Blue Skies

Dear Family and Friends,

Monday was a very busy preparation day. We left home shortly after 7:00am and headed to Rawlins to shop for ourselves and for the trek training dinner we will be doing on Friday. First stop McDonald's for a quick breakfast then on to Walmart for gas and groceries. We arrived back at the Homestead by 10:30am and put away the groceries and made cinnamon rolls for Sister Bushman's birthday celebration on Tuesday. We were home by noon and got the laundry done before we headed over to Sixth Crossing with Elder and Sister Smith for a wonderful FHE. It was a late night but totally worth it!

We were entertained by Kevin McNiven, cowboy singer, world champion yodeler and he handles the animals for all the Church films including those done at Goshen.

Tuesday as we traveled into the  Homestead at 7:00am to bake and frost the cinnamon rolls we were having to celebrate Sister Bushman's birthday we felt like we'd been given a gift when we saw the beautiful blue sky. A week of  smoke from the fires in the West has hung over our beautiful valley and at times we couldn't even see the mountains that surround us. After correlation meeting we went right into the celebration...pictures tell the story best.

First we sat Sister Bushman on her thrown with her robes, crown and scepter. Then we sang a song that Sister Schmidt wrote to the tune of  that 60's song "Downtown".

Then we gave her her gift, a cross stitch picture that everyone of us Sister's helped stitch. And a hat with a rattle snake and roses hatband.

Instead of cake we had fresh cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing...they were a hit!

When the celebration was over we headed to work crew where the first order of business was to gather 70 extra folding  chairs and load them into a pick up to be taken over to Sixth Crossing for trek training. Next we got the Barn set up with extra tables and chairs to accommodate the 234 people we will feed on Friday evening. After lunch we headed outside to sand handcarts. A productive day!

Wednesday we trekked Rocky Ridge. It was a perfect day, not too hot or windy. Seventy one of us made the trek up and back and heard the stories of the Willie Handcart Company. To top off the day Elder Lindsey and I  drove to Riverton to meet our friend Dennis Hendrikson for dinner and a nice hour spent visiting.

Sister Smith one of my favorite friends...when I grow up I want to be just like her!

Elder Lindsey and I at the top.

Thursday morning we and Elder and Sister Smith did prep work for Friday's trek training dinner. In the afternoon I baked five loves of zucchini bread to have as a treat for the missionaries on Friday morning.

Friday morning we put out the zucchini bread and it was a hit with all the missionaries...a nice treat to start the first day of trek training. Then we all got down to business setting the tables cooking the spaghetti sauce and chopping the lettuce, tomatoes and carrots for the salad. After lunch Sisters Cook and Smith and I made the bread sticks. Everyone got plenty to eat and we got lots of compliments on the meal so it was a successful day.

Sister Smith, me and Sister Cook making the bread sticks. They were a hit...one young man told me if all he had to eat for the rest of his life were our bread sticks he'd be a happy man! We used Sister Cooks recipe.

Saturday we had the morning shift in the Visitors' Center. Our numbers have slowed down considerably but we had enough people come see us to keep us from getting bored.

As always Sunday was a good day. After potluck we had a fireside where we talked about being prepared for the things that are surly coming our way. Elder Lindsey and I have been thinking about this subject ever since Elder Nielsen was here. He talked to us a little about what happened in the Philippines when the typhoon hit and the electrical systems went down and people were unable to use plastic to make essential purchase. He cautioned us to have at least some cash on hand ourselves in case of natural disasters and other calamities. Food storage is still important for all of us but even more important is being spiritually prepared when the tough times hit.

As always we send our love and prayers to each of you.
Elder and Sister Lindsey

Some Must Stain and Some Must Sand!

Dear Family and Friends,

Monday was our preparation day and we spent it with our friends the Hendriksen's trekking Martin's Cove and exploring the Homestead. We started out about 9:00am and drove to Base then headed out on the trail. Since there were no other treks or even people out on the trail we saw lots of wildlife in the form of antelope and deer. Brian loved that! After stopping first at the river and telling of the rescue that happened there we headed to the Statues.

