Lessons from the Brits Week 34 December 28th to January 3, 2015

Happy New Year!!!! As I sit here this evening trying to look back I just feel that 2014 is a huge blur filled with whirlwinds of activity.  Our first 3 months were in Mesa just having a ball with all our wonderful friends there.  I made the stats to try to move to a higher tennis team; I did it and am now an official 3.5 player.   We were honored to serve as tour guides to the beautiful Gilbert Temple and cherished that experience.  Then back to Idaho to organize and pack.  (I do not enjoy packing.)  Then a week in Utah with family and a few days at the Salt Lake Temple where we were given training on serving a temple mission.  Suddenly we were aboard our air bus as we headed over the ocean to land at Gatwick.  We have now served almost 8 months in the temple.  And to make sure we never got bored, Jerry and Ardith came over to visit and we toured England and Scotland together.  Yes, I do believe 2014 is one to remember.

1.   Happy Birthday Eric!Sunday was a very normal day.  Church was fine; we had a small dinner by ourselves, took a nap and called the children.  There was a fireside but we just sat home and tried to feel like we were resting.

2.  ForgivenessWe actually slept in quite nicely.  We finally got up and ready and went to East Grindstead to shop.  We had a lot of fun in all their little shops and bought Brad a t-shirt, me some levi’s and a top and both of us a new pair of shoes.  You won’t believe his T-shirt – it is a Route 66.  Now on both missions he has bought a Route 66 T-shirt but last time he was actually on Route 66. Oh, and Brad got a great hat at a charity shop.  Cool dude now, for sure.
We ate at Kentucky Fried Chicken and then got a hot Chocó at Costa.  Next we went grocery shopping and just had a nice little day.
I called 3 and had a bit of fun with that call but by the end I got our £55 pounds back.  At least they said we would get it back.
Blake’s were showing Railway Man and asked us to come.  WOW!  That was a movie and such a story of forgiveness! 

Brother Roger's came home from hospital.  I take pictures of his leg every Monday.

 

3.  Too ManyLate shift and I couldn’t be more pleased.  We got up LATE and walked just a bit. I had Yvonne Blake come down and showed her how to use all the gym stuff.   I do much better in my walking shoes that any other shoes but my little feet just throb.  We had lunch, got ready and went to the temple.  We are over baptistery and we certainly met our match this night.  They booked 2 groups of 10 which is very doable, only 1 group brought 14 and the other brought 20.  We had 2 more sessions after that one and boy did we work.  We got the last session all set up with the towels and mats and the group didn’t show up.  That was fine because we were exhausted.

Luke sent me some pictures of the puppies.

4.  Celebration in RomaniaNew Year’s Eve so we finish early today.  We had a wonderful group for baptistery so it was a lot of fun.  They were going to have a little party in the longue but I really wasn’t in the mood.  I was in my housecoat and there were only 2 ladies there, so I stopped over to say hello and we left just after 10:00 PM which was New Year’s in Romania.  We played 100, did some work sheets and told a story or two.  It really was nice.  Brad didn’t like the worksheets so he and Bob came over and played some new kind of domino.
After the party we came home and watch ‘Steel Magnolia’s’.  It finished about the time the fireworks started.  We should have been watching them in London.  I guess they have quite the show.

5.  Happy New Year
We did sleep in and were doing quite well at it until Brown’s called to tell us breakfast was at 9:30 instead of 10 and to bring chairs and utensils.  I didn’t have time to do my hair but we went and had a nice time.  She made a really good casserole and had biscuits and gravy.   Garrett’s and Cooper’s were there as well so we had plenty of stories and laughs.  Nice brunch! 
We went on a bit of a walk and got ourselves properly cleaned up.  At 4:00 we went to Mulholland’s for BBQ ribs, scalloped potatoes, carrots and corn and her yummy chocolate mousse.  It was so good.  We ate till we were about to burst.
At 6:00 PM the visitor’s center showed ‘Meet the Mormon’s’.  It was WONDERFUL!  They showed a clip of 6 different Mormon’s lives all over the world and it was just brilliant.  The 6 people were:  A black Bishop from Atlanta, the Candy Bomber (all over), the football coach from Navy, a kick boxing mother from Costa Rica, a humanitarian from Nepal, and a mother (wife/husband) sending their oldest on a mission.  I would have loved to have watched it again.  From here on out they are showing it every day at the visitor’s center so next week we can go back.  I hope everyone out there will give it a try as well. 

The hosts: Barbara and Bob Brown from Yuma, AZ.

