Well, it is still cold weather wise but things have been rather warm in the spiritual department.  We had zone conference and it was amazing.  President Kirk of the Youngstown stake was there and he told us that the members were scared of their part of the missionary program but for us as missionaries to be bold and ask them to help us and that the work would grow.  He is really trying to make a difference.
   We also had Stake conference with our area authority 70 and again it was really a great two days of meetings.  They really want to help the missionaries and there is much work to be done.  We had Brother Robison come and do a tour of the John Johnson Home with the senior couples.  He was highly involved with the restoration of this home and so had a lot to share.  Then we had all of the Kirtland missionaries come down for training meeting and that was truly special.  They were all so excited and we were excited to share the Johnson Home with them.  This is a picture of our gathering in the carriage house of the Johnson Home. 

We had another unusual weather happening for Ohio.  One morning all of the trees were frosted.  They say that this doesn't happen too often.  Gosh we see it at home lots.  Anyway made for some beautiful scenery.

 

Well, we have been in the DEEP FREEZE the last couple of weeks.  First of all we had a week of snow, snow, snow.  Didn't pile up really lots but was there and messy.  After shoveling all week they finally got us a snow blower.  Boy, does it go through the snow.  Doesn't take near as long and sure is easier on the back. 

The other thing that has happened is the Ohio Snow Rollers.  It has happened because about 1 foot of fine powder snow melted on the top and the right temperature and exact wind speed caused the snow to create roller balls.  The news stated it was very rare and even most local people had never seen the roller balls.  It is truly fascinating to see whole fields of balls and even on housetops.  Awesome!

Christmas was a special time with different events to add to the festivities.  We were able to decorate the Christmas tree at the Johnson Home and put up decorations on the mantles, tables, etc.  Looked like an old fashioned Christmas.

 

 

We were able to go on a lantern tour at the Hale Farm and Village.  It was an 1860 Christmas Eve.  The night was crisp with a full moon and fresh snow, so pretty.  We strolled through the village with a group of 11, singing Christmas carols.  As we approached a home they would invite us in and tell some Christmas tradition, play some music and at the end we were given hot cider and cakes.  Very nice evening, all remembering the birth of the Savior and what Christmas was really all about. The first picture was taken inside the visitor's center of an old sleigh.  We could not take pictures on the tour but were able to snap this one at the end.

 

 

The missionaries were invited to the Nick and Linda Ehlert Home for Christmas.  The home was the childhood home of Lorenzo Snow.  The couple are Catholic but love to share their home and the stories of Eliza and Lorenzo.  The home was beautifully decorated and they served a delicious buffet.  It was a special visit with Christmas carols and all.

 

 

 

 

We were invited to spend Christmas Eve with the Marler family.  They served a wonderful dinner, the children acted out the nativity as it was read.  The father was the donkey as his youngest daughter who was Mary rode on his back.  Very touching.  We then sang Christmas carols, talked about Christmas traditions and stories and had a wonderful evening.  Great Family!

One day as we were leaving the Johnson Home the sun was just setting in the west but off to the east this is what we saw.  Truly amazing!

The Holtrys invited us to go to the temple with them down to Columbus so they came down from Kirtland and picked us up.  It is almost a three hour drive from here.  We made it in good time, got in the temple ready for our session and it was the old film.  We had hoped to see the new film but were just glad to be able to be in the temple.  One of the special features of this temple are the Nauvoo Windows which are not really windows but mirrors.  They were hand made by a dentist.  When he came to put them in he had been given the wrong measurements so had to make a second set of the windows.  They are truly beautiful.  Of course they are inside and we couldn't take pictures but it was special to see them.

One sunny day we decided to do a covered bridge tour before all of the leaves were gone so took off early in the morning, drove 172 miles, saw 12 covered bridges and lots of new country.  Was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed it.  Only trouble was we ran out of time and so had to hurry back to be at the home to serve at 2 o'clock that afternoon.  Had to hurry and change, pick up something for lunch, but we made it.  Good thing we went then because it rained with lots of wind the next day.

We have had some visitors since my last post.  Marlene came from meetings in Detroit and it was so good to be able to share Kirtland things with her and just visit.  Also the Casutts stopped by as they were released from their mission on their way to visit with Stephanie's family.

 
 


 Us in Kirtland's
Sacred Grove

                                    Casutts at
                                  Lake Erie

We have had some really special times at the Home the last while.  Some great families have come in and it is surprising the ties that we can make.  One that was special was a couple that had served at the Johnson Home just prior to the restoration and so they could tell us a lot about the home, the condition it was in and some of the things that were done to restore it.  He wanted to share and we loved hearing all about it. 
The leaves are starting to turn and it is amazing the difference a few days will make.  This is one of the trees at the Johnson Home. 

 

 

This is a picture of a huge harvester in the soy bean field. 

 

 

 

We had Lynn and Calleen come for a visit and we loved the company.  It was soo  good to have them here and hopefully we didn't bore them with having to show and tell them everything.  We did all of the Historic Kirtland things and some Amish.  Almost lost Calleen in the End of the Commons Store.  It was truly a fun time.  Thanks you two for the visit. 

 

 

As we were driving around today we found this interesting creature.  You would think that Halloween is coming soon.  He is BIG! and a bit scary..

 

 

They have a great walking trail here in Garrettsville.  It is an old railroad bed and goes

for miles.  Well groomed, shady most of the way and a great walk.