June 16, 2014

July 16, 2014 

This week the British and Nauvoo Pageants began. Since we didn't have to perform in either of our two plays on Tuesday night, we went to the British Pageant. Just as we expected, it was very well done. There are over a hundred volunteers who participate, as well as a number of professional actors. The picture below is of the finale, the Nauvoo Temple lit up in the background. It truly was spectacular.

On our Prep Day, we went to a quaint little town in Iowa called Bentonsport. We had been told that there was a shop there called Iron and Lace, where you could see iron and pottery items that were handmade by the owners of the shop. Unfortunately, the owners were not there the day we went, so we didn't get to meet them nor see the blacksmith shop where the iron works are made. But we did look around the shop a bit.

Jan in front of the Iron & Lace shop

A sample of the handmade pottery. If you look closely at the design on the pottery, you'll see that the design used on all the pieces is the Queen Anne's Lace, which is actually a plant that grows wild in this area. It is also known as a "Wild Carrot" and is a common plant/weed that grown in dry fields, ditches, and other open areas. (See picture below.)

Queen Anne's Lace plants growing outside the Iron & Lace shop

Greef General Store, the local "general store," a.k.a. tourist trap

Inside of the Greef General Store

We just had to go into this quaint little homemade fudge and ice cream shop. And, yes, the fudge is delicious!

Just thought you might like to see the propane tank next to the "Forever Sweet Creations" shop.

As you may be able to tell, we didn't have a lot to report on this week; we are kept pretty busy. But we're enjoying what we're doing and are grateful for the opportunity to serve here in Nauvoo. We hope this finds you all well and enjoying your blessings as well.