More March events and visitors

Upon our return from London trip with Castleton's, we had a branch welcome home dinner for Joseph Mahy.  The weather was too cold to use the conservatory, so we crowded tables, chairs and people into our dining room..

Such lovely, sweet people !

The 25th of March our daughter Valerie and her Abby came to visit us.  JOY !

During our drive to show the island, one stop was to see a cement German bunker - one of many which were built on Guernsey during the W.W.II German Occupation.

Walking in the beauty of Candie Gardens, we got to see a Blue Heron up close...

Off to London with them, we were again at Elizabeth Tower; this time there were hundreds of flower bouquets in the fence near the gates where the terrorist attack had taken place the week before;

and on the edge of Parliament Square, which is across the street, in memory of those who had lost their life in the attack, and for the injured as well.  

We toured Windsor Castle ...

and Hampton Court - where they got to put on "Royal Robes"... which actually helped them keep warm. :) ...

and went to a Natural History Museum, and the Hyde Park Chapel and Visitors Center,  

just to name a few of the things we enjoyed seeing together.

A great time in London with Val and Abby. 

England with Casteton's

This is the famous clock tower - called Big Ben - which is part of the Parliament buildings ... (although we found out that "Ben" is the name of the bell inside the tower; the tower is officially Elizabeth Tower.)   Parliament was in session, so no tours were allowed.

On the way to tour Westminster Abby, we walked right in front of those gates being guarded by policeman.   It was just 1 week later that a terrorist attack took place in this area. A man drove his car into people walking on the sidewalk across Westminster Bridge, then ran from his car to this gate, pushed through and attacked the guards.  Sad indeed.

A view of the tower, Parliament bldg. and Westminster bridge from up in the London Eye, just as the sun was going down.

The London Eye - like a big Ferris Wheel, but you're inside an enclosed capsule and it moves slowly.

We visited lots of historical sites.  Just showing a few ...

Stonehenge,

Buckingham Palace.


And we had a fun afternoon at the studio where they filmed 'Harry Potter' movies,

and saw all the unique props and vehicles, houses, shops, Hogwarts Express, etc.

We had such a great time together.  Walked our legs off, but had a super time.
So glad they came to England !

March events and visitors

The only young man who's served a mission from Guernsey branch is Joseph Mahy.  He served in the Dallas Texas Mission, and returned home March 10th.  We took Sister Shirley with us to the ferry dock to meet him; she knew him all the while he was growing up, so he's like family to her.
                         Here is a picture of Elder Mahy with his father and Shirley:

 It has been great to have him in our meetings; he is a happy, energetic person !

That weekend, our daughter Sharee and 3 of her children came to visit us.  What JOY !

Sharee, Paul, Holly, and Claire.

(In January, Holly finished her mission to Costa Rica) 

That same weekend, the 3 Assistants to the President came to visit and work with our Elders. 

  Here is a picture after church of all the Elders, Joseph Mahy, and our grandson, Paul.

After lunch we took a drive to show the family around the island.

One stop was at the "Little Chapel" which fits it's name. The walls are covered with pieces of porcelain - inside and out.

Even sea shells were used to adorn the inside.

On Monday, the 13th, we flew to London to see the sites together.

Pretty Spring

     March had lots of rain and fog, but all nature on the island began to burst with more beauty:

Daffodils everywhere... and many varieties.

I've never seen so many daffodils; they are everywhere ! 

All kinds of flowers ...  The Camellia,

Hyacinth,

and others I can't name.

New growth on unique trees, 

and trees with huge blossoms.  

Baptism in the sea

         Feb.18 we were thrilled to have a baptism.  Anna was baptized in a calm little cove called Port Soif on the north side of the island.   Sweet warm sunshine made the day even more wonderful.
              She was baptized by Elder Hardy.  He and E.Albacite began teaching her in December.

                               
                                         Several branch members were able to attend.

         In general, February weather was cold and rainy; that same weekend on Sunday night a tight                               fog settled in which interfered with ferries and flights for several days.
                     This picture was taken Monday morning looking out our bedroom window,                                                                      overlooking the glass conservatory.

In spite of cool weather, flowers are starting to bloom.  

Daffodils are blooming everywhere ... in yards, in fields, and on dirt mounds by the roads.

The Elders brought us a pretty bouquet to tell us thanks for what we do to help them :)

Feb. 21 Elder Hardy was transferred to Plymouth.   It took 3 trips to the airport that Tuesday, before he was finally on his way... as his flight kept being cancelled or delayed due to the fog.

So there were several goodbyes throughout the day :)

His replacement arrived in the evening when the fog had thinned out more.

Elder Sullivan is from St.George, Utah and has been out 20 months. 

He has a calm gentle personality, and is a great Elder. 

Oxford/ Sr.Couples

                      We flew to the mainland Feb. 2  to attend the Senior Couples conference in Oxford.

From the airport, we took a taxi to the Temple Accommodations Center.

Visited briefly with office missionaries, then did 2 temple sessions that afternoon.

Next morning we rode with other couples in mission vans to Oxford.

Were given a tour of Oxford University - lead by Bishop Tootle of the Oxford ward who works in Security at the college.

The buildings are amazing.

As was this very odd tree ... it's branches supported by posts.

It's probably very beautiful when fully adorned with leaves. 

And this large bush had unique flower strands ...

We got to go inside an ancient library; it is like a museum - you can't touch the books...there are electric sensors protecting them.   Only certain persons can "check out" the books and view them on special tables. 

The library ceiling was a work of art ..

Late afternoon we checked into our hotel, then met at the Oxford chapel for our conference.

We love being with these wonderful people.

Saturday morning we drove a short distance to tour the Blenheim Palace.

The palace was built in 1705.   It was the principle residence of the Duke of Marlborough.

It is the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill; there was one room that was a museum to his history and accomplishments.

Surrounding the palace are gardens and parks, lakes and forests.