12/03/17
Can you believe that December is here?!  I can't!! But the holiday festivities have started, so it must be true.
The area from Columbus Circle/60th Street all the way to about 67th Street has a Winter's Eve Festival on Broadway.  I reminds of some festivities on the Plaza at home--only on a larger scale.  And sadly, it never mentions Christ or the Nativity.  I love that Prescott, still has scripture reading and actual carols about Christ sung at the Courthouse lighting. There was a Christmas tree lighting with a musical program--including one of the original Monkees and lots of their music.  Some things even started in the afternoon.  During the afternoon, I went to one of the small theaters in the Lincoln Center and watched the Christmas classic movie "Christmas Story"  as in "You'll shoot your eye out!" Or the sexy leg lamp.  Then you'll remember the right movie.

They had free popcorn and yogurt as well.  I had fun visiting with another lady before it started.  It was a fun afternoon.  Then in the evening Spencer went out with me.  The sister missionaries went with us for the Tree lighting and some of the browsing.  Then we split off.  We watched a guy doing an ice sculpture right next to the temple door.  Amazing talent!
Many restaurants had food booths set up, but the lines were way too long for us.  There were musicians in many stores as well as on a bandstand in the little park across from the temple.  We watched a Blue Grass band there for a while.  I can't even describe some of "things" that were wandering around the street.  It was a fun evening.  The weather was crisp--we needed hats and gloves, but it wasn't frigid.
When we got back to the apartment building we had our picture taken be the Christmas tree in the lobby.
During the week we worked in the temple during the day time.  We have to get used to the earlier shift.  For those who want to call us (hint, hint), here is the schedule:
Tuesday & Wednesday 10-5; Thursday 9-4; Friday 11-6; and Saturday 9-4.

Saturday evening there was Carolers on Columbus program in the Manhattan Ward next door.  It was amazing.  They had representation from through out the stake --and beyond.  Franklin (from Sesame Street) was even there. The Primary children and youth from a Spanish ward in Harlem sang a great medley I couldn't get very many good pictures because the podium was in the way.  The deaf branch signed a song while it was sung.  I was really entertained by the ASL missionaries who signed all of the numbers during the evening.  One sister was especially "bouncy" and fun.  A couple of our temple workers did my favorite song for entertainment "Present Face" about trying to keep a positive face showing when you open a present you hate.  They were hysterically funny.  After the program there was free hot chocolate  served out on the sidewalk. I'll just keep putting in the pictures and you can sort of figure out what goes with the different commentary.

 I have just one more quick story before I close for tonight.

There are frequently panhandlers on the subway when we go to church.  Some are questionable.  But today a man came from another car into our car.  It was really crowded and I saw his feet before I saw him.  His toes on his left foot were sticking out of his socks and he had no shoes.  His toes were swollen and discolored.  It made me wince just to see them. His right foot was wrapped in a small blanket. In a loud voice he asked for help to buy shoes.  He said, "My feet hurt so bad and I have no shoes.  I've found a pair at Payless for $20 and I'm trying to get the money together to buy them."  I was getting my wallet out to give him a couple of dollars.  But a young man near us, took his shoes off and gave them to the man.  It was so touching.  He graciously thanked him and explained that someone in the previous car had also offered some--a size 14 pair, but his feet are a size 16, so it was unlikely anyone on the train had that size of a foot.  He was a really tall guy and I don't doubt that he was being truthful.   My heart was touched He offered to give him the shoes off of his feet.  It was an amazing example of "Lighting the World".

I hope all of you are doing things to bring light and joy into the lives of others--and in that way you will be serving the Savior as well.
Love,
Jeanine

11/26/17

Hi all,
It is late in the day and I'm afraid I won't get this done in time to meet Caleb's Monday in Taiwan!

Monday Spencer went with me to a movie so that was fun.  We saw Daddy's Home 2.  He really enjoyed the 1st one.  He was super tired, so he didn't show much emotion this time, but he says he enjoyed it.  I was just glad to have him come to a movie with me.   We had Wednesday and Thursday off since the temple was closed.  We caught up with things around here and I prepared my contributions for Thanksgiving dinner. I went with a big group of missionaries to see "Darkest Hour" about the early part of WW II in England and the role of Churchill.  I really enjoyed the history and the acting.  It made me recognize so many blessings in my life.