Darryl and Terry Cooper from Wyoming.  Love them!

Talk about funny!

Add the Garrett's from Ft. Collins and now Rigby!

 

Meet the Mormon's night.  Single Sister Row!

L-R, Smith, Freeman, Hales, George, Adler, Marsh, Clark, Bustamonte.

 

6.  2015 is here to stay.We did not bother with shopping today but just got up and walked a bit, fixed lunch and headed to the temple.  We had a small baptistery with a young couple doing their grandparents, and a mother and daughter from the air force base.  That was really fun.  We just got everything cleaned up and another lady came that always comes on the first Friday of every month but since it is the New Year, she was not listed.  We set up again and got her taken care of.    I did the laundry and the evening was over.

 

7.  Saturday
I will never understand how 10:00 AM can be so early but it always seems hard to get to the temple on time on Saturday late shift.  I had a bit of time off before we took over the baptistery.  We got down to baptistery to take over and again we had a no show.  We had everything set up so it was another take down.  I finished the laundry and helped out here and there and the day was over. 
Brad did not have as good as day as I did (and it was not my favorite either) so when he heard that I had invited Mulholland’s over for soup he was not a very happy camper.  I fixed up our left over soup and added a bit more, put in chicken fingers to bake and had the table all set.  They walked in and I went to pull out the chicken finger only to discover the oven heat was on 0.  We had a 2 course tea. 
We set up our DVD in the lounge and watch ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ which we all enjoyed.   Mark Blake came as well.  Nice night with the sweety bowl being passed to the right and to the left.

 

So a new year begins.  I got word from SVE that Mesa has had snow and cold.  It is hard to believe I am warmer here in London but that will not last.  Idaho said they are cold as well as Utah.  Brrr!  Never Mind!
I do hope you all had a lovely start to this fabulous new opportunity to enjoy all our Heavenly Father’s blessings in the coming 2015.  God Bless!
Cheers!

Smile, and mean it!

Say thanks to someone every day,

Our love,

The Parkinson’s

 

Lessons from the Brits Week 33 December 21st to December 27th

Merry Christmas!! And a wonderful Boxing Day to you all!  Okay – so Boxing Day – I have been told 2 explanations of Boxing Day.  The 1^st and the one most recognized is that the aristocrats had Christmas on Christmas day where they were served by all their staff.  That evening they gave boxes to all their hired staff and gave them the next day off to celebrate with their families.  Some also suggested (2) that Christmas was all about religion and going to church and then you opened your boxes the next day.  Hardly anyone agreed with that one.

The little manager scene next to the Visitor's Center and

the temple with a full moon on the Angel Moroni.

1.  Nice Day!
Saturday’s always seem to take their toll and I really would have enjoyed another couple of hours sleep but still we made it to church on time.  It was a very pretty day and the little Christmas program was quite nice but I must admit, after Remembering Day I expected something more.
Sister Marsh had tatted stars for every woman in the ward.  Amazing!
We were invited to Orton’s for dinner and it was so nice.  She had a baked chicken with rice and gravy, a wonderful tossed salad, wonderful biscuits, and cake and ice cream.  We had a lovely time.
We stopped and tried to call a couple of kids and then home for a while and back to try more phone calls.  Have I ever mentioned how badly I hate not having internet?

2.  3
We had talked about going to London by ourselves and I was more than game for that idea; but we got a letter from 3 saying our account had been turned over to a collection agency since we were 3 weeks behind.  Okay, let me get this straight.  We lost coverage on November 15^th, so we didn’t pay £15 on November 23^rd and now we owe £34 on December 20^th for having the worst month of my life!  Brad was on the phone with them for over 2 hours.  Finally we paid £55 pounds and they said we would have coverage.  We did get coverage – for an hour and it was off again.  GRRRRRRR
We just did all the ordinary stuff, cleaned, washed, ironed, cut my hair and slept.
Mulholland’s invited us to a Christmas FHE so we went over there.  I got a huge snub from someone so I was a bit upset.  LeeAnn explained how Christmas Carols were the greatest songs on earth and how she wanted to be named Carol instead of LeeAnn.  Then she taught us a Christmas song that she sang the verses to and we sang the chorus.  They then had President and Sister Johnson and President and Sister Crossland come and we sang them our new song.  For treats she had made cinnamon rolls and hot cider and chocolates.  It was her birthday so she was very excited about her little celebration.

Sister Mulholland teaching her song at her Bday party.

The Johnson's and the Crossland's come to hear.

