FINALLY49

 Callisaja River  

How wonderful it was to get your birthday articles on blessings you received by living a commandment this past year.  They were very inspiring and really a joy to read.  Thank you so much.  I hope no one minds but when we get home I am going to have them put in a book.  Clark's family included a picture with each one so I am going to add one to each of the others.  I could never have received a better gift.  I'm still waiting for a couple of you to respond. :)

flowers just for me

Dry Falls on Callisaja River

The day was perfect.  Kristin and kids were here so we decided to take in some water falls.  Kristin had read about them in a book.  It has been too icy to go before she came but it was a warm day so the roads were open.  I'm sure you have noticed her article about the visit.  Go there to see more pictures and a great article on possums.  It follows this blog.  Be sure to open Day 1 and Day 2.

Cute store in Blairsville, Georgia where we go to dist. meetings

Elder Gosslin, Jalen, Baylie, Elder Cook 

Silkers, us, Cook and Goslin

Dad again did a great district meeting.  Kristin followed us that far and then boogied on home.  This was our last meeting before transfers.  We'll know Saturday if Elder Bayles will get transferred.  (Wishful thinking on Sister Bayles's part.

After meeting we went to a store 5 miles out of Blairsville where dad had to return a shirt to get a different size.  Only in the Bible belt can you receive your purchases in a bag that says this.
Friday was a severe storm watch.  The news stated that people should leave their home only if there is an emergency.  We have never been in freezing rain before.

bar-b-q out back covered in a sheet of ice

Lucy coated with ice

front porch (ice)

Saturday the elders called to see if there was a place in Murphy to get their car inspected.  We called our good neighbors and they told us of a good place.  The elders live in Georgia so they couldn't get it done there.  The station was old, old old.  The man had to try several times to hit the right key on his computer.  He was so kind and just a great Southerner.  He has a stuffed bear in his office and probably 20 deer heads, along with three turkeys.  He said any time we want we can bring the grandkids in and they can sit on the bear.  He was great.  Well, while he was doing stuff to the car we took the elders to lunch.

Blairsville Elders  

 We got back to find that he did the inspection but they don't do emissions in Cherokee county.  They have to go the Ashville which is 2 and a half hours away.  They went home.  I guess the mission will have to deal wit that one.  They just don't have enough miles to go to Ashville.
We love the Sabbath day.  We had 5 investigators and 2 less active at church.  We love that.  What a beautiful way of life we have by just living the commandments of our loving Father in Heaven.  How wonderful that we know this life is not the end but that we can live together forever in families.  It just doesn't get better than that.  We love ya'all so much.

Sat. Oct. 8th  This morning we walked a distance of eight miles (in an hour and a half) to visit a family of Saints by the name of Eason's.  We got here before noon & stayed with them the rest of the day.  Having lots of grapes here we went & helped ourselves, & had all we could eat for once since leaving home.  We spent the night with Bro. John S Eason.