An Afternoon Picnic

Sometimes I forget what month it is. Our Saturday afternoon felt like it could have been a breezy summer's day. I hate the fact that our next winter will involve snow. Until then, we'll continue to enjoy summery activities such as an afternoon picnic.

A picnic is not the same without a picnic basket, but for this particular day my new bag (Christmas gift from my fashionable mother-in-law) did the job just fine.

A toast was made in celebration of a healing nose. David's stitches are now out and as long as he keeps it out of direct sunlight (for the next six months!) the scar should fade.

The menu included grapes, strawberries, Swiss chocolate, sparkling cider, and three different, fancy might I add, cheeses.

David has worn fedoras ever since I met him. I used to call it his "old man hat." Typically, he doesn't like to wear what everyone else is wearing, so I tease him that these hats are getting very trendy. He said eventually they'll go out of style, but he'll wear them forever- I guess sort of as a little trademark. I love it because it reminds me of when we first met.

Our picnic location was a charming park on South Sound beach. It's tucked away and has big trees, little bird houses, and benches all around.

After the park I got my haircut. My wonderful friend, Collette, doesn't charge me a dime. The people out here are so generous. I've become the type to now ask for favors. I used to never ask for favors or help with anything because I would feel like I owed them. Now, since I've been surrounded by a culture that is constantly helping one another and exchanging favors, I've become accustomed to it. Collette cut my hair, I'll babysit her girls. She'll give me a ride somewhere, and I'll make her a treat. It's how these people live and I've learned a great lesson from it.

We were also invited over to another branch member's house for fried fish and fritters that night. Hosted by yet another generous family and a very delicious chef!

President Eyring, Elder Bednar, a member of the presidency of the seventy, and a member of the seventy were all in Jamaica for a regional conference. There was a priesthood question and answer session on Saturday evening and today a two-hour conference was broadcasted throughout the Caribbean. It was so special. The things the bretheren said seemed to be just what we all needed. The spirit was so strong and I am so thankful we were able to participate in it. I only wish they had more time to visit every single island. :)

Work has finally slowed down. My dad's advice to "grin and bear it," worked like a charm and now I find myself enjoying what I do again. We also have a new little dinner exchange with the Wilson's. I make dinner for American Idol night, and they make it for LOST night. Although, I ended up falling asleep on their couch five minutes after Lost started. I'm not so into this season as I have with the others... it's getting kind of boring? Anyone agree? Hopefully it will pick up and earn my complete and full attention in the near future. As for American Idol, these early weeks kind of annoy me. I want to get into the real competition. I do like the new judge. My hilarious brother told me that he hits the mute button anytime Paula talks. That was so funny to me.

Good news for the week was that Kristy and Sean asked us to babysit the cats again!

Also, I'm going to start cooking classes at a top notch restaurant called The Light House. I've always been pretty nervous preparing seafood dishes, so I look forward to learning more with their chef.

Well, that should be enough updating for now. We miss everyone. At times I get so homesick and lonely, and then at times (like today when the branch stood up to sing an intermediate hymn and I stood there and watched each one of them and thought of how much I love them all) I cannot imagine myself living anywhere else.