 

3.  REALLY????
Early shift this week and we both needed to be there ready by 8:30 AM.  Truly, I should have never gone.  I was standing in the office and Brother Adkins opened the door and took out my elbow and hip.  Then I walked past a Sister that I absolutely adore and she proceeded to tell me how I was the worst person on earth for about 30 minutes.  She twisted some things I said/did that I actually had said in honoring her and she took it as a cut.  Good Grief.  I did everything I knew how to get her to calm down about it but she will have nothing to do with me.  I went to the temple with a headache and boy did it get worse.  I tried to work myself to forgetfulness and it was going okay but at the end another sister let me have it because she had put something where it didn’t belong and said I watched her do it so I knew all along.  Actually, I wasn’t there but she never let me get that out.  I came home and just exploded.  To help matters out we called 3 and they said they had cut us off because we hadn’t paid.  Brad said he had paid, they put us on hold and never came back.
This was not my favorite day!!!!!!

4.  Christmas Eve
We got up early and headed to the store with Mark Blake.  They invited us to dinner but we said we would buy the turkey.  Well, the only ones left were turkey crowns and they were £54.  I nearly died but Brad just said Merry Christmas and we put it in the trolley.  I was looking for hash browns and found this freezer filled with frozen turkeys for only £25.  We changed quickly.  We found everything but shrimp cocktail sauce and headed home.
At noon there was a luncheon and I had Covert Garden tomato soup.  It was a very nice spread and we had lots of good food.  I got another huge snub.  She is making quite the art of it.  At 3 PM some went to listen to a choir on the radio but we opted out. 
Blake’s were going to the hospital to see Brother Roger’s and we asked to go along.  The ride to hospital is quite a drive.  The first thing I should explain is that Roger’s had booked motel rooms on the coast for both their mums.  No show – still pay!  And their mums were very excited so Sister Roger’s went by herself because Nigel was in the good hands of the hospital.  Well, Nigel’s leg is not a pretty sight but he is still rather entertaining.  We played one go of toss up and then headed back home.
At 6 PM and some though 6:30 PM we had another FHE.  It was fine but I really need to start having some fun.  Instead I got another snub.  I came home and had quite the cry but I did manage to chop all veggies for our shrimp cocktail drink and bake a buttermilk pie.

The Christmas Eve tea.

 

 
Sister Brown asked us to smile so we gave her a top pose!

5.  Christmas Day
I woke up exhausted and furious.  I needed to send out a birthday card to Ardith and a few more Christmas cards and of course I had to go to dungeon to do it.  I got up and put the ham in the oven and headed out.  I was stomping across the parking lot when these lights flashed me and then the security truck zooms towards me.  I was already so angry and I couldn’t imagine what I was doing wrong so I was ready for bear.  It was Brother Beer and he yells, “Its snowing in the highands.”  That goes way back to him being winded up when he was in the army and announcing weather conditions.  Then he proceeds to tell me they just caught a terrorist at the temple grounds.  He shows me this knitted man from a nativity scene that he took and made little fuses look like a suicide bomb and cut out a little gun and had it strapped on this stuffed knitted man.  He was laughing so hard that I had to join him.  He was placing the guy in front of anyone out walking and just having the best time.  Really?  6:30 Christmas morning?  Brother Beer’s is a hoot!
I got my emails finished and headed home to get our breakfast ready.  We had been asked out by Blake’s but had to cover Mulholland’s and Orton’s.  We had Mulholland’s to breakfast and Mulholland’s had Orton’s to dinner.  I had wanted to have them both over for soup and rolls that evening but they wanted to leave the evening open for family calls so we got an early start.
Our breakfast started with shrimp cocktail drink, which they both said they liked.  We had baked ham, fried potatoes, eggs and fresh baked bread.  It was pretty nice.  We opened our dominos and played about 3 rounds before they had to leave to start their dinner.
We had a fun morning running back and forth to Blake’s doing this and that’s.
Dinner time – and English Christmas dinner:  Pigs in blankets, cabbage, carrots, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, swede, dressing, gravy, Yorkshire pudding,  and I had roasted the turkey.   We ate and ate and ate and then we opened the crackers, put on our hats, read our jokes and served the buttermilk pie.  I truly thought I would explode.  Oh and of course all this was happening with about 3 drinks of different sparkling delights.  It was so nice.  We love their children. We got the dishes done in no time and just had a lovely day!
We all came to watch the Queen give her 3:00 PM speech and she was wonderful.  Of course, she spoke of Jesus Christ which is so touching to us.  She was beautiful and it was easy to see why the English love their Queen.  After the Queen’s speech, Blake’s gave us an after Queen/tea present of hot Chocó mugs filled with candy which is Yvonne’s family tradition.  So Fun!
We spent the rest of the day trying to call home and we finally got all the children but no siblings.
Oh, for Christmas Brad got a new watch, a new camera, and some books.  I got a new pair of temple shoes that were too big so we have to return them and a set of dominos.

