"BEHOLD,....THESE ARE OUR DAYS"

Monday, 19 January 2015

The pool was closed today so I did some research on Family Tree.  Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day to all.  "I have a dream".  In the temple we find that dream fulfilled.
I learned about apples this weekend at church.  The Cortland Apple was developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York, USA in 1898.  This apple flesh does not turn brown when the peel is cut off or open.  This apple was named after nearby Cortland County, New York.  As our speaker in church said, "I'm glad they didn't name it after my hometown Liverpool"!  Ha!  
Hurrah for Cortland New York and the Cortland Apple!

Today we went to the Coverlet Museum in Palmyra where Bonnie Hayes, Executive Director of the museums in Historic Palmyra spoke to the missionaries.

We were taught to discover New York State's Path through history exploration.  She told us all about the founding of the city of Palmyra and spoke of the founding fathers.  There are 5 Historic Museums in Palmyra to visit.  She told us of the homestead of Leonard and Clarissa Jerome, in Palmyra, who were the grandparents of Sir Winston Churchill.  She spoke of the Erie Canal and Bloody Corners that was situated at the corner of Market and Canal Streets.  This place was known for the fist fights that took place by barge workers getting their position for loading and unloading their goods.  Palmyra was the birthplace for Admiral Sampson who was a Spanish American War hero in 1898.  Of course she mentioned Joseph Smith and the organization of The Mormon's.  It was mentioned that the descendant of Martin Harris's brother Emer is Elder Dallan H. Oaks g g grandfather!  It was a great afternoon and she visited with us for two hours.  Thank you Bonnie Hayes for a very informative afternoon.

 Bonnie Hayes

 She shared a packet of informative information for each of us, and gave us a beautiful calendar for 2015 with scenes on the Erie Canal.

She told us of Zenobia, Warrior Queen of Palmyra (in modern Syria)...and how Zenobia is a year book here etc.  Her arms were chained in gold chains and she was taken to Rome.  This is her looking over Palmyra for the last time, by Herbert Schmalz...Palmyra is also known for the Palm trees that are in non abundance in this cold area of New York.

Heleman 7:9  BEHOLD,....these are my days....

Tuesday, 20 January 2015
We served in the temple this morning.  I will remember this as a very lovely day.  I must remember how Brother Strassburg acted as the Sealer on this shift.  Elder Chamberlain and Elder and Sister Sanders touched my life by being a proxy family for my Uncle Winslow Green Gardner and his parents.  I learned a great lesson concerning the power of the Atonement.  Sister Mortensen gave a talk about this in our prayer meeting.  All our lessons on Sunday were about the Saviors gift of the Atonement also.  I am a slow learner...thanks to my Uncle "Win slow" I can count today as a slow win in my life and his.  Thank you for touching my life Winslow.  It will be a delight to visit with you someday.  Thank you for giving your life for my freedom and for the USA.
"The Prophet Joseph spoke of this work as “a welding link” connecting families together from one generation to another (D&C 128:18). The physical welding link in Joseph’s day was created by softening and melting two pieces of metal in a fiery oven, joining them together while they were still malleable, and then letting them cool and harden into an unbreakable chain. The importance of the powerful, spiritual welding that binds us all together forever is stated clearly in the scriptures: “We without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect” (D&C 128:18)."

Elder Bushman and I were invited, by the Carmack family, a cousin of Art's, to Fairport High School for their daughters Music Department Prism Concert.  We decided this was something we should attend.   I'm so glad we did.  I saw the New York High School at its finest.  The conductors, coaches and faculty should be congratulated for this amazing program.  The children are so blessed to be studying music here.  The program was very professionally given.  Thank you for the invitation Brother and Sister Carmack.  This is a glimpse of the auditorium where the concert was held.

Before the concert began Brother Carmack had to brag on his beautiful daughter!

Sister Carmack brought a craft to work on as we waited.  Brother Anderson attended also.

Their daughter is singing in the polyphonic mixed choir...the first number on the program, "The Battle of Jericho" .  She is in the yellow blouse on the second row next to the girl in blue.  She also played in the string orchestra, "Purple Haze".  Great job students!

