What glorious and beautiful fall weather we are having!  Today it got up to 75 degrees!  Nights are getting colder however.  It's been down around mid 30's.  We did have ice on the windshield one morning.  I miss having our vehicles garaged.  They get dirty so much faster and they are cold in the morning.  With our gas water heater in the garage at home, it gives off just enough heat that the cars never really get cold.

This week was a week of firsts for us.  We went to two of the zone conferences.  The first one, on Tuesday was in West Columbia where our stake center is.  Doyle and I made brief presentations to the missionaries with regard to housing issues and baptismal forms.  We watched some driving safety videos produced by the church specifically for the missionaries to encourage them to keep safety first while in the car.  We then started vehicle inspections of all cars in the Columbia and West Columbia zones.  Inspections include overall maintenance, cleanliness and record keeping accuracy.  If they are doing everything well, they get a treat and a happy face card.  If they are neglecting to do things well, they get a frowning face card and no treat.  On Wednesday, we traveled an hour and a half to Greenville to have zone conference with the Greenville East and Greenville missionaries.  The procedure was basically the same.  Both days we were finished before lunch, and then headed back to the office to work there.

Missionary cars lined up for inspection in Greenville.

Next week, on Tuesday we go to Augusta and then Wednesday is Florence zone conference.  On Friday, we will spend time with the departing missionaries going to the temple and having dinner at the mission home with President Holm and his wife.  Saturday is missionary departure day and the following Monday we have arrivals, then on the 21st is transfers.  (I'm tired already!)

The following day is Thanksgiving.  Fixing a big Thanksgiving dinner in the 5th wheel would be quite an undertaking.  The refrigerator is small...so what in the world would I do with all those leftovers?  I think the office staff will probably all go out to dinner together.  We went to a wonderful buffet last Tuesday.  Everyone really enjoyed the food so we may go back there.

Today was a busy day.  Doyle worked on a few maintenance issues on the fifth wheel as we prepare for unknown weather conditions during winter.

So efficient!

 

Laying in the dirt and gravel after putting on the tire covers.

 

 Everyone says it's pretty mild here, but it has been known to snow from time to time.  We have been told when that happens...everybody stays home.  They have no snow plows to deal with removal issues, so an unscheduled day off makes for smiling faces on school children and a few adults, I'm sure.

We did take some time to go for a short walk here on the campground property.  There is a small lake and it looks so lovely from the other side looking toward the campground.

 

 

Tomorrow is our predictable opportunity.  As two of the newest faces in the ward, we have been asked to speak.  It is the way of the church...when you come or when you leave, the request always comes.  We accepted of course, so we'll be looking out into the faces of the branch members.  I'm ready and looking forward to it.  My topic is service to others.

 

People are so friendly here!  Lots of smiles and courtesy.  Speaking of courtesy, I have really noticed it while driving.  People will actually stop and let you out into traffic.  Now that is a rare sight indeed in the Seattle area!  I love Seattle, but the drivers are pretty rude most of the time.

 

Until next time, I wish all my friends and family all of the peace in their lives that can be achieved by living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I love all of you!