Dennis, Brian, Kelli and Marilyn

Then it was on to Handcart parking to fill our water bottles and then up into Martin's Cove. Everything about the day was beautiful, warm but not too hot a cooling breeze and a beautiful but a bit hazy sky (fires in Idaho and Montana).

Elder Lindsey and the Hendriksen family resting at the top of Martin's Cove.

We ate a picnic lunch at the Homestead and then saw all the sights the Visitors' Center has to offer. In the late afternoon we headed home and sat out in the yard and visited until it was time to grill some hot dogs for dinner. All to soon it was time to say goodby but it was a little easier knowing that we will be home in about 5 weeks and will again get to spend time with our friends!

Tuesday was Sister's Shopping day in Casper. This time I drove and Sisters Meier, Smith, Layton and Pottinger joined me. We had way too much fun. Our first stop was Christopher and Banks who again opened early for us. We all found some great bargains there and then we hit Ross's where we added to our haul. Next it was our favorite consignment store "Posh" and again we found bargains galore. By then it was time to refuel so we headed to Pizza Ranch for lunch. Yum!

 Left Sisters Layton, Pottinger and Lindsey. Right Sisters Smith and Meier.

After lunch we hit Hobby Lobby, The Dollar Store, Goodwill and finally Walmart for groceries.

Sisters Pottinger, Meier, Smith, Lindsey and Layton. Not sure we could squeeze one more thing in the trunk of the car.

It was a fun day. Now lest you worry about the poor Elders back at the ranch working alone rest assured they had a feast at a lunch prepared by Elder Lindsey and President Bushman.

Wednesday we had the late shift at the Visitors' Center. One of the couples I took through had been on a vacation to Washington State and were on their way back to New Hampshire and stumbled upon us. The were so interested in everything I had to say and very receptive to the Gospel as I shared it. They watched the movie and were touched by the courage of the pioneers and they graciously received a Book of Mormon, an Ensign and a post card. After I took their picture at the handcart the man took my hand and pressed a $100 bill into it. I told him how sorry I was that we couldn't accept his generous gift and thanked him for his generosity. As I thought about it later I realized that he had felt the spirit and wanted to show his gratitude in the only way he knew how.

Wednesday was also the dinner that our Facilities Maintenance group puts on for us as a thank you for all our hard work every year. They served steak, potato salad, corn on the cob, homemade rolls watermelon and brownies for dessert. It was delicious...remember no one has starved at Martin's Cove since 1856!

Elder and Sister Mellor have been amazing to work with and we will miss them. Good thing they live not too far from us!

We have loved Elder and Sister Moeser since the day we met them and know they will do an awesome job as the new FM Missionaries. Elder Moeser worked for the Church FM department for over 30 years so he's well suited for the job.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday we were assigned to work crew. Thursday we worked on handcarts. It is a five step process to do the 180 handcarts we have. First we pressure wash them then we sand, next we stain and then we apply two coats of sealer several hours apart. It is a labor intensive job!

Thursday while others worked on handcarts Elder Lindsey and I took care of a tree that Elder Jensen cut down behind his apartment.

Trust me he's smiling!

Love this little seat by the river with our handcart emblem burned into the back rest.

More firewood for next years campers.

After getting rid of the firewood we made a trip to the burn pile where we dumped the small branches then it was off to the wood shop to cut and drill medallions.

My first time using a drill press.

All in all a good mornings work. After lunch we headed back to Missionary Village to do our Friday cleaning assignment with the Hawkin's. We cleaned the Pavilion, missionary restrooms and the three wash houses.  

Friday night was our annual talent show and just like last year it was loads of fun and lots of laughs. Here are some highlights;

President Bushman, Elder Layton and Elder Morris as the Blue's Brothers.

Elder and Sister Bigler reprised their roll of Pa and Ma Hackelberry and Ma finally gave birth to the twins!

This group of missionaries sang a little song titled "I'm a Missionary" and if I weren't ...I would be...

Sister James sang "if I weren't Sister James I'd be Sister Lindsey cause it's so fun to cook...I hope I don't burn my buns!"

Elder and Sister Smith wrote and sang a song about President Bushman to the tune of the Johnny Cash song "The Reverend Mr Black" It was a wonderful ending number!

