Sula just as we were leaving for choir practice.  They took their luggage into their apartment and joined the choir.  That was valiant.

         The choir works very hard and the members earn our admiration for their dedication and desire to participate.  They just don’t have much experience and even less music education, so they are challenged on all sides.  A man sat next to Glade tonight and asked him to please help him sing the bass part.  So Glade sang in his ear and showed him with his hand when to “go up” with his voice and when to “go down.”  Everyone sings so loud that I wonder if they can even hear their own voice to tell if they are on key or not.  But their songs are full of heart and soul as they sing praises to the Lord.  Their spirited singing can just bring tears to your eyes and a tug at your heart.

         I hope you had a pleasant, restful, and renewing Sabbath day.  Love to you all—

Saturday, November 08, 2014

         Glade walked with me this morning and it was nice to have company.  All was still very quiet around here, especially since the cleaning crews must have finished with their work because they were all gone.  I finished up special-care laundry, some hand sewing repair work, and readied necessities for the return to the temple next week.  We both worked on Spanish, Glade watched football, and we ate our treat of milk chocolate covered almonds.  They were delicious!  Then we went outside and walked another mile!

The quiet receiving area in the Guesthouse

Just another view

All too soon this area will be teaming with people again.  Those are the stairs we climb every day

This is a peek inside the Family History Center in our building.

Just can't get enough pictures of our beautiful temple.  I took this tonight on our
 "walk off the chocolate almonds" stroll around the grounds.

Glade scowled for the photo on purpuse.  I was trying to get pictures of the night lights in the city,
but they weren't turning out well at all.  So I included him in the picture and this is what I got!

This is Brother Mejia and his little boy.  They were outside the church when we went
walking so we stopped to say "Hi" and take a picture.  This is the brother who gave us a
ride to the excursion to Ojojona last week.  His family was cleaning the chapel for tomorrow.

This is a terrible picture of us, but we posed for a picture with this darling little boy.

Friday, November 07, 2014

         It was a relaxing day, but we kept busy working on our “to-do” list as our two-week break winds to an end in a couple of days.  Glade spent the morning at Casa Campo; I walked outside again trying to soak in all the fresh air and sunshine while exercising that I can before the treadmill will be the only option.  It was hair-cut day for both of us and time for a good dose of color for mi pelo.  Having the key to the church to practice any time I want has been a real blessing and I have taken advantage of that nearly every day for 1 to 1½ hours.

         Two couples are back in their apartments; and although we hardly see them, it’s comforting just knowing there are other people here in the building—especially after dark.  However, we haven’t lacked for company because of the never-ending presence of cleaning crews and the guards.  We are all pretty good friends.  The guards have been very particular about letting anyone except workers enter the gates.  But once they see us in a car coming or going, they respond immediately with “Los Petersons” and hurry to open the gates.

         We have tentative plans for Thanksgiving and are grateful.  We have to work a full shift that day, of course; but it will be in the morning and we will be finished in time for a late mid-day meal or early dinner.   It’s less than three weeks away which will come fast.  All the stores we saw yesterday have Christmas decorations up and the holiday music is flowing. 

         Well, enough about a slow day.  It is easy for me to ramble. J

Good Night everyone, and have a great week-end.  

Thursday, November 06, 2014

         Well, life looks lots better today and yes, I am using my computer.  I learned that the laptop will work if it is plugged in whether the battery is charged or not, and that the problem must lie with the adaptor in the power cord.  Glade’s cord plugged into my computer gave it a full charge!  So—sorry to be all gloom and doom yesterday, but I was a little panicked.  Tonight all is well.

         The good thing that came out of it all is that we ended up having a really great day with a lady from our ward (before it was divided).  After several phone calls for help last night in finding a computer supply retailer, we reached this sister who offered to take us to the mall to a store she thought might have what we needed or at least could order it.  (We could order on-line ourselves, too).  The arrangements were made before we found out that the problem was in the cord.  She took us to the mall anyway.

         She speaks beautiful English since she attended bi-lingual schools growing up.  Her children, ages 5, almost 8, and almost 10 attend the private bi-lingual school right next to Casa Campo where Glade goes to swim and also speak very good English.  They have to speak English in school.  If they are “caught” speaking Spanish three times, then they have to have an extended class or something as a consequence, so they speak English all the time at school and also at home even though it is their second language.

