May 17, 2016 - Tuesday in Nauvoo

It was a perfect day to be outdoors, today.  The weather was cool and there were no flying insects!  Mom and I were assigned to the Handcart site today.  However, since we had no scheduled treks today, we helped out in the gardens.  We had our morning devotional and prayers and then went to the FM offices for their 7:00am daily prayer meeting.  

After the meeting we loaded up the trailer with assorted flowers and plants, and went to the Visitor's Center here in Nauvoo.  Here are some action shots of our morning labors;

Plants that have literally grown up here over the winter

Freshly turned soil in the flower beds at the entrance to the VC

 

Mom artistically placing the assorted plants and flowers

Richard - the master gardener!

Oh those aching knees - with a smile!

The transformation of a bed of soil into a garden paradise!

How's that?

The morning sky in Nauvoo today!

We ended up planting another 2,000+ plants this morning.  We planted both entrances to the Visitors Center, and the Kiosk at the front of one of the main streets into Nauvoo from Keokuk.  Here are some of those pictures that we took this morning along Highway 96;

Let's work some more soil!

Richard placing the various plants - what an artist!

Ten minutes and the bed was completed!

Bob and Mary and family will get to see this beautiful place in two weeks!

Well, it was a good day to work outside today.  It was a little chilly at temperatures in the high 40's.  And, I might add, a perfect temperature to keep the bugs at a bare minimum.  You can't believe how satisfying this work is to create a garden scene that will be viewed by 10's of thousands of visitors over the next 90 days!  

We have marveled at the wonderful experiences we have had on this mission.  Serving in Carthage for almost six months.  Then serving at the Nauvoo Visitor's Center and sites for another seven months.  And now serving in the gardens the last two months.  These experiences have been wonderful, and we will add to these choice experiences this summer by working with the youth groups coming to do handcart treks!

Mom and I got home at around 2:00pm this afternoon and took nice hot showers.  Boy did that feel good!  And then we enjoyed our afternoon meal together, after which, we both answered the call to take a nap.  This has been a wonderful day and very relaxing evening here in Nauvoo.  We've done some good today, and that feels great!

One more fun fact... my blog has over 10,000 views!  Not too bad since I went to the private mode over a year ago!  Thank you for checking in with us tonight and for your comments, on the blog site, and for your love and support this entire mission!  We love you!