My day of rest

Our routine on Sunday begins with taking turns driving to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa to our Branch for church. We go with Mike and Mary Ann Saltzgiver. The drive time is about 1 hour each way. At home is was 1 minute each way! We really don't know what farmland is near Ogden. The farms here are enormous and well cared for. We have large equipment on the road frequently. We also cross the Mississippi at Ft. Madison. The bridge is a swing bridge. If we arrive when a barge is coming. The gate closes and you are officially 'barged'. That means you have to wait upwards of 25 minutes till the bridge swings back into place.

Our branch is great. There are maybe 8 families and some individuals. At least 3-4 missionary couples attend the branch in addition to the local members. The largest is the Sanchez family. There are 10! The Branch President is Brother Sanchez and his wife is the Relief Society President. The church building is small, but a real Chapel.

Swing bridge Ft Madison Iowa

President Sanchez

Mt. Pleasant Branch

My other habit on Sundays is going to the Family Search Center next to the Nauvoo Temple. Currently, I am trying to locate the parents of my 2nd Great Grandfather, John Alvey. I saw John and Ann Woolley on an old parish record of All Saints Parish in Long Whatton, Leicestershire England in 1975 on my mission. I usually walk from our home on 865 Parley Street to the center. Temperatures are still good for walking, but I am going to try to continue through the winter. Tonight, we had a 'Break the Fast' dinner with all of the Temple missionaries as well as President Church and his wife Jane. Tonight was soup night and Sheri made Clam Chowder. I am eating too much.