Two Lizards on a Log

Two Lizards on a Log

Today is Mother's Day, and I had high hopes to complete my monthly blog today. But, guess what, I downloaded all my pictures from my camera and somehow they are no where to be found. I had planned my blog for this month by those pictures. What a loss! Most of them were from the Women's Garden since I have taken over caring for it. I had some real treasures--you will have to take my word for it. Now, to create something worthwhile, and somehow overcome my frustrations. . . . .

My heart has been with my mom and LeRoy's mother today. And that is the way it should be--memories seem to take over as we celebrate these precious women in our lives. I am presently baking bread to take to a dinner we are having with friends tonight, and LeRoy commented on how the smell of homemade bread in the oven reminds him of his mother. He and Dick would often come home from school and walk in to these fantastic smells with the promise of a whole loaf to eat between them. He said they used to cut a slice of bread and then open the rotisserie oven where she was cooking a piece of meat--they would let the drippings from the meat soak into the slice of bread--now that is a memory that wakes up quite an appetite!

My thoughts are of memories with my mother and the sacrifices she made on my behalf. I know I never really appreciated the efforts she always made for me--like staying up all night during my senior year so she could sew hundreds of pearls on my prom gown, or the hours she spent sewing my wardrobe for me (and I always longed for store-bought clothes!). I can remember the looks of envy from my friends whose mothers did not sew--I'm sure I had a new dress every month and several to choose from for each school day. How I hope she knew that I loved my clothes and her. Expressing gratitude for our mothers needs to be done much more often while they are still with us. I think we become so caught up in the thick of thin things that we forget that precious time is passing, and they will soon be gone.

No, I did not find my lost pictures, but I have since taken a few that will have to suffice. I am over my pout, and will get on with worthy news of Nauvoo.

Don't you love the title picture? Those two "lizards", Elders Thompson and Hufstetler had stopped mowing on a cold, but sunny morning. It was just too tempting as they unzipped their many layers and stopped their mowers. Someone driving by yelled at them, "You look like two lizards sunning themselves on a log!" Great comment. So, we recreated this pose for your enjoyment.

The 23-mile walk to Carthage Jail was completed! In 1844, Hyrum Smith and his brother Joseph, were summoned to Carthage, Illinois, the county seat of Hancock County, to appear before a judge regarding the charge of riot and eventually treason. Both of them knew that if they could not somehow get help from the Governor of Illinois, they would be killed by the mobs that longed to spill their blood and hopefully get rid of those "Mormons". Even the confines of a jail would not prevent what was inevitable. So, on June 27, Joseph and Hyrum were killed by a mob of black-faced men filled with hatred and ignorance. No, the "Mormons" were not finished, and history has shown that truth will always prevail.

Prairie sunrise from Nauvoo to Carthage

  Years ago a Boyscout created this route following as closely as he could to the road taken by Joseph and Hyrum. He has clearly marked it with markers about every mile. We did not have any problem following it. There were only a couple of blisters, and some sore hips for a few hours, but overall we all did well. It was well worth the effort.

Second-half group

Sisters Mayne and Swapp

Elder Swapp was our group protector

Sister Murray

So, on May 3rd and May 17th, a small group of us walked the entire route on county, dirt and gravel roads which most accurately follow the old route to Carthage. One missionary rode her bicycle the entire route all in one day--the rest of us took the two Saturdays to complete the journey. This route is used by Scout troops as they can earn a merit badge for completing this trek, but we did not request a badge. Just knowing we did it is reward enough. The weather was cool and clear both days. It took us 3 1/2 hours to do the first half and 3 hours to complete the last half. We honored these men as they left their families and the people and land they loved, with a sure knowledge that they would never return.

Spring has brought out a myriad of creatures, just like us, who have cabin fever from the long, cold winter. That starts the cycle of newborns popping up everywhere.

Elder Hufstetler's large, safe hands

Raccoon visiting our bird feeder today. She is nursing babies

The last two weeks have been a blur of pulling tulips, having to explain why we do that, tilling, loading and unloading truckloads of plants, planting  (doing the Nauvoo stretch--a version of the splits in order to get to the center of a very wide flower bed), watering, and it isn't finished yet! This next week will be more of the same. There have been lots of groans, muddy knees, sunburns, but little real complaints--what a group of dedicated, hard working sister missionaries. This place would not be the same without our grey-haired army!

Sister Swapp

Even 80-plus year old Sister Olsen

Just me

These will remain nameless!

Next blog will be loaded with pictures of our newest grandson, Parker Lee Thompson. He, Brent, and Ashley are coming this week. I can hardly stand the wait!!