Saturday we worked with two other Sisters on handcarts. While they sanded we did first and second coats of sealer on six carts and then after lunch we stained four and started on a fifth when we ran out of stain. It was a productive day but we were worn out at the end! We usually feel about 10 years older in the afternoon than we do in the morning!

Sunday was great.Sister Grover who serves at Sixth Crossing talked about the "tender mercies" of the Lord that we all receive especially as we serve our missions. She writes in her journal every evening three tender mercies that she received that day. A good way to count our blessings I think. Sister Roberts reminded us that we are all in the hands of the "Master Carver" and that he will always be there to help carve us to perfection and Elder Roberts talked of some of the wonderful things we learned from Joseph Smith's first vision. Sunday School and Relief Society continued with more great lessons to strengthen our testimonies.

After Potluck we held our district meeting and now it is time for Sunday afternoon relaxing.

Elder Lindsey and I did get our release date this week. We will head for home on Saturday, September 19th and will report our Mission in Sacrament meeting in our ward on Sunday, September 20th. Sacrament meeting is the first meeting in our block and starts at 1:00pm.

As always we send our love and prayers to each of you,

Elder and Sister Lindsey

Mission Conference

Dear Family and Friends,

Monday we went into Rawlins to do our shopping but first we met up with Elder and Sisters Stimpson, Burdette and James for lunch at a fun local spot in downtown Rawlins. We had a great time laughing and visiting. No one can quite tell a story like the Martin's Cove missionaries!

The decor was just as fun inside.

For FHE Monday evening District two put on a delicious dinner courtesy of Elder and Sister Moeser. We had "hibachi beef" with a delicious secret sauce, Dutch oven potatoes, homemade rolls and watermelon. It was one of those perfect evenings with no wind so we gathered around tables outside the Pavilion and enjoyed our meal and visited.

The winter missionaries have no fear of starvation with Elder and Sister Moeser around!

Toward the end of dinner our friends Dennis and Candida Jensen arrived to spend the night while on their way to Gillette WY. There was still plenty of food left so they enjoyed dinner and then after setting up their tent they came down to our place where we enjoyed ice cream sandwiches and a nice visit.

Dennis and Candida have been great riding companions on many of the trips we've taken with the Temple Riders.

Tuesday we had work crew. The Elders cleaned outside windows on the triplex and the office while the Sisters did a deep cleaning of the gathering room in preparation for our guests who are coming for our Mission Conference. We Sisters decided that we should take turns gathering at each others homes to do our deep cleaning because it's a lot more fun that that way!

When we checked our mail these cute little poems were waiting for us...we have some very clever missionaries serving here!

Wednesday we were on work crew again ant this time we worked cleaning up the wood piles behind the mechanic shop. After sorting and restacking we then used a chainsaw to cut them into campfire size pieces and threw them into the back of the pickup.

I share some of these pictures to amaze our kids and grandkids with how hard a bunch of old people can work!

We then took two pickup loads out to the wood bins at Cherry Creek Campground. For lunch we met in the barn and enjoyed leftovers from a milk can dinner that a trek gave to us. It went well with the watermelon another trek left behind.

Thursday we were assigned RRA so we were out early cleaning restrooms. We didn't have to go out on the trail today so after we finished and got cleaned up we spent the rest of the day in the Barn baking. I made rolls for Sunday's potluck (I freeze them on the pans then pull them out to defrost, raise and bake just before serving). Elder Lindsey made a cherry and a berry pie and together we made a fresh apple pie. I used the rhubarb I've been harvesting our of the garden to make a rhubarb crisp also for Sunday's potluck.

After lunch I made a batch of bread sticks. It was a new recipe I plan on using for the first trek trainning dinner where I'm serving spaghetti. Everyone who tested them for me gave a thumbs up. I then made three loaves of wheat bread for us and a double batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for Elder Lindsey's lunches. I haven't baked cookies since we arrived back at Martin's Cove so he is very happy. It was a full day!

Before we went to bed Thursday night we had a wonderful visit from some of our Rosebud family.