Thursday morning several of the men missionaries took our chairs to the parade route at the end of our block at 4:15 AM.  Then at 5:30 Spencer and another elder went to "guard" our chairs.  The rest of us arrived at 7 AM.  We had hot chocolate and treats while we waited.  We were very near the beginning point of the parade.  So right at 9 AM we could see the giant Olaf balloon floating toward us.

 Most balloons are centered around kids' shows or cartoons.  I loved them.  There were a lot of bands--huge bands!  One band had 20 tubas and about 25-30 percussionists.  It made me think of Scott Dike and his love of percussion in his marching band.  I took special note of the Air Force band and said a silent prayer of thanks for Stephen Alexander and all of the other members of the Air Force.  I thought of Alexanders also when I saw a float depicting things from Hawaii.  The KFC float had a Utah sign, but I couldn't get a good shot of it.  That of course reminded me of the Crawfords and Kidds together in Utah.

I was astounded at how many walkers there are holding each balloon.  Sometimes they roll them in closer and let them up or make them move around.  You can sort of see it with Charlie Brown--that is just part of them!

After the parade I was able to FaceTime with Nathan and his boys for a long time.  That was the highlight of the day.  We also texted a lot during the parade.  It definitely made me feel loved.  Later, Jason and Lucy called for a very quick chat before they went to the movies .  I had a good visit with Rachelle as well.  She always remembers me on holidays, so that was an enjoyable break.

Mid afternoon we went to President and Sister Bench's apartment with a few other missionaries--those who had no family to be with.  We all helped, but Sister Bench did a LOT.  It was so nice to visit and enjoy each other in a relaxing environment.

I have lots more pictures, but I think you have seen enough now.

I didn't have anyone to play games with that evening, so I downloaded a Scrabble app on my phone and played the computer.  It was fun--but I missed all of the joking and laughter with all of you.

Friday was VERY busy in the temple.   I tried to visit with the three kids visiting in CA, but I had already taken my bedtime meds and it was 11:30 PM, so I was fading fast and had to cut it shorter than my heart wanted to...  :(

Today after church I went with four other missionaries to a professional performance of the "Messiah" in Carnegie Hall.  We even saw Santa before it started.  As you can see, he was only the size of an elf!

The performance
was out of this world fantastic.  What an amazing building.  The choir had about 200-250 people.  The orchestra probably had 150 people.  Then in the second half another choir of about 200 people moved into the two balconies on either side and joined their voices to the Hallelujah chorus and Worthy is the Lamb.  It was spiritual and exhilarating all at the same time.

 Tuesday we start working on the day shift.  So we will go to the temple about 9 or 10 everyday and work for 7 hours.  It will be a nice change and we can see lots of Christmas shows and lights in the evening!  At least that is my plan.

We hope you all had a good holiday.  We were happy to hear from Melody's family this afternoon.  We love to FaceTime and see the grandkids.  Everyone just keeps growing up.  Weird!

Love,
Jeanine

Nov. 19, 2017

Thursday will be Thanksgiving Day!  My heart is filled with gratitude for so many blessings.  The list is topped with my Savior, my Father in Heaven (in either order), my testimony, my family, my friends.  But there are so many little things as well.  Shoes to wear for one.

Today on the subway to church there was a man sleeping who had no shoes--just socks and the toes were out on the right foot.  I didn't want to invade his privacy, so I didn't take a picture.  But it made me wonder when was the last time I was grateful to have shoes and boots and other things to keep me warm and comfortable?!  I hope all of you--young and old take time to express gratitude to each other and to our Father in Heaven this week.

Yesterday I had a wonderful visit with Todd Mortensen (Adam in the "B" film in the temple).  He had finished with confirmations with some members of his ward.  I was assigned to the baptistry.  I introduced myself and then told him that Ann Marie Thompson is married to my son Chad.  He had such and instantaneous and positive reaction!  He shared so many memories of every member of the Thompson family from his years at Tempe High School--even mentioning the PBJ sandwiches after the football games.  He wanted a report on every member of the family.  I was really happy that I could give a fairly complete report.  I couldn't remember where Jess moved after leaving Tucson as a Pediatric cardiac surgeon and I wasn't certain of Stephen's profession.  He was amazed that Jon is a CRNA now.  He of course mentioned that he used to date Amy in high school.  It was such fun chatting away.  Then, he casually mentioned that he had a Prescott connection as well.  You will never guess--he is the great-grandson of Uncle Merle Allen.  I was stunned and quickly told him that Uncle Merle's second wife was my Aunt Opal. He remembers meeting Aunt Opal. It turns out that Merle Jr and Carol are his grandparents on his mom's side!  I wonder if my Goodman cousins had made this connection.  Merle Jr is a patriarch now and Bishop Mortensen and his wife hope he is still giving blessings when their four daughters are old enough to receive blessings.    It is a small world in the church.