 

Brother Beer's pulling me over at 7 AM to show me his arrest.
This man knows how to laugh.
Picture in light to show his arts/crafts ability.

 

The Blake's came for our shrimp cocktail drink before Christmas tea.

Christmas Dinner with the Blake's:

Mark, Yvonne, Anthony and Christine Blake

I loved the napkins!

 

6.  Boxing Day!
We did get to sleep in and sleep in we did.  I had been up earlier but went back to bed and crashed big time.  Brad got up around 9 AM but I didn’t move till 10:00 AM.  
At 12:30 we headed back to Blake’s for the second part of Christmas tradition – bubbles and squeak.  Now this is interesting.  You take all the left over veggies – potatoes, parsnips, swede, carrots, cabbage and whatever else you may have cooked, -- mash it all together, form it in patties and fry it.  We had so much left over she just baked it (which I liked).  Then you put it over the leftover meat,  and pour the left over gravy over it and you have a wonderful second meal.  It was great.  I do not get bubbles and squeak out of it but they say it could bubble over the pan as you cook it (they must have added the gravy to that pan) and the cabbage either squeaks when you blend it or cut it.  Who knows, but it is just wonderful.  We had more crackers, jokes, and hats and sparkling drinks.  I could get use to this!!!
Another group had a pot luck spread over in the accommodations center and then wanted to play games.  Betty Crocker wanted me to come and play games but Brad was not going so I went alone.  Most everyone went to watch movies so we only had a few for games so it didn’t quite work, but we did a bit and that was nice.

Bubbles and Squeak. 

Mark was a crack up with that spoon.

                                                   Dessert is served.  WOW! Before...

After.... the crackers have popped.

7.  The temple is open.
It seemed very early indeed but we made it up and to the temple by 7:30.  As you can well imagine, we had a lot of no shows so Sister Callaghan was giving me a different line about every 3 minutes.   I finally ended up in clothing and had a pretty nice time until the other shift took over at 12:15.  I went for a bite to eat and then they asked Brad and I to do an instruction session which was very nice.  Good day at the temple.
I was a bit tired and in no mood to go out.  There was a movie and we didn’t even go to that.  We just spent a calm night at home.

Our first Christmas out of America and we survived quite nicely.  That is not to say we were not home sick and wanted some family and our American friends around us.  The Blake’s were the perfect substitute and treated us to a wonderful English Christmas and Boxing Day.  Lovely, just brilliant.
Cheers!

He is the gift!

Organize your closet,

Our love,

The Parkinson’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lessons from the Brits Week 32 December 14th to December 20th

Goodness!  We are dropping like flies.  Temple ordinances workers that is.  First Brother Rogers went down with a huge swollen leg they are calling cellulitis.  He actually called the ambulance Monday, then sang twice at different Christmas parties, Tuesday went to Dr. and was given an antibiotic and told to stay down, and by Friday was taken hospital.  Sister McClellan fell while on a chair Thursday and wouldn’t go to the Dr. until the next day when she had an appointment and found she had a broken wrist, cracked ribs and a sprained thumb.  Saturday Sister Garrett looked over to see the Roger’s grandchildren running to their grandma (Sister Roger’s) and fell flat on her face cutting her chin badly and scrapping her nose.  We are trying to be a little more careful.

LIE
Brad has an interesting story here.  I think most Americans would have a great love and pride for their country.  As American’s in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we have a belief that America is the chosen land of freedom where our forefather’s were inspired to write the declaration of Independence and the constitution. It has been fun for us to see the pride the British have in their country.  The other day a man was talking to Brad and telling him how England was the greatest nation in the world.  Brad told him it was wonderful that he was such a patriot.  The man argued several times with Brad about how England was/is the greatest above all other countries.  Brad never did a thing but tell him how wonderful it was that he was such a patriot.  Good call, Brad!

