Pipes, Pillars and surPrises...

The tangible excitement of big city life is now familiar.
Construction and traffic noises take the place of an alarm clock.
We consume every day like it was Carnegie
cheesecake and lick the plate clean.
Last week we munched a picnic in the park on a summer evening.
(Help me, I cannot turn off the underline feature!)Pipers!!!???
Not just one, but two bagpipe bands played the Central
Park Naumburg Bandshell last week. 7 senior couples
from the temple graciously invited us to join them
for a combined picnic and concert.

Admittedly we dreaded 1 1/2 hours of bagpipe music;
like listening to fingernails on a chalkboard,
or a beginning violinist...

Do we ever feel dumb? Our low expectations were rewarded
with a superb performance by gifted musicians. Powerful,
moving, melodic, and emotional pieces ranging from
sweet stirring numbers to familiar favorites.

Pillars...
Seven to be exact, in front of the temple overhang..
Six have been started. These columns
should be complete along with the 3rd floor
renovation of the meetinghouse in time for
Stake Conference on November 9th.

surPRISES...
Natalie and Carissa Merritt (friends from
Orlando now attending BYU), surprised us
with a visit. They then headed off to meet
The Lion King. Notice the handsome young
man giving Natalie a one armed hug?

Days pass quickly in a city that never sleeps.
Or perhaps it's only because time flies
when we are having fun.
...and missing our family and friends.

Happy Anniversary to Jerry & Erin
September 3rd, 4 years!!!