I don't have pictures this week--but I will next week, because the missionaries will be setting up chairs just a block away to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I am excited to see it in person.  I always try to watch it on TV while working on dinner--but have had limited success.

We will eat Thanksgiving dinner in the apartment of President and Sister Bench with all the missionaries who don't have any family to spend the holiday with.  I am providing apple pie and a green salad.  The temple is closed on Wednesday and Thursday and then we are back to work on Friday and Saturday.  On Wednesday I plan on going to Macy's and lots of other places near Times Square, Penn Station (34th St as in "The Miracle on 34th Street) and Grand Central Station to look at Christmas decorations in the stores.  I might not have time to hit them all--but I'll give it a good try!  That should put me in the holiday mood, don't you think?

Right after Thanksgiving we switch back to the day shift.  I don't know our exact schedule, but I will have it be next Sunday.  So you can reach for Face Time or phone calls in the evening!  Please do!!

We love each and every one of you and pray for your well-being and happiness.  Send us pictures of your holiday events.

Love,
Mom, Grandma, Jeanine

 These are the last of my Walter Rane pictures.




The first one is the sons of Mosiah bringing Alma the Younger to his parents after encountering an Angel.

The second one is my favorite--Moroni realizing that Mormon is dead and he is now truly alone as the last of the righteous Nephites.

This one is a more common theme--from the New Testament--Mary and Martha with the Savior.









REMEMBER TO MAKE THIS A WEEK OF GIVING THANKS FOR YOUR BLESSINGS!

November 12, 2017

Recently I read something in the Church News that touched my heart.  At the training for the new temple presidents, President Russell Nelson said, "... you will come to realize that temple service is the crown jewel of all of our work in the Church."  He had another great quote, "The temple is the object of every activity and every advancement in the Church."

It makes me feel very grateful for the opportunity of serving in the temple five days a week.  I may get tired and discouraged at times--but it is truly an amazing privilege.  I feel the blessings of the Lord and know He is pleased with our offering.

But this service does come with sacrifice.  Yesterday I would have liked to have been in the temple in St. George, UT instead of NYC, NY.  Quinn and Niki were married there.  Here is a beautiful picture I "stole" from Rachelle's Facebook account.

Tonight we had our Temple Workers' Devotional.  It was beautiful.  The music was touching and the thoughts shared were inspiring.  We could truly feel our Savior's love.  I wish I could send the spirit of the meeting to you thru the digital world.  Undoubtedly, you have had similar experiences.

Cold weather has arrived in Manhattan!  Yesterday we had a record low for that date.  It was only 24 degrees.  But on Friday the wind was howling and the chill factor must have been much lower.  I had to walk 12 blocks to an appointment and my nose and ears were frozen--even after wrapping a scarf around my head.  I must admit it is a decorative scarf--I will be buying a winter scarf at my first opportunity.  Spencer also needs a scarf and he now realizes that he didn't put gloves in the box of winter stuff we shipped out ahead of our departure.  So we will be buying gloves for him as well.

I have been fighting a head cold--it just keeps coming back since I have allergies that compromise my immune system and the cold air triggers the coughing and sneezing.  But hey, I'm not sleeping outside, like this poor homeless man I saw in Central Park in the middle of the day on Friday.  I wonder if he walks at night to keep from freezing and sleeps during the day.

Spencer is still facing challenges with vertigo and energy level.  But he is continuing to loose weight and looks great.  He has an MRI tomorrow.  But he doesn't see the doctor to get the results until December.  Hopefully, that means they aren't expecting it to show anything terrible.

Central Park is still my favorite place to walk.  The "erector set" buildings are all down now that were set up for the marathon.  It was amazing to see them go up and taking them down is just as fascinating.  Last week the weather was perfect for the marathon--in the 60's and slight rain.  Today it is in the 20's and bitter cold breezes.