1.
Sunday has always been such a nice day of change but after 5 days in the temple it isn’t as anticipated as it used to be.  I finally made it up and got a bit ready but not so good.  Brad browned a roast and I put potatoes and onions and soup in for dinner.  Off to church which was nice.  The roast looked good and a bit big so Brad called and invited Orton’s over.  We had a nice tea (I hope you all know that is English for dinner) and then we did get a nap.
That evening there was a black musical group that came and sang gospel style hymns.  They were great.  There was 1 young man (fabulous singer and pianist) and about 10 women.  Boy, did that room rock.  We did applaud as it was fitting.  Great program.
Afterwards we headed to the dungeon where we talked to three of our kids.  Nice!

The entire group.  So fun!

Male soloist, very good!

2. Thank-You Dinner
We got up a bit later and got ready to go to Costco with Mulholland’s.  We loaded up on tons of meat and candy bars to give away so it was a bit of an expensive trip.  Brad decided not to look.
At 3 PM we went to the Christmas Dinner and Devotional that they temple presidency prepared for us.  We didn’t do a thing and they had gammon (ham), funeral potatoes, tossed salad, mince pies, and lemon tarts for us.  One thing Brad will never get use to is their sparkling drinks over here.  He does not like them so I get to drink all of his.
After dinner we went to President Johnson’s house where he played the guitar and sang for us.  He had actually planned to make a career of it but his father talked him out of it.  It was great and we got to see a new side of him.  The whole presidency and their wives read us Christmas traditions and the story of the Christmas truce during World War I.  Lovely.  Then we sang Christmas Carols.  Really fun night.

President/Sister Johnson's home.

President Johnson sang and played his guitar for us!

He actually was offered a musical contract but his father talked him out of it.

The presidency reading us a Christmas book.

3. 
Today was a bit calmer.  We got up and did the ordinary household wash, iron, clean and haircut. We did a little exercise, fixed lunch and headed to the temple.  It was a good day at the temple.  Late shift again but Brad went over 2 hours early to help with the young missionaries again.  That is so fun to see all those youth doing what they should be doing.  After our shift Brad went over to give a blessing to Brother Roger’s.  His leg is swollen and bright red.  We think he should be in hospital.
We are reading Dan Brown’s Inferno and we read later than we should have.  We need more sleep.

I am a bit sad that I didn't take a photo of our cute Christmas décor.

This is a pic of our Christmas tree alight at 4 AM to guide me to my migraine pills.

4. 
Another fine day.  We did a little exercise and then I made soup to take to Roger’s.  Betty Crocker came over while I finished it and we went over together.  Man, that leg looks bad.  It probably didn’t help that Sister Roger’s crown fell off and was 150 pounds to fix it.
The temple was good and we made it home to go over to the dungeon so we could do a bit of Christmas shopping.  That was a bit frustrating but we got a bit sorted.
Home, book, bed.

5.
Today we went shopping but only for bread and veggies.  The van wasn’t there as it was helping with the missionaries who are doing their last session today.  We asked if anyone wanted to go with us and Sister Freeman (just returned) and Sister Orton wanted to go.  As they were getting in the car, Sister Mulholland came running to tell me to help Sister Freeman with her bags as she had just had surgery and would need help.  Honestly, that woman doesn’t think I have a brain.
It was a fun shopping day and then home to lunch.  We just had a bunch of leftovers but I liked it.  Brad went early again to help with the missionaries.  Today, Elder Erickson is coming.  He is Val Erickson’s grandson.  (Val is one of Brad’s dearest friends.)  I went over to the dinner to get his picture but he wasn’t out of the temple early enough for me to stay.  I gave my ipad to Elder Blair (President Hinckley’s great-grandson) and told him to take pictures and rushed off.
It was a good day at the temple so I was happy coming home.  I walked over to get my ipad and suddenly realized I hadn’t given them my password so there would be no pictures.   WRONG!  Those clever young men (including the Prophet’s grandson) broke right into my ipad and got me some great pictures and videos.  Well done!!  Just brilliant.
It was back to the dungeon and a bit more done.  I miss my internet!!!!!
Home, book bed, but NO sleep.  My feet hurt so bad.  I have soaked them in ice water and rubbed them on frozen bottles.  I changed shoes to my slippers this week so I can curl up my feet when I am standing.  I took some ibuprofen and everything but my feet ached half the night.

Our Christmas penguin with our persimmon.  Yummmm!

