Wednesday, August 09, 2017 – JEJ Sr. & Catherine’s Birthday, Farewell to Robers, Diagonal Sidewalk planting, Sunset by the Mississippi

Today I must honor and remember two very important birthdays. First is my beautiful granddaughter, Catherine Johnson who turned 10 years old today. And second, Catherine’s great grandfather, my father James E Johnson Sr.  1919 – 1950. He died in a tragic accident at age 31. He was a beloved father and husband, a World War II veteran. He was a returned missionary who loved the gospel and he loved the Lord. Though I never knew him (he died when I was 5 months old) I have always honored and respected his memory. His life has always been an example and guide to me. 

This morning in our Mission Training Meeting we bid farewell to Elder and Sis. Rober, Elder & Sis. Brown and Sis. Gardner. We stood and sang our traditional “Farewell Nauvoo” song to them. It was a touching moment without a dry eye in the place. Especially for Elder & Sis. Rober since they were the directors of “Sunset by the Mississippi” and every single missionary in the meeting knows them personally and have come to love and appreciate them for their hard work, their knowledge of the stage and their friendship. The Robers leave for home next week.

This morning we began the task of planting the “Diagonal Sidewalk” with perennials like Hybrid Day Lilies, Specialty Grasses and Echinacea. The “Diagonal Sidewalk” cuts the Southeast corner of Young  and Old Main Street. Visitors walking from the Women’s Garden to the Cultural Hall & the Family Living Center can use the sidewalk to cut the corner and save time.

For years the “Diagonal Sidewalk” has been lined with bushes and trees but lately the bushes had become overgrown, messy and disheveled. This summer a plan was put into action by Richard Hancock; FM’s Horticulturalist, to cleanup and rework the “Diagonal Sidewalk” to make it more functional and attractive.

 For the past couple of weeks most of the bushes were removed and the ground was prepared for today’s planting. We didn’t get the project finished today so we’ll be back tomorrow. But already the entire area is looking much better, clean and inviting.

This is the last week of performances of “Sunset by the Mississippi” because the YPM’s go home next Monday. Sis. Johnson and I have really enjoyed singing and dancing with our fellow cast members on stage. We have especially come to love singing our duet, “Senior Moments.” Unfortunately tonight was our last night to sing but it’s been a great run, one of the high lights of our time of service here in Nauvoo.