When we came home from church last week we could hardly get thru the crowds--it was shoulder to shoulder and not moving until we got north of Columbus Circle.  That is because we live so close to the finish line of the marathon.

It looks like they even put up a temporary statute at the finish line.  Does anyone know who Fred Lebow is?  I wonder if he has some history with marathons.

I took another picture in Central Park.  I wanted to see glorious leaves.  But the color change has been minimal.  Then the trees in front of our building just lost all of their leaves overnight.  The green leaves are on the sidewalk and in the gutter and they are turning immediately brown.  My guess is the frost did it.  I guess I won't see the color changes after all.

This is snap shot is across the platforms in the subway.  We were waiting for our train to go to church.  It is pretty typical.

I came home after Sacrament Mtg today because of my cold.  It was insane on the subway.  Shoulder to shoulder and hardly a hand hold to reach.  I got on before it was so bad and had the corner seat in the area for elderly and handicapped people.  A lady got on with two canes.  The three other people sitting in my area were all about 50 years younger than me.  They just kept their eyes on their phones and did nothing.  So I stood up and offered my seat to the lady.  She was very appreciative.  I think it "guilted" the young woman next to me because she then got up and moved away--without saying anything--not even "excuse me" when she stepped on some man.  He wasn't too happy with her.  Sometimes people are so polite.  But if they are focused on their phones, all human decency seems to vanish.  I'm glad that from everything I've observed, our grandchildren and children are more conscious of other people--even the shy ones are polite.

We love you and miss you all!
Jeanine

November 5, 2017

This has been a bitter sweet time for me.  I'm feeling a little homesick. 

Last week was the wedding of Spencer's oldest grandson--Nathan Judd.  His wife is the beautiful Mallory.  How I would have loved to have been there.

We were so happy that they were married in the Mesa, AZ temple.  That is the best way to start out an eternal marriage. 

And it was a wonderful privilege that Spencer's brother-in-law, Mike Vance was the sealer.

 We love being with family and we are happy for the reports we have received about this event.

Friday was the dedication of the ramada at Aker Park in Prescott--just across the fence from the original Tenney ranch.  Lucy Mason spoke about Dad and his wonderful influence in her life.  My three siblings who were there (Ron, Harold, and Diane) also spoke.  I would have loved to have been a part of the day.

I did get to at least contribute to photos for the plaque and helped in the planning stages.  My brother Carl did a lot in that area.  He was the moving force.  We appreciate Kitty for being sure some pictures were taken and always being a part of  special times in the family.

Fortunately, Aunt Pearl Romney, Dad's last surviving sibling attended, as did cousins Lark Cyr and Mike and Sandi Reid.  Lucy Mason rounds out the next picture.

We hope that our immediate and extended family members will have opportunities to enjoy this spot for picnics and cook outs. There some wonderful hiking trails.  We can all enjoy a walk down memory lane.

Now, I'm sounding old, as well as nostalgic!

Next weekend is another wonderful family event as Rachelle and Dave's son Quinn is married to Niki in the St. George temple--we will miss that as well.  But hopefully I'll have a picture to include next week.


Now on to Spencer's report:
We, the Browns don't communicate all that often.  We could do much better at phone calls and emails.  But, I do think (in our defense) that we are engaged in doing our necessary tasks--teaching our children, living an honest life and keeping up with our prayers and scripture study.  Maybe there is hope!

In our combined family, I'm happy the way our children are turning out with four missionaries.  There will be an untold number for our "50" grandchildren who will yet go and serve.  By the way, service can take other forms as well.

Next comes marriages that create new families and future generations.  They will balloon and repeat themselves.  That can be mind boggling to think about.  We hope our efforts will produce family lines with people who are good and serve the Lord.  All of us need to remember that there is repentance and we can make better choices.  This will be true in this life and in the life to come.  It is never too late to set our affairs in order.  I've even made one or two mistakes in my life!

We are pushing on each day.  I have had headaches and dizziness, but in all I wouldn't change anything.  President Bench, the temple president, gave us a good compliment in our interview and that makes things even better. 

I love this work!  I love the people who come!  I love the Lord.