Wednesday, 21 January 2015
It was 0 again as I drove to the swimming pool.  I swam for almost an hour..it was very refreshing...and very cold on the way back to the Inn.  Elder Bushman was the sealer in the evening session at the temple.
Thursday, 22 January 2015
A most lovely day spent in the temple.  * Salt Lake made a change for all the ordinance workers that will make the endowment session the same throughout all temples and gentler on us!  Thank you President Monson.  We even got a nap between sessions back at the Inn.  I worked in the office in the afternoon.  As we drive the streets to the temple we have been enjoying how "white" the roads are leading to the temple...symbolic in this winter weather.  This is the road leading up to the temple.  There is salt in great abundance!

This is the road leading back to the Inn.  They are not covered with snow, but are dry and coated in salt.  The roads are very safe here in the winter.  The city takes good care of the roads, in this frozen winter.

Friday, 23 January 2015
Laundry done and it is 9:20 AM as I type this.  As I have been reading the Ensign for February...I read the article "Vital to the Kingdom: Single Adult Sisters".  I found a picture of one of my favorite Sister's that works in the temple with us.  Sister Brandt, thank you for your example and strength.  I hope each of you can take time to read this article.  We don't pick our trials, but our attitude as we struggle through them can be a time to become closer to The Savior.  Hurrah for the Owego New York Ward!

Elder Nile and Sister Barbara Chamberlain went to lunch with us at the Warfield's Restaurant and Bakery in Clifton Springs.  We like this restaurant.  We all had clam chowder and a sandwich....yummy again.  I forgot to take a picture so had them take a selfie on our way back to Palmyra.  It was 35 degrees today and the sun was shinning...a lovely day with great missionaries.  Thank you for your examples Chamberlain's.  They are from Lehi, Utah and will be here till next winter.  We are so blessed to serve with such great couples.  Sister Chamberlain reminds me of Snow White!  She serves in the Palmyra Castle with the 7 dwarfs!

 Saturday, 24 January 2015
We served in the temple all day.  It was a busy day even with the chill outdoors.  One of the Brothern told of a weatherman on one of the tv chanels that said the sun in New York comes up at 5:00 just like everywhere else...it just comes up at 5:00 pm just before it sets again!  Ha!

 New York Sunset's and Sunrise's are awesome when the clouds don't hide the beauty.

Grandpa Arthur hurried home from the temple to watch the BYU VS San Diego game...they lost 74-77...needless to say it was a night of sorrow in our room at the Inn.
Sunday, 25 January 2015
Church in Cortland again today.  It was a cold Sabbath as we drove down to the Ward.  Our meetings were great.  Our Sunday School class was good and the youth in our class taught another computer tech class the third hour.  I came home and have been trying to see if I can accomplish some of the teachings of this day.  Hurrah for Israel.   My hope is that all can attend the temple soon and enjoy the peace that is found there.

So in all the cold today I found a picture of our Edmond OK garden....We should be home when this tree blooms this year.  That will seem amazing.  Since the weather is predicting 3 to 6 inches of snow this week, this reminder of a garden of Eden gives me the warm fuzzies.  Come to the temple and be baptized for those of your family that have moved on ahead of us.  They are enjoying the beauties of The Lord's garden again!

Monday, 26 January 2015
It was 6 degrees when I went swimming today.  We have been under snow flurries all day.  This is supposto be a big storm, especially on the coast of New York.  New York City is to expect 2 to 6 feet of snow...us 2 to 3 inches.  We shall see what tomorrow holds for all of us.  We ran into the Mortensen's when we were in Wal Mart getting our Sunday School chocolate for next Sunday, and our vegie trays for the temple this week.  The Mortensens suggested we do lunch, so we went to the Yellow Mill Restaurant.  We arrived in a snow storm and the roads were slick as we traveled back to the Inn.  We sure enjoy the Mortensen's.  They are faithful and true just like Arts Aunt Nellie and Uncle Gale Mortensen.

May each of you have a great week this last week in January.  Remember you are very important to Our Heavenly Father.  You are loved.
Hug's, Elder and Sister Bushman
Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene
P S I hope some of our family shares this blog with our grandchildren occasionally...how about home evening tonight?  I know we are such demanding grandparents!  Ha.  " Behold,....these are my days..."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GRANDPA ARTHUR'S PARENTS IN HEAVEN!

Tuesday, 13 January 2015

Well our Buckeye fans were thrilled with the outcome of the Ohio Buckeyes vs Oregon Ducks game last night.  Hurrah for the Buckeyes as they won 42-20!  Happy Early Birthday in February Michael Hansen!

