Burns in Nauvoo: Back to the Gardens for me.

May 2, 2022
It was back to gardens/grounds for me with a small side of Conservation thrown in this week. Monday I was trained on how to use the zero turn lawn mower and then I left early so I could spend a few hours with Kendra and Clark before they left. I was hoping to take Clark to Pioneer Pastimes but it was so cold that we passed on that. We visited the blacksmith and wainwright shop, Browning Gun, Pendleton School and then headed to the VC so he could do the Scavenger hunt and earn his brick. He loves his horseshoe and brick.

All too soon, it was time for them to leave. I sure loved every second that we were able to have with them this week. It was the best surprise! I sure do love my family!

It did feel good to be back in the garden this week! I spent a few days working at Sarah Grainger Kimball's home, digging trenches around the flower beds, pulling weeds and wood chipping. I was actually surprised that I wasn't sore from all the digging and wheel-barrowing. I guess the months in Conservation kept me in shape! Friday it rained so I wasn't able to mow the lawn. We'll see what next week brings. Forecast says more rain.

This has been the weirdest spring - even the long-term locals are agreeing with that. It's been cold and wet. So, since I couldn't mow, I helped transplant plugs (plants) into pots. After that, I headed to help out in Conservation. It was nice to be back with those Sisters. I miss them!

Friday we had a mission farewell/welcome breakfast. This was to say goodbye to the missionaries heading home and welcome the new ones that arrived during the month. We have four couples going home this month. ;-( It sounds like the breakfast will replace the separate parties that each group had when a couple left. It was nice but I'll miss the smaller ones with those that I served closely with. Goodbye E/S McDougal, E/S Mills, E/S Rees, E/S Heward. I worked with Sister Heward in Conservation and I will miss her. We are soul sisters - we are so alike is so many ways.

Sunday, Doug and I served in the Family Living Center. I "learned" how to spin on the spinning wheel and weave. I say I learned, but I really watched and hope that eventually I can get it down enough to help with the tours. We only had one group come in the whole 5 hours that we were there. It's pretty slow right now. Picture to the right is Sisters Hislop, Bowman & Johnson.

This will be sad news for the former missionaries but they have permanently discontinued Nauvoo on the Road. This is where we would, as the name says, take Nauvoo on the road. We had a trailer with a spinning wheel, rope making equipment, some of the Pioneer Pastimes activities and other items from Nauvoo. The missionaries would go to the different fairs and celebrations around the area. It was a fun way to showcase Nauvoo and let others know about us. It was stopped due to Covid and now, it's a permanent closure. Sad day.

On a happy note - the NPMs - Nauvoo Performing Missionaries arrive this week! We are so, so excited!!!!

I had a great thought that I was going to close with but I can't think of it so I'll close by saying that I love serving here in Nauvoo! With all of the ups and downs that I've experienced, I wouldn't change my mission for anything! It's been a great opportunity to serve my Savior, to make eternal friendships, to draw closer to my companion and my ancestors. I love serving here!