6. 
Did I mention that we spent a lot of money at Costco on Monday?  Well then, how about we go right back with Blake’s to show them Costco.  We bought just a couple of things and they learned about the store and then we came right home.  It was a very pleasant drive as Mark drove but Yvonne jumped a couple of times even with his driving.  I thought it was lovely!
We had an interview with President Erwin which was nice but he sure wants to help solve everything before we can get our concerns out.  It is more than obvious that he cares.  He and his wife are very nice people.
The temple was a good day but Friday is our long night and I felt it.  My last assignment was to be in the Celestial Room.  Lovely.  Sister Crossland came up to replace me and I just love her.  We had a fun chat.
Home, book, ibuprofen and bed.  Much better sleep.

7. 
I would love to think that I slept in but it was pretty early getting up and ready.  The temple was a very good day and my little sore feet carried me from top to bottom as I did everything from baptistery to the Celestial Room.  There was a bit of a confusion at the end of the day as Brad said we were told to go home and I thought I had one more assignment but he told me they said it was covered.   I went home and they needed me bad.  They found someone else but I sure felt bad; it had been a really good day till then.
There was a big dinner at Toby’s Carvery but Brad didn’t want to go and spend all the money for something he doesn’t like that much.  (They had a lovely Christmas Dinner menu but he just wasn’t in the mood.)  Somehow Davis’ found out that we weren’t going and ask us to come to their dinner.  I really felt like they were trapped and had to ask us but they were very gracious and had us down for a pot luck.  We took creamed corn.  They had roast, lamb, roast potatoes, parsnips, brussel sprouts, carrots, our corn, gravy and peaches and cream.  We started with crackers and all told our joke.  We all wore our hats and had a great time.  Afterwards, we watched some you tubes that were great. 
We then headed to the dungeon where I worked on my Christmas Cards.    We also talked to Neil and Katie and got to see the puppies again.  Late that night, we finally headed home, read till we dropped and ended our week in sweet slumber.

Brad, me, Sister Smith, Sister Bustamonte and Sister Davis.

Not pictured are Sister Adler, Sister Marsh and Brother Davis.

We are all in our cracker hats.

 

So, week 32 has ended as well.  If I were Becca, I would say 8 months has passed but we have 22 more days till that is true.  Still, time is flying.  We are very excited that the Christmas holiday season is here.  We surely miss home but they are working overtime here to make sure we are all happy and bright.  We love the cards and the chocolate.    Thanks Brits, it has been just lovely. 

Be of good cheer,

Drink water,

Our love,

The Parkinson's

Lessons from the Brits Week 31 December 7th to December 13th

Life is moving right along here in jolly old England.  This week has had its share of experiences; a few ups and a couple of downs.  Never mind!  It is the Christmas season and we are basking in the joy of the greatest event of all mankind.  Oh, and the chocolate is great!

Our first full frost!

LIE
If I could change one thing about my flat it would be the frig.  We have a little tiny frig under the cupboards to the far right end of the kitchen.  You have to pull the chair out from the table and sit on it and then start unloading it to find anything.  I am a bit amazed at how much I can get inside but finding it is no easy task.  Oh, for a beautiful side by side with water and ice in the door.  To stand straight up to open the frig and see directly side at all the beautiful shelves.  Ohhhh!
 

 

1.  Sunday again and it is stake conference.  It was all I could do to get up and ready.  We made it but not early enough for a good seat but they had a little TV right in front of us in the back.  Conference was fine but I guess the meeting the night before was much better.  President Johnson told the same story he did last time about knowing the author of the book.
We had dinner here by ourselves and finally got a nap.  I think I slept forever.  Tonight Roger’s from our shift are speaking at the fireside so we got over there in time to get good seats.  They were very good.  Their son-in-law is a wonderful singer/pianist and they had a couple of musical numbers that just thrilled you.  So very nice.
We rushed home and dished up cake (which Brad made last night – from a mix which is very rare here) and ice cream and Mulholland’s came but way later than we expected.  We put it back in the freezer before it completely melted.  Lovely chat and dessert with them.
Then to the dungeon to call the kids and try to work on the internet.  Nice night.

Our picture in front of the Visitor Center's statue of Christ!