The other day a black man came by the front desk on his way out.  I asked him where he was from.  I had guessed he was from the Dominican Republic.  "Oh, no," he said, "I am from Sierra Leone".  Then I told him we have a grandson serving a mission in that country.  He grabbed me and pulled me close and said "Thank you for serving my people. I want to bring all of them to the temple." It verifies what our grandson, Spencer Raymond says.  They are a loving, touchy-feely people.

Another wonderful experience (tender mercy) is that Jeanine's brother, Carl taught us how to use a FamilySearch app (Find-A-Record).  I was impressed, but didn't have time to use it until now.  Jeanine has spent a lot of time showing me how to look up family lines and find relatives who are lacking temple ordinances.  Some may lack just one, like a sealing to spouse or parents, but some lack everything.  Most names are from 200-300 years ago.  I still don't know much about the computer, but this program is producing and will produce hundreds of names.  The challenge now is how to facilitate getting the work done.

We love all of our kids and grandkids in the combined family.  Our daily prayers are about you each day--especially those with handicaps, who struggle with a living and who have other specific challenges.

Spencer

Since I barely posted last week's blog, I'll just invite you on a walk thru Central Park with us.  We went this week to see if the leaves were changing.

 We stood on a bridge and watched a man entertaining people making huge bubbles with two sticks, a thin rope and a bucket of suds.  It was fascinating--especially to the toddler in blue who kept chasing them and trying to pop them.  We tossed a dollar down for some friends below us to put in his money collection.

Then we saw a jazz band practicing in the band shell.  We didn't stay long because neither of us are big jazz fans.

 There were professional photographers filming it, so maybe it was for a promotional or something.  But it was fun to see.





Then we came across a guy in a sling ready to go up into the tree.  We watched him climb--it is hard to spot him because he blends in with the tree.  After a while we realized there was already a second tree trimmer in the tree and we observed him pulling up the tree trimming tools.  In that picture, it reminds me of "Where's Waldo?"  Can you find even one tree trimmer?  There really are two--I promise.  :)


Did you spot either one of them?  

On the way back home, we spotted a few colorful leaves on the trees.  But the skyline is even more interesting

There were lots of brown leaves on the ground, but not much color on the trees.

As we were exiting the Park by Tavern on the Green, we watched the construction of a huge pavilion.  It is for the NYC marathon next weekend.

There is an Open House this week, so when the rain lets up we will go scope it out.

Remember a few weeks ago when Spencer told you about the guy with the feather in his hair and a cigar stub in his fingers who tried to sneak into the temple?  Last Sunday, he dressed like a pirate and attended the Manhattan 1st Ward.  He was in the back of the Cultural Hall.  When the last speaker sat down, he marched up to the back row from the chapel and in a loud voice started yelling that this was all false teachings and he needed to set the record straight about what was the real truth.  The bishop stood up and said he'd be glad to meet with him after the meeting, but he wasn't having it.  He kept talking in a really loud voice.  A counselor started from the stand, but before he could get there about five brethren in the Cultural Hall stood up and more or less surrounded him and walked him out.  The organist quickly started playing the closing song.  It seemed like a good ending to a strange event.

Well, I guess he wasn't finished--he came back today--still dressed like a pirate.  But before the meeting started a counselor in the bishopric and another man walked him out.  They didn't manhandle him.  They just walked on either side of him.  My neighbors, the sister missionaries met them getting off the elevator when they were arriving at church. 

You can never tell who might attend church next door--President Uchtdorf, Elder Nelson or a strange pirate.  Life is always interesting!!

We hope all of you are attending church--you can hear eternal truths and meet all kinds of people. :)
Love,
Spencer and Jeanine

I just opened the blog and realized that my post from last week didn't post--I guess the only people who saw it are our four missionaries (and Sarah) where I do a cut and paste and send it to them.  Sorry...  the rest of you will get a double dose this week.

October 22, 2017

We have now been here five months.  It seems hard to believe.  But it is all good.

Friday I made a visit to the podiatrist to pick up my orthodics for my shoes.  The office is in an older building that might have been apartments originally.  Now there are business offices on the bottom floors.  I noticed an old fashioned mail chute in the lobby.  You can put mail in on any floor and in theory it zips right down to the first floor for the mailman to pick up (sort of like a tiny laundry chute).  I asked the doorman and he said most people are afraid something important might get stuck so they come to the first floor to put it in the box.