         We all did errands at the mall, getting cash from the bank, ink for the printer and protein powder from GNC; and then she took us to the “upper end” of Tegucigalpa for lunch at one of the nicest restaurants in the city.  It was a long leisurely lunch as they always are in those instances, and it was such a nice change for us.  The food was delicious and the socializing so welcome to me because it was all in English. 

         On the way back, we stopped to pick up her children from school and then went to La Colonia for groceries.  She spent most of her day helping us and we were so grateful.  

Checking out of a store in the mall.

In front of the restaurant

Glade's Bass with Mandarin Sauce

Of course, mine was chicken with potatoes and veggies.  We also ordered  three very good  appetizers--Coconut covered shrimp, scallops (which
I have never tried before and actually ate!) and a ravioli like item filled with a pumpkin mixture that was delicious.  Of course the items were embellished with things like mushrooms, grilled cherry tomatoes, cheeses and sauces.  

This is Linguine with Arugula Pesto

Restaurant Decor

It is difficult to see, but on the left is a waterfall into a pond.
It provided wonderful background sound.

Another restaurant view.

La Colonia shows off its Christmas Tree
English Christmas music played over the sound system all during our shopping!

Glade picking out our apples.

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

         My computer battery has lived its life in full and will no longer take a charge, so this may be the last blog for a while.  Glade’s computer is sending scary messages about his battery as well.  Tomorrow, a lady from our ward is going to take us to a store in the mall that can order batteries for us. 

This is sad for me since I spend lots of time with my Spanish programs and Word documents with Spanish vocabulary and phrases.  And then there are the blog, emails, and skype, etc. that also keep me going.  At least I can get emails on my Kindle.  Wish us luck tomorrow.

         Glade didn’t feel well this morning so we didn’t go to the mall.  It was that inner=ear issue that makes him dizzy.  He is doing a little better tonight.  The cleaning crew cleaned our apartment today while Glade parked in the lounge and I went to the chapel to practice. 

         Better close.  Love to you all and have a great night! 

When I went out to walk this morning
 I was so happy to see them planting the poinsettias!

It is one of the few things that gives a sense of the change in the season!
Christmas is coming :)

Tuesday, November 04. 2014

         It was still cool and windy for my walk this morning which kept Glade from going with me since the wind makes his allergies worse.  I loved it though, because it felt so much like home.  There are experiences and memories so vivid from my childhood, that are triggered by autumn and all its complements.  Amazingly, the morning breeze sent a few maple leaves skittering across the sidewalk and immediately evoked feelings that took me back to being five years old.  I could feel the way fall made me feel way back then—all cozy, comfortable, and secure with heavily clouded skies and the approaching darkness of early evening.  There was a “Little Lulu” coloring book that I just loved and it was full of wonderful fall pages to color—lots of fall trees and leaves to rake and this cute Little Lulu with her flared skirt and wide ringlets!  Silly—I know. J

         Sweet Lupe took us to Price Mart today to buy frozen berries and frozen tilapia.  Her husband worked here at our temple during the first week of the closure, and he flew to Tijuana, Mexico, this afternoon where he will be helping with the work on the new temple there.  She will be alone here with her three little kids for a couple of months while he is gone.  I hope he is home for Christmas!

         Two men from the maintenance crew came to our apartment today and cleaned all the light fixtures and lamps.  Later this afternoon, three more people came by to clean the floors, etc.  We put them off until tomorrow so they can come while we are at the mall.

         Good Night, Everyone!  Hugs and Prayers for you---- 

Our friend Brother Navas, the baker, passed me on the sidewalk by the chapel this morning carrying a huge deep basket from which he was passing out long sour dough French bread rolls to the security guards.  He gave the last one to me
and I was so happy.  It was still hot from the oven and was delicious!  

The three leaves in the fore-ground are the ones I collected this morning.
It seems silly until you realize that the trees here don't really lose their leaves,
so to see some that actually look fall-ish blowing across the sidewalk was a unique treat!  

I'm learning to go on-line to find everything!  After I talked about
the Little Lulu coloring book, I just had to look; and sure enough, there
are whole collections and samples that date back to the 1940's.

I couldn't find the pages from my memory, but this one from a book
cover will do. There were lots of comic books printed then, too.

These picture posts are for me and must be boring to everyone else,
but that's okay--they are getting posted anyway.  This is very typical Little Lulu.