Michelle and Tiffany with Kiaralysce were headed to Utah with the kids.

Jacob, Jayce, Daequan and Keaton...the real reason I baked the cookies. These boys give the BEST hugs! 

Friday we had mid shift at the Visitors' Center and it was nice to have a slower morning, we even had time for a nice breakfast. The Visitors' Center was busy so the afternoon passed quickly. For dinner we took pork chops to the James motorhome and along with another couple had a nice cook out. It was good to sit and relax with friends. As trekking winds down we are finally getting time to enjoy each others company.

Saturday we were assigned to Welcome Post. We went in a little early and baked the pie dough cinnamon rolls as a treat for everyone working today. I also took some time to bake the rolls for Sunday's potluck. I usually bake them on Sunday just before potluck but since tomorrow is our Mission Conference there will not be time.

All Sunday's here at Martin's Cove are great but today was an exception. Today was WONDERFUL! It was the first Mission Conference for the Wyoming Mormon Trail Mission. Sacrament meeting President and Sister Bushman each talked for a few minutes first. Sister Bushman talked about how this mission teaches us the true meaning of sacrifice and President Bushman talked about how as we walk these trails we are walking on hallowed ground.

Next we heard from Sister Nielson who told us Heavenly Father has saved this mission for people who can truly understand the things that happened here. She also talked about how just like he did for the pioneers God walks with us in our trials and we have a choice about how we react to our trials.

Elder Nielson told us that people all over the world look to the example of these early pioneers for strength to endure their trials. He told us the pioneers set the bar so high with their sacrifice that none of us can ever say to our Bishop or Stake President that they are asking too much of us.

After Sacrament meeting our visitors were excused to enjoy the grounds while we spent the next two hours discussing and learning about the redeeming power and the enabling power of the Atonement. As reference we used two talks from Elder Bednar "Bear Up Their Burdens With Ease" and "The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality". I highly recommend both of them. We learned much.

What a privilege it was to sit at the feet of one of the Lords anointed and learn the truths of the Gospel.

I can't do the spirit we felt or the knowledge we gained justice here so just know it was one of the best days of an already wonderful mission.

The perfect ending to this wonderful day was to have our friends the Hendriksen's arrive to spend some time with us.

Kelli, Marilyn, Brian and Dennis relaxing in the yard.

Our love and prayers to each of you,

Elder and Sister Lindsey

Making Movies

Dear Family and Friends,

Monday was our preparation day and after doing laundry and housekeeping chores we went into Casper to do our shopping and have a little fun. We met our friends Elder and Sister Stimpson for lunch and then after lunch we all went to see the new Mission Impossible movie. It was great fun!

Before FHE Sister Stimpson helped me get my snake ready for a hat band.

                     First we trimmed the skin. Then I took it home decided how wide I wanted him and folded the excess skin under and glued it and put some books on top to flatten it as it dried. Then I carefully glued him to my hat.

Tuesday we had work crew and since it had been raining most of the night with more expected we worked inside making the medallions that we hand out to the children who come to the Visitors' Center.

First Elder Lindsey cut the squares.

Then Sister Payne drilled a hole for the crocheted lanyard to go through and handed them off to me and I sanded them using the belt sander. We then put them in the Sewing Center where others will stamp them with our handcart logo and attach the lanyards.

The Homestead and surrounding areas have been taken over by by a movie company who are making a film for St Louis, Missouri about the westward movement in the 1800's. It is not a Church film but one the BLM is doing. The barn is now a costume and makeup studio, there are oxen, horses, mules, chicken and calves everywhere and some of them are pulling covered wagons. We even have portable dressing rooms set up outside the chapel and a huge catering tent across from the horse corrals. If all goes well they will wrap up filming Wednesday and head on over to Chimney Rock to continue filming. It has been quite a feat to have treks on the trail and coordinate the movement of the film crew so our treks can stay in 1856 mode.  

Getting ready to head out on the trail.

Now I know how they transported their chickens!

Hitting the trail!

Wednesday we again had work crew and this time we did lawns Elder Lindsey along with some other Elders mowed and I used the weed eater to trim around things they couldn't get with their mowers. I was also driving the Gator to take the grass out to the dump spot and learned a very important lesson...look before you sit! I found a new use for the hand dryers in the ladies restrooms!