We also are now able to share the news of Art's younger brother Blaine and his wife Margene Bushman.  They were called as directors for the Martin Cove site in Wyoming, see Church News for Saturday, January 17, 2015.  Then when they were preparing to go, they got a call from "Headquarters" changing their title for their mission.  Blaine was called to be Mission President over the first mission in Wyoming...Site missionaries.  We asked what that entails... He said that he spoke with President Eyring  and Blaine and Margene have been called as Mission Leaders for a new mission called Wyoming Mormon Trails Mission.  They were called first as Martin Cove Site leaders.  This remains part of their call but now Blaine is now a Mission President along with this call.  He said that there will be lots of Antelope and Deer along with Full time Missionaries and some special needs Missionaries in their Area!  They will still be serving for two years.   Arts parents will now have four sons and their wives serving missions at the same time!

They entered the mission home today.  They were set apart last evening by Elder Jeffery R. Holland.  Both are excited for the training they will receive this week and will leave on Friday for their Mission!  Congratulations Blaine and Margene.  We know your parents are proud of you.  This week is both of Blaine's earthly parents Birthdays.  His mother was born on January 11th and his father on January 17th.  Happy Birthday to both of his parents!

The Wyoming Antelope are preparing for their baptisms!

This is where "the deer and the antelope play".  Also those who are hunters and fishers of men are abundant! I'm sure the heavens are rejoicing this week...they might even be celebrating a Wyoming Mission announcement by eating celery!  This could change the Wyoming range for sure.  Our love and prayers go with Blaine and Margene as they serve in this sacred area and heavy calling.  

Bushman's official name tags! 

We served in the temple this morning.  The sun was shining as we exited to go back to the Inn...our room is nice and toasty while outside has a chill in the air.  Brother David Anderson, Egypt NY, invited us to have dinner with him.  Brother Anderson has been married twice.  Both his brides have passed on.  He is the father of 8 living daughters, 1 son who has passed on, 44 grandchildren and 25? great grandchildren.  He serves in the temple with us, is also a sealer, and has been a widower for over 20 years now.  He thanked us for going with him...it was our privilege.  We were way underdressed for the restaurant that he took us to.  It was a wonderful dinner.

my asparagus spears...yum

We all had great steaks!

 I tried to get a shot of the restaurant but got this great shot of Elder Bushman instead.

 These are toasted spaghetti sticks...yum.

Brother Anderson sent this dessert home with me...which I ate before going to bed.  I couldn't resist.

Brother Anderson said he wanted to thank us for our service.  I want to thank him for his friendship and kindness to us.  He is such a good example.  We pray The Lord blesses him for his kindness and comforts him in his loneliness...his children all live west of the Mississippi so he travels a lot too!

Wednesday 14 January 2015

The windows were covered in ice as I drove to swimming this morning...I did clear off the front window and my hands were freezing!  I took a picture of the car thermostat....-9!  The sun is shinning today, but the air is chilled outdoors! 

We serve in the evening shift at the temple today.

Thursday 15 January 2015

"Let the Holy Spirit Guide"  We spent a lovely day at the temple.

Friday 16 January 2015

Malcolm Brown passed away two years ago today.  I awoke to raging snow outdoors...It is a beautiful, chilly day outside.  We hope Malcolm is painting up this storm in the heavens.  He was the best artist I have ever learned from.  My mother Fay and her husband Malcolm have passed this earthly experience.  We pray they are enjoying the life beyond.   Blessings to you both.

BYU played Pacific last night and won 93-80!  Grandpa Art didn't watch the whole game...it was another midnight game.  He wanted to catch his rest so we looked up the score this morning. He did watch the game on his computer today.   Tomorrow they play St. Mary's at 11:00 Eastern time...we will see if we watch to the end of that game.  Go BYU!!!  BYU lost to St Mary's 82-77  Whoops!  We did not stay up to watch this game....

For those of you that know Patty Bowen, I am including this picture of their family.  They are working with insurance adjusters and are hoping to have a home by next summer.  Meanwhile they are residing in the Inn with us.  Blessings to their family.  There is a benefit for them in Palmyra tomorrow evening.  We hope the weather is calm for them and that they have a good turn out.  Blessings to this dear family.

