The Heat Is On!

It is hot here people. No I did not borrow this forecast from Salt Lake City. This is OUR forecast. As in Seattle. What happened to the cool days and overcast skies we've all heard so much about? And Rain? Psh! It hasn't really rained here for weeks! And all the lawns are mostly dead. (see Princess Bride) And to top it all off--most homes and apartments don't have air conditioning because it. doesn't. get. hot. here. Seriously! They've got to be kidding. Last night at Midnight, our apartment was still 84 degrees. I guess it all adds to the 'Mission Experience'. Anyway, thank goodness the office has a/c or I'd be melted into a puddle. Air Conditioning. Something to be thankful for. I know I am.
*Note: It ended up setting a new record on Wednesday of 104 in Bellevue. It has been 100 today. Luckily the cold front is coming through and we're dropping doen to a chilly 85 by next week.

Hot wheels and Matchbox cars

If you go for a drive these days, you are bound to see one of those 'cute' little economy-mobiles with a 'cute' little name, next to you in traffic. Every time I see one of those little guys, I get the urge to wrap my hand over the roof, set it down on the floor, pull it back, and let it go. They look like the toy cars we played with as kids. Only this time make-believe is reality. I think some enterprising person ought to put an antenna on the roof so it looks like a toy remote-control car. I wonder if Barbie knows her car is missing?

Squirrels, Coyotes, and Bears, Oh My!

You never know what you are going to see in the wildlife (as in fauna)department around here.
Not too long ago, there was a black bear residing in the I-5 median, minding his own business until wildlife officials decided to tranquilize the poor dude and move him into the mountains. Last week, I was being my usual worker-bee self in the Mission Office, when Elder Gemmell said, "Look, a raccoon!" to which I replied, "ya, whatever!" There really WAS a chubby raccoon in the tree outside my window. So, of course, I bolted out the door to see it up close and personal. This alarmed our little masked bandit, so he scooted a little further up the tree. I retreated and fetched some cherries from my desk. This proved to be too much temptation for our little friend so he inched down the tree trunk just far enough to snag the juicy red orb of sweetness off the tree trunk where I put it. He made the mistake of turning his back on me, and as I am a curious individual, I reached out and stroked his ringed tail. He shot up into the tree and looked at me like I had just committed a felony. But now I know what a raccoon feels like.
As for the coyote, he was outside our apartment, on the trail down to the creek.
I think he was eyeing my neighbors kitty cats. Oh, and I almost forgot about the 6 point buck that walked across the road by our office. Didn't even have turn signals (but he did have horns;) and the cougar at the body shop in Issaquah. So if you love critters like we do, this is the place to see 'em.

Teach me to walk in the Light

Elder Wilson went out teaching with the Zone Leaders again last night. They taught a gal from Hawaii about the restoration, and about how there is a living Prophet here on the earth today. After presenting the lesson, they asked her if she believed it was true. Her speedy reply astonished them when she said, "yes, I do!" They then asked her if she would consider being baptized, to which she replied, "of course, why wouldn't I?" Just so you know, that rarely happens here in the Seattle area which happens to have more than its share of skeptics, agnostics and atheists.
It also serves as a reminder to me, that enthusiasm for the Gospel is a good thing. It is contagious. When people see these young missionaries faces light up when they talk about The Plan of Salvation, The Restoration, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they can't help but want to have that inner light for themselves. What's not to like about the teachings of Jesus Christ? He loved us so much that He gave His life for us, so we could live forever in Heaven with our families. What a great gift he gave us. If you haven't seen "The Lamb of God" in awhile, watch it again. If you need a copy, go to Mormon.org, or pick one up at Church Distribution.

The Literal Fruits of Summer

I love Summertime. I really love summertime in Bellevue. They know how to do a farmer's market up here. Several days a week, not just on Saturday, you can find fresh flower bouquets for $5, assorted fresh fruits and berries, jewelry, artisan breads, organic honey, homemade ice cream, sweaters, afghans, and well, you get the idea. Lots to choose from. A few weeks ago, we went for fresh asparagus and apricots, then it was raspberries, now it's Rainier Cherries. You have not lived until you've tried one. (but why stop at one?) These babies are the sweet and juicy cousin of a bing cherry. Honestly, I thought nothing could ever compare with Utah's sweet Bing Cherries. Now I know better. Rainier's give them a run for their money. I'd like to write more, but there's a bowl of cherries waiting with my name on them.

Just Add Water

4th of July-Part 2:

We found out the missionaries could spend from 6-9 at a members home, so we invited our Zone over for food and fun. After downing 20 BBQ chicken sandwiches, rootbeer floats, chips, baked beans, and a watermelon, we set about to show these young men how to properly launch a water balloon.

Wipeout!





We filled over 150 balloons, so it became necessary to play "ready-set-fire" old-west dualing style. We lined up 2 companionships back-to-back, had them step off 5 paces, turn and throw their balloon at the opposing team. Then we thought if 5 paces is good, 3 would be better. So then it became ready-set-DUCK!!" Hilarious action-packed wetness. We also had a balloon "shot-put" with large balloons--the winning throw was 61 feet! Then out came a bucket full of cheap squirt guns to make sure nobody was still dry. We ended the activity with RootBeer floats and a game of "signs", which many of the Elders had never played before, and I'm sorry to say I don't have a photo of Elder Min and his "egg" sign, nor Elder Wilson and his 'vogue' sign. A good Time was had by all, and we sent them back to their apartments wet, full, and smiling!

back row: Elders Waite, Langlois,Gemmell,Russell,Young,Touli,
Front:Nielsen,Min,Samani, Wilson

Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue

Vintage Airplanes do a "fly-over"

Vintage Racing at Pacific Raceway in Kent, Washington

Vic Edelbrock Jr. is in the '63 Split Window Corvette

Pacific Raceway 'S' turns-
A fun way to spend Part I of the 4th of July!

God Bless America, Land That I Love !

As I look around me I see people who have come from all over the world to taste the freedom we so often take for granted, including Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech. I love America, I love patriotic songs, and what they stand for. I love the Murray City 4th of July Parade. I love fireworks from Wyoming! (thanks Robbie A) I love it when they play the Star-Spangled Banner at the beginning of sporting events, I love seeing flags waving in the breeze. Is this a great country or what??