Thursday we were assigned to Handcart Parking. Trekking season is winding down so we only had two treks out. I was able to finish attaching my hatband to my new hat so here is the finished product.

Aparently the youth on our trek on Friday were very impressed with my hat band as they told some of the Missionaries they saw at Sixth Crossing about it!

Eight rattles!

Thursday evening just after we arrived home our Temple Rider friends who had been on a week long trip to Sturgis for the 75th Anniversary celebration arrived. We were so excited to see everyone and give and receive hugs all around. After they set up camp everyone came to our yard where we enjoyed a dinner prepared by their ride leader Dave Farmer. After dinner we headed to the Homestead where we took a couple of rovers and drove them out to the Lower Monument at Martins' Cove. We returned just before dark and did a quick tour of the Visitors' Center then it was back to the campground for ice cream. All to soon it was time to say goodby but it was a little easier knowing we will be riding with them again in the not too distant future.

 Here's the gang at Lower Monument.

On Friday we trekked with the River Ward from the South Jordan Stake. It was a wonderful day. There were 37 people on the trek and Elder Lindsey and I were able to tell many of the stories of the people we've grown to love.

We enjoyed these people so much we asked for a group picture just before we went up into Martin's Cove. In the small world category the Bishop had worked at Coke with our son in law, one sister grew up in our ward and her mother still lives there just around the corner from us (Stephanie Larson, Linda's daughter) and another sister rented a basement apartment on our street 30 years ago when she was first married.

This sweet sister sang like an angel " Prayer of the Walking Child" on her knees and then on the 3rd verse the young man joined in with "Come Come Ye Saints". It was beautiful and it brought a wonderful spirit into our group that we carried with us as we trekked into Martin's Cove.

This is Dane Durrant and he just turned 13. His mother wanted a picture of us together and he sweetly complied. Despite his family name and heritage he doesn't much care for basketball!

Saturday we had the morning shift at the Visitors" Center and we were so busy that the time absolutely flew by. In the afternoon we had the special treat of joining most of the Missionaries at Sixth Crossing for a tour of their trails, a program in Willie Meadow and a wonderful dinner. 

They have a very friendly Indian Chief who sometimes leaves his camp to greet the trekkers. The Indians were generally friendly and sometimes helpful to the pioneers of the handcart companies.

Elder and Sister Haner performed a beautiful song they wrote that tells the story of the Willie Handcart Company. It was a sacred experience to feel of the spirit that was in the meadow as they sang.

Sunday truly is a special day here at Martin's Cove. We heard wonderful talks on the sacrament and prayer and then learned of Paul's mission in Sunday School and then in Relief Society and Priesthood we had fun learning about how to serve "the elderly" in the Church. You can bet we all got a kick out of that!

We send our love and prayers,

Elder and Sister Lindsey

Home and Back Again

Dear Family and Friends,

Monday was a whirlwind day. We left Ken and Sue's about 7:30am and went to our house to switch cars. The Camry had been parked for 10 months but when Elder Lindsey turned the key on it started right up. Our first stop was to have the emissions and inspection done and get it licensed. Next we went to Discount Tires to buy four new tires something we knew it needed when we parked it. Then it was on to Supersonic to get it washed. By that time it was close to 9:30am so we headed to Costco to use our rebate coupon and pick up a few needed items. We haven't lived near a Costco since we left home and it was fun to look around.

We arrived early for Elder Lindsey's doctor appointment but didn't have to wait long. Dr Parkin decided that for now he would treat the symptoms of the side effects and then when we come home in two months we will possibly try to find a medication that keeps the PMR at bay but might be easier on the body.

After the appointment we went over to Noodles and Company and enjoyed a bowl of soup for lunch then after a quick stop at Walmart we headed back to Ken and Sue's to rest for a couple of hours before going to Cafe Rio for an early dinner. We have missed Cafe Rio it is one of our favorite places to eat...there is just nothing like their barbacoa pork!

Us with Ken and Sue Larsen. We sure do love these guys!