This one is added simply because theses are pumpkins and it is fall!

Again--Vintage Little Lulu!  I love it!!

Monday, November 03, 2014

        It was a routine Monday; and although it is hard to admit, it was a bit boring.  The weather was cool, rainy, and windy so after walking in it this morning, nothing else outside appealed.  Reading and studying is only do-able for a few hours and then I need a change. 

        And my Kindle Fire isn’t working right.  It is only loading about a third of the pages of the books I am reading.  Two pages will show up and then a whole page is left blank.  Then two more will appear and skip the next one.  It will be hard copies for me until I can figure it out!

Well that was all a bit on the negative side of things.  I will make tomorrow better and happier!

        Elder Zivic of the Seventy has said, “We are asked to be productive in the things that are pleasing to God—living to serve and persevering in things of eternal value.”

        “’To persevere means to maintain the ability to endure, to carry on, to continue in the same state without weakening or perishing.  It is being able to go on in the face of pain, oppression, discouragement or suffering without being defeated.’”

        “It has been said that strong men and women are like kites—they only rise higher when the winds of opposition come against them.”

        “Former U.S. president Calvin Coolidge said:  ‘Nothing in this world can take the place of perseverance. 

Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. 

Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. 

Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. 

The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.’”

I assume you will all be voting tomorrow.  We’ll be watching for the results.       Good Night, Every one!   Press On!  

Sunday, November 02, 2014

         This morning we are both wearing sunburns from yesterday’s outing.  It was cool and rainy when we left for the day, but turned warm and sunny.  Forgotten when grabbing an umbrella was the sun screen.  We really have a healthy glow!

         Did you all remember to "fall-back" your clocks?  This is the best time change when you can pick up a little sleep--maybe :)  No time change for us, of course.

          Hope you all had a great week-end!  Good Night.  Love to all--  

         Here are a few more photos from our outing yesterday.

It was time for the kids to break the pinata and they had so much fun.

They lined up youngest to oldest and were told the rules.

Then the fun began.  Someone held the rope to the pinata over the tree branch
and moved it up and down and in and out of the striker's range.

These little kids were so enthusiastic and tried so hard to break it open.

I tried to capture the action  in a video but it didn't transfer here very well.

More tries

The pinata is starting to show the stress of the strikes.

At last it came down and the candy scramble began.

A few gathering the spoils

The food was finally ready.

Glade is ready to eat and was served a filled plate.

Steak, sausage, veggie salsa, refried beans, mixed rice and veggies.
I didn't get a picture of the lemon cupcakes and chocolate chip oatmeal
cookies, but they ate every last one indicating they tasted good enough to eat. 

They played what looked like kickball with a soccer ball and it felt like a family
reunion where players of all ages were in on the fun.  They laughed and cheered and
had great fun.  Glade and I felt like the "old folks" as we sat in our chairs and watched.

Just a different view of the house from the "outfield."

One last view of the game.

Brother and Sister Navas own the bakery where we get our wonderful bread, and do
the baking.  She is from Columbia and we think he is from Honduras.  They came here
when he got a job as a chef in a restaurant here.  They didn't care for any of the bread
they tried; so she started finding recipes, reading about bread-making, trying new
things, and eventually came up with the recipe they use now.  Their bread business
started out in their home and really grew until they opened their store.  They now
have customers coming from long distances to buy their breads and special orders.
Sister Navas is our ward Relief Society President and
Brother Novas is an assistant to the High Priest Group Leader.

The next few photos were taken in the town of Ojojona on our way out and are
just random images.

The white building at the end of the street certainly has historic significance,
but we didn't have a chance to find out what it was.  We only made one brief stop.

A street we just drove through.

A street sign with the name "Ojojona" on it twice.

This is a vender's area where our driver stopped.  There was lots of pottery displayed
and outside decorations.  There were no lights in any of the little cubicles filled with
wears, but a child stood outside and invited guests to enter and look at the products.

It is quite typical to see grass sprouting from power lines--not sure why!

This roof also boasted that it could grow plants!

There are large beautiful trees here that produce gorgeous rich-orange blossoms.
I have tried so hard to get a picture of one, but we are always in a car and it
hasn't been possible.  This photo doesn't show them off nor do them justice,
but if it is the only one I get, then I'll keep it.  The blossoms are huge and the trees.
are starting to let them fall.  Their blooming season must be coming to an end.
They have to top my list of favorites.