2.  London AgainI must say that I really enjoy going to London.  I still have a few things I need to see for the first time and there are things that I could see/do over and over again like riding the eye.  Today, we are taking Mulholland’s to see the Christmas sights.
Brad had a Dr. appointment to draw blood so he went and took care of that while I got some wash done and got ready.  Last week was so warm and today looked good so I didn’t take that much and left with a bit of wet hair.  BAD IDEA!
We got into London and now I am a complete wiz with the tube.  I knew every stop and whether to go east/west and where to exit.  We headed to Harrod’s first and went right to the toy department.  WOW!  We could have stayed there all day.  We had so much fun with all their displays – especially the magic tricks.  Their stuffed animals were a bit much as they had full sized lions and 8 foot giraffe’s.  The claim of Harrod’s is that they will sell anything you want.  Walking around in there you would have to believe the economy is doing well as the place is just packed.  We went down stairs and bought some goodies and headed to stop number 2.
Next was Covent Garden’s again.  We ate there but not at the same place and Brad was a bit disappointed there.  Then we walked down to the piazza where there was a guy doing a magic show.  They all watched but I was literally freezing to death and tried to run inside but just couldn’t get out of the wind and cold.  We went through the stores for about an hour and we bought some hot chocolate.
Then we headed to Oxford Street.  Goodness!  I have never seen such a display.  I realize that I have never been in New York for Christmas but I never expected anything like this.  Whole store fronts – 4 to 6 stories high are solid lights with changing displayed projected on them.  Side streets are also done up.  Selfridges is supposed to have the most amazing windows and yes – they were amazing but a bit strange.  They were all in some take off of a children’s story like ‘Red Riding Hood.’
We went in the store and walked around a bit.  The toy department was completely sad.  Brad had so sit down so we went to the shoe department and all I can say about that was – Good Grief!
We finished walking down the street, almost bought a pair of shoes at Clark’s for Brad, and then went around the corner and down to Hamley’s – the biggest toy store in London.  There were 8 floors of toys and a yelling display clerk at every corner.  I did want the remote car that went up the walls and on the ceiling. 
And then we were headed back to Victoria and back to Lingfield and rest our little feet for the next morning – early shift.

Store window displays at Harrod's.

 

 

3.  How angry can Brad get!

Early seemed really early.  We made it so all is well.  This week we have more sisters than we have ever had but everything moved very smoothly in my neck of the woods.  We also had a very special happening – the London South Mission is bringing every missionary to the temple and then have a bit dinner for them.  They are bring over 60 each day so we get at least one big session with lots of work in clothing to get them all white clothes.  That was so cool to see all these wonderful 18 to 20 year old youth who have dedicated 2 years of their lives to go and serve the Lord at an age when most youth just go carefree.  I love our missionary program.  I only wish Brit would have been here! 
It did seem like a long day but I thought everything went rather smoothly.  Did I say ‘I’.  Brad came home so made I thought we were on our way home for sure.   In fact, those were his exact words.  ‘One more time of being corrected by every fellow worker – not the guy in charge but just the other guy – and he is coming for me and I am telling Sister Callaghan sorry and we are on our way out.  Goodness he was ticked. 
We took a bit of a nap – about 2 hours – and then fixed supper and headed to the visitor’s center for the Christmas devotional.  Loved it!  This is a devotional under the direction of our Prophet where we have a few speakers and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra.  Oh, it was so good.  Elder Christofferson spoke and he melted Brad’s anger.  I think we will stay.

Lego displays at Harrod's

Harrod's toy department.  Could have stayed all day!

4. Book EndsOkay, my mouth is not my friend at many times of my life but this was not my fault.  One of the biggest problems here is that everyone has worked somewhere where it is done better and they can tell you straight away what is wrong here.  That gets really old as ‘here’ is much different than that ‘somewhere’.  Well, a single sister was talking about how the single sisters didn’t get all the coordinating positions the married sisters did.  Actually this was rather funny because last week she was a coordinator and this week she is a coordinator.  Trying to back up the people in charge of making assignments I said it would be EASIER for them to just put down a married couple for a job than finding 2 different people to do it.  Well, she took it that I said married couples could do it better and boy did she blast me when we were down changing into our whites.  Brad last night and her this morning.  I tried and tried to explain to her I said easier to assign jobs but she just came back that there should be more than making it easy on the shift coordinators.  Only Anderson’s can fully comprehend that statement.
After our shift we were going to do a session but Brad had told Mulholland’s he would take them to get their jab (flu shot – by the way – the office called and said they saw they hadn’t had one so called them in to do so.  Not bad NHS!)  so we just came home.
Callaghan’s had both Mulholland’s and us for dinner and it was WONDERFUL.  She cooked a turkey, roast potatoes, roast parsnips (love them), peas, carrots, cauliflower, gravy and home made Yorkshire pudding.  She served the plates and had way too much for me and I ate every bit.  BULGE!  Then she had chocolate cake to die for with about an inch of whipped cream frosting and we still poured double cream all over it.  Really fun night!

Brother and Sister Callaghan, the cooks!

Mulholland's (along with us) enjoy the efforts.

