Almost Heaven

I'm telling you, this year the colors of autumn have left me breathless. Perhaps it is because I have developed more of a reverence for life as I get older.

I was able to get into a neurosurgeon this week. I appreciate his perspective and honesty, for he is not one to be anxious to get you into surgery. He has suggested meeting with a pain management team to see if we can conquer the pain in my back. This week doesn't seem to be as bad as last week.

This weekend was one of the best ever. Kerry was able to take Friday and Saturday off for a special purpose - to be with me! We both worked at the temple on Friday, then headed south to Charleston, West Virginia. Each mile reminded me of some of my temple workers that make this 3 1/2 hour trip each Friday. My goodness!

We visited with some of my temple workers, most of which were fussing over who got to keep us over night. Since I was speaking at a genealogy conference the next day, we thought it best to stay with the ones who were in charge of it.

Many people think of West Virginia as a bunch of redneck renegades with no class or literacy. It was not the case. The couple we stayed with were professionals - a psychotherapist and a lawyer, who had once served a mission for our church in Hong Kong. Across the street was another temple worker - a nephrologist (kidney doctor) who they will not let retire. (She's 77 years old). She's very good in her field.

The home we stayed at was beautiful - the back yard had blooming shrubs, a fish pond, perfectly manicured with a deck to sit and enjoy it all on. Their son is a sculptor who has not always made correct choices in his life. This is one of his pieces, entitled "Shame".
It brought a lump to my throat each time I passed by it.

Saturday was a wonderful day! There were 179 in attendance - remarkable for their first seminar. Only 25 were nonmembers - a real reversal for most seminars sponsored by the church. At the one I do in Dayton each February, there may be 500 registered with 50 being LDS. I was their keynote speaker to get it all kicked off, and I followed with teaching classes throughout the day. Some of the other teachers were a bit nervous when they found out I was a Accredited Genealogist, but I told them there was absolutely no need to worry. I also learn at each class I attend - sometimes just a new way of looking at a problem..

The day was successful, and I was reluctant to leave them. Although I'm not from West Virginia, my roots run deep into the south. My mom and three sisters joined the church not far from where I was. (Dad joined later here in Ohio). I felt like I was leaving new-found family. And...I probably was related to a good many of them.

We loved our drive home. Again, the scenery was breath-taking. At one point, Kerry and I just gazed at a colorful hillside that was spotted with black cows grazing away. It was so peaceful to just look.

We had foot-long coneys at a Sonic drive-in and thought they were the best we's ever had. We came home through sunshine, rain, and a few snowflakes. We were originally going to stop at Jordan's, but decided to do it later this week.

Church was delightful with the primary putting on their annual program. These children wrote their own talks - from 3 years old up to age 11. They spoke at the pulpit, and each of their songs and messages left a spark in our hearts. Kerry and I remembered when our own children were up there giving talks and singing their little hearts out.

Last evening, Kerry and I attended an 1831 Dinner Theater at a local country church. It was one of the best experiences ever, for we were literally transformed into what Mansfield would have been like in 1831. The host and the characters were dressed and spoke as if they were characters from 1831. The food was delicious - cheese/crackers, roast beef, fried chicken, buttered and parslied potatoes, cabbage and noodles, peas and carrots, cornbread, apple butter, apple cider, and a choice of apple crisp or pumpkin pie.

The basement of their church had a room that was done in logs and chinks (imitation) and candle sconces on the wall. There were mason jars with candles burning inside anchored by sand. The performers talked all through our dinner - about John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed, who came through our area), the newly built 2-story courthouse, a new hotel, the newly elected mayor, the penalty for taking more than four cows through the town square, the Indian removal by Pres. Andrew Jackson, etc. It was history - AND WE LOVED IT!!! The main character was Rev. Paul Lintern, who when we talked with later discovered we have a common bond. He was a member of Toastmasters, when Kerry was in charge a few years ago. And, Kerry is his mailman!
This had to be one of our favorite weekends ever!

When we came home, I found several messages from my West Virginia group - they all wanted to make sure we had gotten home safely.

And, as much as I dislike Halloween, I thought I would include a blast from the past...
Aahh! The little Lauritzens...

Now we begin a new week. I hope yours is as good as ours was last week!

Love to y'all
Miss P