And do you see that it feels like 0!!! This is why: It's usually windy. And it's cold!!
Today it was in the 50's and felt like summer. I'd been pretty good about walking every day, but 15 degrees is just too cold. So, when it warmed up to 22, off we went.
I've got on two pair of thermals under my jeans. A thermal top, a shirt, a sweater, and my coat. I have on a neck sleeve AND a neck scarf, mittens, thermal gloves and two pair of socks - AND earmuffs.
It was a beautiful day. I was quite comfortable.
This is my neighbor's dog, Peanuts. You can see she is also dressed for the cold.
About two weeks ago, we went to see one of our Branch members (Jay Weaver) sing at St. Joseph's college. The concert was in the school's chapel. The acoustics were amazing. They are going to sing again for Christmas and we can't wait to go hear them sing again.
We finally winterized Stacey's garden. Here are the before pictures.
Here is the after. All that's left to do is insulate the strawberries with straw.
Craig went to take the trash to the dumpster, then came home and wanted me to see what he had found.
Yes, indeed, we found a lot of Christmas decorations.
So we brought them home and decorated the apartment.
I didn't want to buy anything because then we'd have to give it away or mail it home. This way, when we are done, we can just throw it away - AGAIN.
We helped a family in our ward move. They moved from Wheatfield to Medaryville. Here is what their house looks like:
It looks and feels like they are up in the mountains. But, remember, this is Indiana. No mountains. They are actually surrounded by cornfields. But you can see they have a lake in their back yard. There is some work to be done inside, but when Denise is done, it will be beautiful, I'm sure.
Here are some pictures of Sam, who is still hanging in there with us. You should know that Sam is VERY MUCH Craig's cat.
Wherever Craig is, that's where Sam is.
And when Craig is gone, Sam is on his side of the bed.
And if Sam is cold, well, where better to sleep than in Craig's coat.
And Sam still brings us presents from outside. I found this one AFTER Craig had left for the day.
Sorry if it's gross. But I was grossed out, too!!! Thanks, Sam
Since we were stuck in the house, we decided to inventory our food storage.
When we went to take the water jugs out of the closet, we found one of them had leaked, the carpet was wet, and mold was on the walls. Great.
Our neighbor said that happens all the time (wet carpet and mold) and there is a paint that you paint over it and it will kill the mold. So, we'll do that this week.
Finally, I wanted to share some random pictures.
Rensselaer has its very own Bed and Breakfast. Who knew???
A long lost relative maybe???
I wanted to document that some days the wind DOES NOT blow. We love those days.
Here's what I've been working on when it's too cold to go anywhere. Only one sleeve to go.
Most wards have a "missionary" calendar where people can sign up to feed the missionaries serving in their area. This is the calendar for our poor sisters. In a small branch, they don't many dinner offers. We're having Thanksgiving dinner with them this week.
In other news, I have three students I'm helping with math, Craig is helping Brother McEwan's daughter to finish a bathroom for her handicapped daughter, and we're fellowshipping several families. Oh, and we signed up to ring the Salvation Army bell on December 3. All the different churches take turns to "ring the bell." I'll take pictures.
Oh, and our radiator died. We're getting a new one tomorrow. Yay.
It's supposed to snow toward the end of the week. All the "natives" agree that we got gypped on Fall. BRING ON WINTER!! We're ready. (maybe)
