One-year anniversary; our 2 angels;; Mountain drive to Grenoble

Our Church Week—This week marks the one-year anniversary of us flying to France from the United States.  It’s interesting how sometimes it feels eons ago, yet we remember it as if it were yesterday.  France and our little Branch in Tarbes have become such a part of us that we really can’t imagine a time when it was not a part of our daily and weekly routine.  It’s why we are here.  We are both delighted about the growth we have seen in our numbers making it easier on the few in leadership positions. Few hands have had to do much work and we are glad to help by being in the mix.  At the same time, we are wondering if time will run out on us as we try to make and meet our last 6-month goals.  We are thinking things will really begin to speed up, especially once Spring hits.  But we have several long weeks of winter ahead.

Without a College or University in Tarbes and the economic down-turn Tarbes has experienced over the past 40-50 years, we imagine growth will always be slow as many from the younger generation leave for higher education and work.  And we will lose several by summer and we know that is coming.   

This week also marks the “one-year anniversary” of Marc being so in operatively ill last year for weeks on end.  For Marc, it was the year without a February.  It’s uncanny that the very same week Marc was ill; it is now Meg that is sick.  But it appears she’s only been blessed with two weeks of it vs Marc’s month-long illness.  Several people are sick at Church and both of our Young Missionaries have taken their turn.  Marc has had a mild version.  We are almost through it.

This week we had about 16 absent from Church due to snow in the mountains and illnesses.  That’s a noticeable number when we are normally in the 35-40 range in attendance on Sunday.  There have been several avalanches that have covered the roads.  That’s usually a Spring phenomenon because the melting daytime temperatures set off the avalanches.  This year it is a Fall phenomenon from alternating snow and rain having the same effect. 

Anne’s genealogy work—Marc has been helping track down some information from Ireland for Anne.  It’s amazing that what earlier took weeks and months to accomplish by letter now can just take only a few hours.  The Irish researcher has responded so quickly and they are drilling down on some possibilities and some accompanying records.  Marc has been helping several other people with their genealogy also.

DNA—We got 3 people a DNA kit for Christmas and we just got notice it is in processing now.  So in a few short weeks, we should get their results back.  They are very excited!  So are weJ

Missionaries genealogy work while convalescing—We had the Missionaries over to go through our Pharmacy medicine kit for a Nasal Congest ant and some “honey” cough medicine.  Honey works really well for those bronchial coughs; it calmed his cough right down.  Marc has also been helping our Missionaries this week with their Family History Work.  It’s something Elder Gardner could do in a semi-reclining position.  This flu/bug we’ve had really levels one and full work days have just not been possible.  We think we have all turned the corner for the better; but we’ve all had set-backs so we’re taking it a bit more slowly until we feel free and clear of it. 

Chevez—our very in-shape 6;5” Basket Ball player has the flu and has been in the hospital emergency room twice this week.  He has asthma so that has complicated things for him.  It’s also possible he has arrhythmia which they will check out Tuesday. But he came to church this week.  Hats off to him!   

Our two angels—spelled Valerie and Anne.  Anne made us lunch today and brought it to church.  She is all heart.  She often invites us over for Sunday lunch but was not sure Meg was up to it today so she brought it along to take home and so we wouldn’t have to cook today.  Valerie texted the middle of this week and said she went shopping and would be bringing over Gelee Royale, a natural anti-biotic made by worker bees that are saved and fed to the Queen Bee for health and longevity.  All natural remedies are VERY big in France along with organically grown foods.  Growing up, Valerie’s father was a pioneer before his time and had bees who manufactured Gelee Royale. Their family grew up with all natural remedies. As a result, she is very knowledgeable about many natural remedies. 

Jean-Claude—has been in regular touch with us since he set off for Switzerland.  His trip was extended by several weeks as his friend fell ill with a kidney infection.  She has an in-home nanny business and Jean-Claude volunteered to stay to help out so she could convalesce and there not be a major hic-cup with the children’s care.  While he is there, they are taking advantage of going to the Bern, Switzerland temple as regularly as they are able.  So every cloud seems to have a silver lining.  Jean Claude and Fernanda were able to do temple work for his mother and two brothers yesterday in Bern.

Other—Apparently we live on an exciting street.  Yesterday we heard a siren on our street.  Then it suddenly stopped.  Along came siren #2, followed by siren #3.  Once again, we threw open our shutter, threw up the sash to see what was the matter.  There were 2 cars caught fire right out our window, about 6 buildings north of us.  The police cars stopped the traffic and one officer had left his vehicle to go on foot to divert traffic off our street.  Meanwhile, the Fire Truck came but could not get past the Police Car.  Then the gas tank blew up catching the next car on fire.  It was quite a site, first the fire, then the billowing white smoke followed by billowing black smoke once the water hit the fire.  They eventually got both fires out.  We have no idea what caused the fire in the first place, although now when anything happens on Saturday we are suspicious of what the gillet jaune movement is doing.  Every Saturday is another demonstration so Saturday tends to be a day that you don't want to drive and instead stay close to home.    

Town of the week--Driving to Grenoble.  Grenoble was home to the 1968 Winter Olympics and is in the Rhone-Alpes region of France.  A famous  all-year round attraction is the "bubble" cable car that goes from the valley floor of Grenoble to the 18th century fortress overlooking Grenoble.  The Alps in the region are stunning with large bases of the mountains that one must cross on the way in to Grenoble.  We passed through Grenoble last fall en-route to Switzerland.; hence the fall, end of summer pictures...depending on altitude.  

À la prochaine

Two cars on fire

In comes the fire truck

More excitement than we see normally from our window

Elder Scharman and his genealogy

Elder Gardner's turn

DNA kit with Valerie

Helping Mondul with his genealogy

Doing genealogy with Jean-Claude 

Work at the office

Marc working with Christian, our greffier (Branche Clerk)

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