Last week I was in the Celestial Room of the temple when a patron noticed my name tag.  She immediately asked, "Are you Rachel Dike's grandma?"  I was so surprised!  She explained that she had been Rachel's Mia Maid leader prior to moving to New York.  I had to laugh--the question wasn't "Are you Chad Dike's mom?" or "Are you Ann Marie Dike's mother-in-law?"  but "Are you Rachel Dike's grandma?"  I asked why she asked such a random question.  She explained that a few weeks previously some friends from Mesa had visited and they told her that Sister Brown was Chad's mom.  I immediately remembered visiting with the Miners at the clothing counter.  They were in the same ward a couple of years ago.  They asked about every one of the Dike kids by name.  I was impressed!  They raved about Ann Marie and I concurred and added some extra comments.  It really is a small world in the church. 

When people from out of town come to the clothing rental I always visit with them a minute to learn where they are from.  Many have interesting stories.  One day there were three Delta Airline pilots on a lay over.  Frequently patrons are visiting from European countries or other foreign countries.

Last Sunday we stopped by the pedestal of the Columbus Statue in Columbus Circle.  It is really a nice tribute.  I hope it never goes away--but there is some negative social pressure to have it removed.  If that really happens, a community out on Long Island wants it.  They have a lot of people of Italian descent living there and they still honor him.

We have been plagued with lots of headaches.  Spencer sees and ENT doctor next week about his ongoing vertigo and headaches.  My allergies turned into a cold and my headaches are out of control.  But I keep reminding myself "This, too, shall pass!"  Then today I missed church in order to go to Urgent Care for a urinary tract infection.  I started the antibiotic about noon, so I hope to have it kick in by tomorrow.

Here a couple more pictures from Walter Rane.  Hope  you enjoy them.

From Spencer:
When I'm on the front desk, I'm always intrigued with peoples' ethnicity, so I often ask.  For example, if their name is Garcia, I just start chatting with them in Spanish.  They love it.  If the name is foreign to me, I ask where that name originates.  They are never offended.  They come from all over the world.  We have a brother who is from Sri Lanka, down below India.  New York must be one of the most diverse places in the world (even diverse hair styles--I mean just plain odd!).
 President Bench, our temple president, has been counseling some ordinance workers about their extreme hair styles to make them more presentable.  They either moderate them or we don't see them around as temple workers anymore. 

 

It is also remarkable that when people travel here on business, they will take time to make it to the temple.  Many times they will ask how do we get to clothing and/or where do I change, etc.  Some patrons come from other nearby states as you would expect.  I love it!

I hope all is going well with each of you.  We count on the assurance that our families are being "watched over" in our absence.  I'm grateful when I hear that brothers and sisters of family are looking out for one another.

 Love to all of you!  Spencer and Jeanine

Oct. 15th, 2017  from Spencer

Being on a mission, like this one, makes it harder to be really newsy.  There is only so much that can be said about our daily activity at the temple.

I can tell you it is highly uplifting and desirable.  One comes to have a deeper appreciation for the essential work that goes on there and a closer feeling for those who have passed on.  And it's not just that, but a recognition of the essential blessing from being a regular temple attender.  Along with reading the Book of Mormon, it changes lives and blesses us forever.  Those who search out names and go to the temple feel the happiness that comes into our lives. With Jeanine's help, I am finding ancestors' names on Family Search.  I am far from accomplished, but I am working at it and have found names of people who are distant cousins and who lack all or some of their ordinances.  Try it kids, and then take names to do baptisms.  Those people will embrace you and will look out after you in your personal struggles.

On my side of the family, we remembered Susan's (your mother's) death.  She is there.  She is watching over you.  There will come a day when we will all be there.  My plea is that you (we) do all we can to merit being in her presence.  We wish the same for Jeanine's family--that they might all be in the presence of their ancestors.

To all of the Spencer/Jeanine family, we do pray for your well being--spiritual and temporal.  I promise that it happens twice a day in our personal prayers.  Some of you are on the prayer roll on the alters of the temple.  You are being blessed by our mission here in Manhattan, NY.

We send our love,
Spencer and Jeanine

Today in Sacrament Meeting a brother quoted Carlfred Broderick (a favorite of mine) about the challenges of life.  It reminded me of a quote from President Hinckley.  I had to search, but I felt like it was something I wanted to share.