We decided to drive with the Mortensens and lunch at the Warfield's Restaurant & Bakery in Clifton Springs, NY.  The snow let up and it was a pleasant drive over.  We all had a yummy lunch and great conversation.  The Mortensens own a ranch in Colorado by the New Mexico boarder.  Elder Mortensen has health problems now and the doctor said the air in Colorado will probably cause him to die...unless he moves on...so they are in a quandary what to do after their mission.  They also served a mission in Oregon before coming here.  They lived two blocks from the ocean and walked the beach all the time...Yep, that sounded like a heavenly mission to me!

Dennis Mortenson swims at the pool every morning also.  We are so thankful for this couples example and goodness.  "Thank you" for a lovely afternoon Mortensens!  I bet you can't tell that Sister Mortensen eats lots of celery!  Ha.

Saturday, 17 January 2015
We served in the temple all day.  It was -0 when we drove there this morning...but as we returned to the Inn this evening it was 31 degrees.  We went to a benefit for the Bowen family at Moose Lodge.  They had a great crowd of their friends and family there.  We hope they enjoyed the turn out and know how loved and thankful we all are that they were not harmed in their Christmas Day fire when they lost their home.

They had a spaghetti supper...yum!  The McGarry's shared this evening with us.

 This is our friend Mariah.  She works at the Inn welcome desk.  She is going to BYU Idaho in September...Mariah you are awesome...Patty is being hugged in the background by one of many of her friends here supporting their family this evening.

This is the Moose....at the Lodge...made me home sick for Island Park, Idaho!

President Monson's quote says all I am feeling today.  "We thank Thee O' God for a Prophet"

Today is Elder Bushman's Father's Birthday.  He would have been 97 today.  Happy Birthday Elwin!

Sunday, 18 January 2015
Things to remember from this week: 1. Remember the Prayer Meeting about Reverend Bunting and request meeting him in the hereafter.  2. Rev. Bunting's faith never wavered and he converted his whole family.  3. As we walked into Moose Lodge last evening I felt the love of my earthly parents in great abundance.  Remember how fire water keeps people in bondage to this earth, but we are to never give up as God loves all his children and knows all our weaknesses.  Great sons and daughters were at the Lodge giving faithfully to a family in need.  4.  There is a marvelous service being preformed in all temples and we are soldiers for The Lord.  5.  There are myths still associated with "Joe Smith" even in the church.  6.  Joseph was baptized in, winter run off muddy, water in the Susquehanna River.  7.  In Palmyra, in April, there are no leaves on the trees in the Sacred Grove, etc.  8.  This earth life is a test.  Study the Scriptures, both modern and ancient.  Enjoy being temple missionaries in the "cradle of the Church".  9.  Dannen & Claudia Bushman had twins on the 16th, a boy and a girl!  Congratulations to our nephew and his family.  They just joined the twin club where sleeping in is in short supply for about 30 years! 10. Mary Newman's mother passed away on the 14th.  Our love and prayers have been with you this week, Mary.  15.  Our friend Diane learned her only daughter cannot have children and has cancer.  Our heart aches for you.  We send our love and prayers to your family.
We had great meetings at church.  Every meeting was centered on teaching about The Atonement of Christ.  I always feel overwhelmed when I partake of the Sacrament.  I cannot comprehend the love that The Savior has for each of us.  We are both so grateful for His sacrifice for us.  When we returned to the Inn the scrapbook ladies were here in great numbers.  I remember when crafts were so important.  I felt sad they chose this recreation to do on Sunday...but they were focusing on family...I'm certain The Savior loves them for that.   Who am I to judge anyone...blessings to each of you scrapbookers too.

All in all it has been a good week.  It is even getting warmer here...that is really good.  We send hug's to each of you and pray this coming week will bring all health and joy.
Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene
Elder and Sister Bushman

FROZEN

Monday, 5 January 2015

We went to the Hill Cumorah Visitors Center where we watched the film Meet The Mormons.  There were 6 great stories of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We thank each member who shared their story.  We love this gospel and its world wide effect.  We enjoyed this movie and shed tears of sorrow and joy for the struggles of others as we progress into the eternities.  We thank President Monson for his direction and example in casting this film into the media.  We hope those of you who watch this will realize, as we do, that all people on this earth are important to Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.  Blessings be to those who are hastening this great work.  We call this movie a good Home run!  #Sharethegift

