Beneath the Wraps

          Jenna had been accepted to Southern Oregon University which we toured on the 19 th . We had invited Jenna ’ s friend Kylee to go with us. We had to have proof of vaccination or else a negative result on a “ last 24 hour ” test.  I thought Kylee would have had that already but was not able to get either in time for our tour and so ended up not going with us which is really too bad.  I think she would have enjoyed it.         We arrived in Ashland very early in the morning.   The elements were dark but there were buildings lit up with Christmas  décor .   It was as though Ashland embraced us with welcoming arms.   It was so beautiful and inviting. We had arrived early and thus able to get a decent parking spot in front of the admissions building which is where the event started.  Those in charge admitted us into the building so that we would not freeze as it has been cold outside....

            Joseph Smith knelt in a grove of trees in fervent prayer and was visited by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  This is known as “the first vision” which took place in early spring 1820.  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/image/the-first-vision-fe5db8d?lang=eng According to the equinox the first day of spring begins at the end of March (usually 20 – 22 depending on the year I guess) and ends in June on the same numbered date.   My definition of spring includes blossoms on trees, buds starting to peek their heads out of stems promising to become flowers. https://beneaththewraps.blogspot.com/2016/02/spring-arrived-early.html   I have always seen spring as a promise of growth.   That means no snow, no wind and no darkness. Or so was my belief when I lived in Salt Lake.   I remember seeing the blossoms and buds appearing in February 2016 our first year in Oregon.   It is so different from Salt Lak...

On Sunday Randy took us to Palmyra.   We had passed the Palmyra Temple and Hill Cumorah in Manchaster.   I did not take pictures as we hadn’t stopped.   The plan was to visit the sacred grove in Palmyra and hit the other sites on our return.   Once again Randy played tour guide as we led ourselves around, read signs and took many pictures.   Jenna is so great at taking selfies Love this picture that Jenna took of her brother and niece LaTiesha, Randy, Devin, Roland When the missionaries finally showed up we were told that the visitor center was closed (due to COVID of course) but that virtual tours were offered.     We decided we would forgo the tour as Randy had done a good job and we were all hungry and wanted food.   We drove through the city of Palmyra but did not find food there, but some interesting sites.    four churches are located at one intersection I could not capture all four churches in one photo.    This p...