In the evening my friends Pam and Kristina came and picked me up and they had sweet baby Lily with them, Lily is Kristina's daughter and Pam's first grandbaby and I've been excited to meet her since the day she was born right after Christmas last year. We went over to Leatherby's and had ice cream sundae's and visited and just enjoyed being together.

Kristina and Lily

Tuesday morning we were up early and headed out a bit before 7:00am. We made two stops; one in Rock Springs for breakfast and one in Rawlins for gas and pulled into Missionary Village before 1:00pm. It was a fast trip but it accomplished what we needed it to. We have missed our friends so it was nice to see a few of them and the next two months are going to fly by and before we know it we will be pulling into the driveway one last time and our grand adventure will just be a wonderful memory.

Wednesday we had work crew so first we set up the Barn for a trek from Oregon who are coming in this week and staying over Sunday. Because they are so large they will hold their own Sunday meetings in the Barn and then will set the tables back up so they can have their Sunday dinner in there also. Because it is Fast Sunday we will have our gathering at the Pavilion at Missionary Village.

Then we headed out to Missionary Village to remove the old skirting from around one of the permanent trailers. After that job was finished we cleaned up tree limbs and branches that had to be cut after a particularly hard wind that came through the area on Monday afternoon.

Elder Lindsey found a place to ride as we traveled from one pick up point to the next.

We had so much debris that it took two loads. First stop was the burn pile for the branches and leaves then the homestead where we stack the skirting and put the insulation into the dumpster. The second load was all branches and leaves so Elder Jensen took that on his own and we headed home for lunch.

These guys paid us an afternoon visit.

Wednesday evening it was time to do the next step with my snake.

Step one unpin him from the board. He's dried out and stiff.

Next a nice bath to get all the salt off and he's soft enough to roll.

Next I roll him up so he fits in the jar with the glycerin denatured alcohol mix 

He now spends three days in this mixture. I'll shake him up twice a day.

Thursday we were assigned the mid shift in the Visitors' Center which meant we didn't go in until 11:00am. It was nice to have a morning where I could fix Elder Lindsey a nice breakfast and we could take our time getting ready. We had two tour busses scheduled to arrive in the afternoon and of course they arrived fairly close together but it was fun to greet and meet. Elder Lindsey and I took two groups over to Fort Semone. A fun thing for me was that my friend Allison's mother was on the LDS tour group that came so we got to spend some time together. 

Two Carol's!

Thursday on work crew we started a job that we do every other year at Martin's Cove; sanding and varnishing the handcarts. We have about 255 handcarts so this is a big job that will take most of the rest of the season.

First the sanding.

Then the varnish. The job went pretty fast and four couples were able to complete five handcarts before lunch. A great mornings work.

I enjoy the maintenance work we do to keep Martin's Cove beautiful. I love the quote by President Eyring which says; "Never underestimate the spiritual power of temporal work."

Saturday we were assigned to Veil Crossing Bridge. It was a quiet day with only one trek returning to go home but Elder Lindsey did get to tell them the significance of the bridge and I told them the story of Ellen Neubauer and how she gave her only pair of shoes and stockings to the rescuers to take to the handcart saints and when the Martin Company came into the Valley on November 30, 1856 a friend from England was wearing them.

The last step in preserving my snake...draining the solution. Next week he will become a hat band so watch for the pictures!

Church was nice. As missionaries here at Martin's Cove we have much to be grateful for and it shows in the testimonies born. Elder Lindsey and I taught Sunday School. It's been great to study the book of Acts together as we prepared and to see how the things of the New Testament times relate to our own lives today. We have the late shift in the Visitors' Center today so came home to put on our western wear in anticipation of the bus full of Asian tourists that visit us every Sunday afternoon.

 Trekking season is winding down and will end in just a couple of weeks but for now we still look forward to another a busy week.

A shout out to our grandson Jacob Ford who will enter the Provo MTC on September 2nd and will be serving in the Tampico, Mexico Mission. He and our granddaughter Kendra Clyde will both be in the Provo MTC at the same time for a couple of weeks.

Our love and prayers are with all of you
Elder and Sister Lindsey