President Hinckley used a similar analogy when he cited a newspaper article written by Jenkins Lloyd Jones:  “Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed…The fact is most putts don’t drop.  Most children grow up to be just people.  Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration…Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed…The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” (Big Rock Candy Mountains,” Dereret News, 12 June 1973, A4 as quoted in Ensign, March ’97, p. 60).  

I hope our kids who have a variety of struggles can take this to heart--instead of focusing on the sidetracks, smoke, dust and cinders--notice the occasional beautiful vistas and be thankful for the ride. 

We have recently done the rounds with doctors' appointments--dermatologist, dentist and podiatrist (that one was only for me).  Spencer sees an ENT in about 10 days.  I think we must be getting old.  Maladies keep cropping up--but we just keep on going anyway.  I won't bore you with all of our complaints, but just know that we appreciate your prayers for us.

Love,

Jeanine

Report on the last ten days or so...

The day after conference I went on an outing with other missionaries to visit "The Little Red Lighthouse".

It is right under the George Washington Bridge.  What a great view of the Hudson River.  It is impressive to see how fast the current actually is.

 Thanks to the Grays who spotted an article in the Boise, ID paper we learned about a great area of stone art work a five minute walk further down.  Check it out:
http://ireader.olivesoftware.com/Olive/iReader/IdahoStatesmanPress/SharedArticle.ashx?document=ISM%5C2017%5C09%5C24&article=Ar02500

Manhattan mystery: No stone unturned

 We happened to visit the one day a week the artist was building more statues.  He was amazing to watch.

 The children's book about the lighthouse helps children learn that we all have an important contribution to make in life.

We also saw a marker for a redoubt that supported Fort Washington during the Revolutionary War and a marker for Fort Washington.  I always love to see sites from our history.  We live in a great country.

It was a great day!

After our visit there we went out to eat Indian Food.  We went to the highest point of Manhattan Island--265.5 feet.  I conquered the summit--can you believe it?

Saturday night after our shift we went out to eat at "Kung Fu" an authentic Chinese restaurant according to Elder Gray who served his mission in Taiwan.

Sunday on the way to the subway we saw a program going on by the statue of Columbus in Columbus Circle.  Or course demonstrators showed up as well. 

It is one of the statues under scrutiny for removal.  It makes me sad.  They need to read 1 Nephi and know that he was inspired by the Lord.

But our real miracle of the week happened Saturday afternoon in the temple.  I arrived early to take care of some things in the office.  But immediately I was asked to help at the veil for the session that was just ending.  When I arrived, they sent me to the Celestial Room instead.  About the third sister to come into the room looked so much like Carolyn Vance Merrill.  But that thought was totally out of context.  She had a puzzled expression on her face as well.  But as she got close enough to see my name tag she broke into a big smile and I knew it was her!  She is the youngest sister of Susan, Spencer's first wife, and one of our dear sisters-in-law.  She had come to NYC with a friend from the Gilbert temple.  She had forgotten that this is the temple where Spencer and I were serving.  We embraced and figured out what was going on and immediately the sister assigned to the Celestial Room arrived and it was time for me to go to my assigned area.  The Lord truly is in the details of our lives.  I was only in the CR for less than 5 minutes--but that was enough to make the connection.  There were actually several other little miracles surrounding her visit, but I won't describe them in detail here.  Just a short list:  how she was invited to come, locating the temple via the Angel Moroni, reconnecting a temple missionary with her first companion of 50 + years ago, finding an old friend of Sister Davis' (her traveling companion).
It was all such a bunch of tender mercies.  We met for dinner on Monday evening--we had all been out in the wind and rain that afternoon.  I had such fun finding
Spencer in the temple so he could make connections.  I felt like I was levitating the rest of the afternoon/evening.  The Spirit was strong and I was so-o-o-o happy at this unexpected surprise.

Monday Spencer and I were the coordinators for the Columbus Day opening of the temple.  It was a lot of fun to do -- and more work than we expected.   It was hard to pin down who would be there for the two sessions other than temple missionaries.  We were able to get a lot done in just a few hours.  It was a great day!

We love our work.  The Lord's work moves onward and upward!
Jeanine and Spencer

Addendum:
Just so you know that Spencer does occasionally attend outings :) I am including a couple of pictures we finally have from the Yankees game a few weeks ago.