5.  All done in!
It sure seems like the day starts earlier and earlier.  (It could be that we read to midnight almost every night.)  We did make it up and to the temple but I had Brad go ahead as I just couldn't hurry.  It was a great day at the temple.  The second set of missionaries came and we had 26 sister missionaries today.  Our youth is beautiful.  I came home so tired I talked Brad out of going shopping and I baked bread and rolls instead.  Really good I might add.  Brad ran over to Lingfield and bought milk and we just add a quiet night with our book.

From here on down is Oxford Street at Christmas.

 
 



Some window display's at Shelfridge's.  Nothing to do with Christmas but interesting/weird.

 

6.  Busy day.
Today we were much busier so it made it a very good day.  We made it home to collapse and enjoy a lovely nap.  I wonder about those days of exercise but consider those days long gone.  My feet are hurting so badly I am starting to worry about the future.  Oh well, never mind.  Had a nice tea, went over to internet a bit and home to our book and soak my feet. 

More Oxford Street!

7.  Joined at the hip!
Early, early!  We made it to the temple by 7:10 AM to dress and get things ready.  My helpers didn’t show up so I was a bit nervous but Sister Rodriguez came and all was well.  (She is over 90, mostly blind, can hardly hear and walk – and a pure example to everyone.  Love that woman!)
Today was MY busiest day ever.  We had 7 new patrons (first time going through temple) show up on our shift and I am to get them started on their way.  Meantime, I took care of about 20 other sisters and I was busy out of my mind.  I think it went well because the matron (temple president’s wife) came down and thanked me and said I had done a job.
AND today we got an early Christmas present – Sister Freeman came back.  She looks wonderful but has terrible jet lag.  Oh, it is so good to see her again.  More fun is on the way!
So, there always seems to be a good and a bad to balance out our lives.  I will first mention the bad.  A temple worker I didn’t know came today and worked with me.  I thought we were doing well.  I was standing by her and noticed that her shawl was all crocked and so I reached over and fixed it.  She immediately threw it back like it was.  I said I didn’t realize she was making a fashion statement and she let me have it on how she was feeling the spirit so lovely and then I completely ruined it and that regardless of what I thought, I was not her mother.  Good Grief!  What is with this week?  I was so shocked!  Sister Box who saw the whole thing came up to me and apologized over and over about how that was not called for.  My new saying is ‘keep your hands off.’
Now, the good!  I was just rushing out of my mind when I caught sight of a familiar face.  I yelled (whispered loudly) and ran for her.  It was one of my ‘3 joined at the hip’ sisters and she was trying to get the others to come to see me.  We had a big hug and they were able to work with me during the day.  After my shift we met outside so I could get their picture.  They gave me a present to put on some more hip so we can all be joined at the hip.  I love: Sister Howard, Sister Horne, and Sister Busby!  They had Sister Hill and Sister Goodwin so there were 5 at the hip today.  I also had a Sister Toogood today.  I got a laugh out of that and since her husband is bishop of their ward, she is use to it.  My ‘3 at the hip’ completely were so good the bad was almost forgotten.
After our shift we went out to our Thai place with Orton’s.  Yummy!  Then we went to ‘The Miracle on 34^th Street’ which was so cute.  If you can remember Santa sings a Dutch song in it.  When he started to sing it we were all yelling at Pilgrim and she started singing it with them.  (Since then every time I see her she tries to teach it to me.  McClellan had bags of candy for all of us.  So nice.!
As we were walking out – I just wanted to talk to a child so we went in the reading room and called Katie.  More than coincidence – I think so!  They were just walking in with dachshund puppies.  My life is complete again  - a Parkinson has a dachshund (okay she is a Staten but she is still mine).  They are the most beautiful things!  I was so excited and wanted so much to jump on a plane so I could go home and train them.  I love puppies.

 3 or rather 5 joined at the hip.  I will find out the first 2 names later, but Sister Howard is center, then Sister Horne and next Sister Busby.

Now Complete!

Brother Porter, 93, who just baptized his friend at the nursing home. 

The coach pulls away!  Waving good-bye to my friends!

Linus and Lucy

And that does the week!  All over!  Lots of fun and exciting things and a little balance as well.  I just hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday season.  Take care now and don’t slip.  Bless.  Oh, Bless!

 

The end of Oxford Street. Quite a fun live band,

Now, Hamley's toy store -- the largest toy store in England.  8 stories.

 Be giving, what need I say more?

Eat veggies,

Our Love,

The Parkinson’s