We have had so many wonderful experiences, many which don’t justify an entire blog post. So, here goes, part two of Bits and Bobs.
Unexpected trip to the London Temple
Our young friend Gabriela, a member of our congregation, had been preparing to go to the holy temple in London to make additional commitments to God. Typically, those going to the temple for these reasons will invite family and friends to go with them and she had invited us to go with her in late November.
When she heard that the national lockdown would close the temple for an undetermined length of time, she quickly moved her date up to the day before lockdown was to begin. Because of coronavirus restrictions limiting temple operations we hadn’t been to the temple for more than eight months and it was an honour to attend with Gabriela and a few other close friends. The small session was very personal and a treasured memory for us.
Great News!
Early in November we the great news from Lucas that he had passed his licensing exam for Physical Therapy. As you can imagine, these high-stakes exams are tough, and he had applied himself and studied hard for months on end. There were many of us praying and fasting that his hard work would pay off and he would be successful.
In honour of the good news, we put on our AT Still shirts to celebrate!
Jazz Dinner Cruise on the Thames
Last year three of our kids gave us a jazz dinner cruise on the Thames as a Christmas gift. We had booked to go last spring for our anniversary in May, but for obvious reasons we weren’t able go until we returned to England this fall. Even then, we felt fortunate that circumstances allowed us to go to London and spend an evening listening to live Jazz while taking in the London cityscape at night. Plus it was the last scheduled cruise of the year. We also got to add in a visit to the Tower of London, and pretty much had the place to ourselves. Thanks Lucas, Trellany and Micah, we had a great time!
While it was a lovely outing, it was also disconcerting to see how empty London was. The tube which normally would been packed was quiet and we were among a handful of visitors at the Tower of London. Such a visible reminder of the effects of Covid
Dinner at Bodean’s BBQ 
Butch with Bob a Yeoman Warder,
better known as a Beefeater
Broadway Tower
This fall we did a day trip with the Neiswenders to the Broadway Tower, a 50-acre estate in the Cotswolds with a an iconic Tower that sits high on a hill. The Tower was the concept of an 18th century landscape designer and was completed with the help well-known architect James Wyatt and through the support of George William, Sixth Earl of Coventry. On a clear day, you can see for miles from the top. It was a fun place to visit, plus I even found a simply beautiful nativity in the gift shop, something I’ve been looking for since we came to England nearly two years ago.
Mussels
Mussels in cream sauce with a warm crusty baguette has become a top favourite for Butch, and I quite like them too! Anytime that is an offering on the menu, that’s what we order. Makes my mouth water just writing about this delicious dish. I’m pretty sure that we won’t be ordering mussels at home in Arizona, so we’ll be sure to get our fill while we are here!
Looking out for the Elderly
It isn’t unusual to see an elderly person walking in Warwick, or anywhere in England for that matter. In fact, we see quite a few members of this enduring group out and about at the park or picking up a newspaper and groceries early in the morning at the nearby One-Stop. It’s nice to know that the local council thinks enough about them that they remind us. Oh wait, maybe we are the more senior people they are talking about, haha!
Bodines on a Mission 