Tuesday, 6 January 2015

Elder Bushman and I were at the temple by 5:45 AM for the 6:00 AM session.  It was 15 degrees when we left the Inn.  Our car complained and almost would not start...but we made it on time! (ha...I need to curb my pride...I left my temple clothes and recommend at the Inn.  Not a good way to begin a perfect day!)  We had a lovely day despite my forgetfulness.  Elder Bushman served in the office after the 6:00 AM Session and I went on the 9:30 AM session as well.  In prayer meeting the coordinator asked if we all were the Elite Frozen or the Frozen Elite?  Ha...this cold weather has much to be desired.  The temple is having trouble with the furnace.  The High School Pool heater is broken and so the pool is closed all this week.

Wednesday, 7 January 2015
 I conquered the cold, for me personally today.  I put on my long johns and doubled the stockings!  I'm staying indoors till serving in the temple this evening.   "Let the storm clouds rage...."

The cold really bothers me...

Oh Yes, we do know who is in charge!

"Peace Be Still"

The temple closed early this evening and we drove home in snow and the 2 degree weather....burr!

Thursday, 8 January 2015
It's getting warmer here...7 degrees this morning.  We serve in the morning and evening in the temple today.  At the morning prayer meeting President Brighton closed with his own words from D & C 121:34 "Many are cold but few are frozen!" Too funny, but it is so windy and cold as we climbed the hill to enter the temple today.  I thought my teeth were going to break off they were so frozen!  It is so cold in Palmyra, New York.   However, the temple was warm inside and the ordinances were warming to our souls also.  It is almost time for BYU Basketball...It starts at 11:00 PM in Palmyra...Go BYU!
Friday, 9 January 2015
Elder Bushman watched BYU to the finish...I fell asleep just as the game started.  BYU falls at home to Pepperdine 67-61 too sad...  Art said the flu was roaming around in our team...maybe the pepper will help them heal...or better yet maybe they shared the flu with the winning team!  Just kidding.
BYU needs our Sunday School student to teach them a thing or two!  Congratulations to Victoria and her high school girls team.  I love when her mom posts pictures of this winning girl!  Go Victoria!

A bunch of the summer missionaries got together in Salt Lake and sent us these awesome photo's.  They all look well rested and ready for new assignments.   We miss each of you.

We are so thankful we got to know each of you.  Thank you for your great examples.  "Carry On"

President and Sister Brighton invited us to spend some time with them today.  We went over to their home where we tried to help them with their Christmas Puzzle.  We all worked for about an hour and got about 8 pieces in...ha, we weren't much help.  Sister Brighton showed me a couple of quilts she is working on...they are beautiful and very intricate.

As we were working on the puzzle a herd of deer showed up for lunch.  President feeds them corn and they came for their feast...it was fun to watch them out their window.  They also have a couple of bird feeders in the back yard and the birds were having lunch.  Sr. Brighton was playing a CD, in the background, of bird sounds.  We got sort of homesick sitting there with the big picture windows.  The sun was shinning and it was a beautiful crisp scene.

We finally gave up on the puzzle, for now, and we drove to Pittsford and we enjoyed lunch. We ate at the Cole Tower...a place that used to hold coal for the ships traveling the Erie Canal.   Of course this photo was taken in the summer...it is snow and slush today as we walked from the parking lot.

Sister Brighton had salmon and the rest of us had fish and chips...of course today is Friday...fish is a good meal for today, right?  We thank The Brightons for sharing their morning with us.  We are so thankful for their friendship and example.  They will be serving in the temple this evening.  We have Friday off so will go home and nap now that we are comfortably full.

We ended our limited time together by stopping at Abbott's Frozen Custard Shop on the bank of the Erie Canal.  Of course this photo was taken in the summer too.  There was one other customer in the store...not many want Frozen food on this Frozen day!  The Brighton's feasted on Chocolate Almond and Elder Bushman and I had Pistachio Pineapple...and it was so, so, tasty!  It reminded me of Fred's Custard in OKC..now that is a toasty thought on an icy icicle day.  We have good memories of Fish, Friends and Custard on a bright sunny Friday.  We hope the Brighton's finish their puzzle before Valentine's Day.  Ha.  Thank's for the memories Brighton's.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent pondering and preparing our Sunday School lesson...if we can make it to Cortland on Sunday.  Our lesson is "How can studying the scriptures help me learn about Heavenly Father"?  Of course my mind went immediately to the scripture in Luke 6:38
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.  (like my custard cone!)
I think Jesus would have loved Frozen Custard.  We know He enjoyed fish!
I leave you with this Friday thought.

