Thursday, August 10, 2017 – Mulching Diagonal Sidewalk, Micro Burst, Sis. Moench’s Farewell

A very eventful day began with work, work, work as we spread mulch throughout the flowerbeds all the way down the “Diagonal Sidewalk.” When we got to work this morning our large trailer was already completely filled to overflowing with shredded bark mulch. So we were able to get right to work. There was so much to do, by mid-morning Richard had several other men from his other grounds crew come and help. 

By the time we broke for lunch we had spread two huge trailer loads of mulch down the diagonal sidewalk. After lunch we filled the trailer a third time and completely unloaded it by the end of our workday. It was hot, dusty and dirty work but we got it done.

We still aren’t finished with the diagonal sidewalk. There is still about a third of the length of the sidewalk that hasn’t even been planted yet so there is still a lot planting and mulching left to do. Even so, what we’ve accomplished so far really looks great. It is a huge improvement.

This afternoon, before our “Rendezvous” performance a “Microburst” hit Nauvoo. The wind was so strong it was violent and destructive. After the storm moved out of Nauvoo Sis. Johnson and I drove to the Cultural Hall for our “Rendezvous” show and discovered a lot of damage. The damage to the trees was extensive. On Old Main Street there were two trees down. One by the Print Shop; a very large tree split right in two. The other was near the Jonathan Browning Gunsmith shop.

 

The worst damage we saw was at the home of Elder & Sis. Witbeck. The tree in their front yard was completely uprooted and laying across Elder Witbeck’s pickup truck. The truck is a complete loss, the cab is completely rushed. Interestingly, Elder Witbeck said the key fob still worked; when he pushed the “Unlock” button the doors unlocked. Of course the doors couldn’t be opened but the locks still work.

Tonight was Sis. Moench’s last night to be the director of our cast in “Rendezvous.” Last spring she took Sis. Lowe’s place as director and has done a wonderful job ever since. We have enjoyed our association with her and love and admire her dedication and love of the Lord as she served. We will miss her tireless enthusiasm and attention to detail that has made “Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo” an evening where guests can feel the spirit of Old Nauvoo.

Tonight’s “Sunset by the Mississippi” was cancelled because of the storm. Many of the disappointed guests made their way over to our “Rendezvous” show with the hope of getting in as “Standby.” Unfortunately both of our shows at “Rendezvous” this evening were already sellouts and a few of the standby people had to be turned away.

The best part of tonight’s second “Rendezvous” show was the Young Performing Missionaries (YPM’s). They all had tickets and they are a wonderful audience. They made our performance this evening a delight as they clapped, laughed and cheered out loud. The YPM’s only get to attend two “Rendezvous” shows in the three months they are here, one during the first week they were in town and tonight’s show. Interestingly both of these shows were with our cast and both times Sis. Johnson and I were playing “George & Agatha.” Over the past three months many of the YPM’s have complemented Sis. Johnson on her voice and portrayal of “Agatha.” Sis. Johnson is very good.