Friday, July 21, 2017 – Cleaning and Deadheading in the heat, Lunch for FM, Flowers from Clara, Sunset Cancelled Again

This morning was another hot and humid day for us in the gardens. We worked at the Visitor’s Center cleaning and “Deadheading” again. However another “Excessive Heat Warning” cut our work day short. The “Feels Like” temperature when we broke for lunch was at 109 degrees so that was the end of our work day.  

For lunch today the President of the Nauvoo and British Pageants, Pres. John L. Ricks, brought in a catered luncheon for all of the FM staff, employees and missionaries. In a short “Thank You” message before the luncheon he thanked everyone at FM for their hard work and tireless efforts to prepare the facilities, grounds, stage and make this year’s pageants possible. 

And what a great lunch it was. The Hy-Vee in Keokuk was called on to cater the “Chinese Food” with all the trimmings and it was delicious. There was more than enough for everyone. I haven’t had Chinese food this good in years! I think I’m going to have to start eating at the Hy-Vee Deli & Lunch counter now.

This afternoon Sis. Johnson got a very pleasant surprise. A floral delivery truck pulled up at our house and she received a flower delivery from the Hy-Vee Florist in Fort Madison. The flowers were sent to her by our dear friend Clara Naylor Annis in Mesa, AZ for no special reason other than she was “Just thinking of you.” To receive flowers for a special occasion is good but to get them when you don’t expect them is even better. Thank you Clara, we love and appreciate your friendship and thoughtfulness.

Yesterday when “Sunset by the Mississippi” was cancelled because of the “Excessive Heat Warning” we were afraid tonight’s show would be cancelled too. Well our fears were justified, at show time the “Feels Like” temperature was still too high (107 degrees) and the outdoor show was cancelled again tonight. Sis. Johnson and I really enjoy singing our duet, “Senior Moments” and now we won’t get to perform it until next Friday. But this is only an inconvenience for us, unfortunately there are many family and friends of other Senior missionaries that are in town to see their parents or grandparents perform in “Sunset” and they won’t have that chance. It is really sad when a show has to be cancelled.