Luke 6: 37..."Judge not...."

"The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and arrives in Heaven.

He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper.

St. Peter said, 'Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast , and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven.'

Forrest responds, 'It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was.'

St. Peter continued, 'Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions.

First:

What two days of the week begin, with the letter T?

Second:

How many seconds are there in a year?

Third:

What is God's first name?

Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and says, 'Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers.'

Forrest replied, 'Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begins with the letter 'T'? Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow.'

The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, 'Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer. How about the next one?' asked St. Peter.

'How many seconds in a year?

Now that one is harder,' replied Forrest, 'but I thunk and thunk abou t that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve.'

Astounded, St. Peter said, 'Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year ?

Forrest replied, 'Shucks, there's got to be twelve:

January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd... '

'Hold it, interrupts St. Peter. 'I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind... but I will have to give you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question.

Can you tell me God's first name'?

'Sure,' Forrest replied, it's Andy.'

'Andy?' exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St Peter. Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?'

You are going to love this ....

'Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,' Forrest replied. 'I learnt it from the song,

ANDY WALKS WITH ME,

ANDY TALKS WITH ME,

ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN.'

St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: 'Run, Forrest, run.'"

Author Unknown

Lord, Give me a sense of humor,

Give me the ability to understand a clean joke,

To get some humor out of life.

And to pass it on.

                 MORAL: THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW.

Just because a person does not see or understand things the same way you do, does not mean they are wrong. They are entitled to their own point of view, and it should be considered as important as any other. 

Saturday, 10 January 2015
Saturday was a special day.  We served in the temple all day.  It was a quiet and peaceful and warm and toasty day inside.  The wind kicked up, the sun shown and it was a frozen 7 degrees outside.
Art stayed up and watched the BYU takeover 85-72 against Loyola Marymount.  Good win BYU!

  Sunday, 11 January 2015

Our day kicked off at 3:31 am with a phone call from "Sally".  She told us if we could name 31 kinds of ice cream in 31 seconds we could win....we punched the number off!  We decided to phone her back at 5:30 am when we normally get up on Sunday.  The # was unknown and No Caller ID...I suppose we just learned, the hard way, that Jesus does like frozen custard! Ha!
We are having a heat wave in Palmyra that would melt frozen custard.  It is 30 degrees today!
Yummy all around!

It is Arthur's mother, Genevieve's, birthday today.  She would have been 97!

We had three hours of great meetings today at Cortland Ward.  So thankful that we began our week by partaking of the Sacrament.  The roads weren't too bad either...but it is still very cold outdoors.
I hope some of you were able to listen to Brother Randall Ridd #ldsdevo  This devotional for Young Adults is worth listening to and pondering.

Monday, 12 January 2015
I went swimming this morning!  It was snowing when I left and has been snowing all day.  It is 31 degrees outside so at least it is tolerable.  I must remember when I get back to OKC how not fun it is to have cars that are parked out in the open.  I always complain about the leaves in our garage at home...hopefully this picture will remind me how I love a garage.  Of course I had to clean off the car before going swimming.

Sister Kruckenberg came over this morning and has been helping me to do family search.  She is showing me how to clean up records and find family names.  She spent a couple hours with me.  She then invited Elder Bushman and I over this afternoon for a salmon dinner.  As she left I walked her to the Inn door.  As I was going back to our room the fire alarm went off.  Today is Patty Bowen's birthday.  She is the diner server who's home burned down on Christmas Day.   She did not like having an alarm go off.    I could see terror in her eyes.  The firemen found it was a leaky fire nozzle in a storage room.   So once that is fixed all should be fine here again.  Such an exciting day!

Thank's to the Palmyra fire department for keeping us safe!

It has been snowing all day...huge, huge flakes!  They are beautiful!  

Elder & Sister Kruckenberg fed us a delicious salmon dinner.  Then they whalloped us in a couple of card games.

 Can you tell Grandpa is suffering?

Now we are home and rooting for Ohio State!  We hope our daughter Heather and her husband Mike enjoy being at the game.   Go Buckeyes!

 Everyone have a great week.  Remember you are loved and stay warm!

Hug's,  Elder and Sister Bushman 

Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene