Enjoyed the break but time to get back to work.

Where do I start to explain this week. So much rest and relaxation can make one lazy. With the temple closed I've had lots of time to read, walk around Nauvoo, and catch up on some correspondence. I really am looking forward to going back on Tuesday. Rudi hasn't skipped a beat! He's worked hard everyday and finished all the assignments the temple had for him to do.

Since I've had so much free time I've spent a lot of time visiting the sights here in Old Nauvoo. I can't wait for family and friends to go inside these buildings and see and hear all about our early saints, it is very interesting.
I've also been reading a lot. Love my, Joseph A Stalwart Witness, book that Jeff loaned me. Some very powerful literature.

Friday I went with some of the engineers wives to Burlington for the day. It was fun and again very relaxing!
Just what I needed more relaxation.
We did a little shopping [Hobby Lobby, Jolene's, and of course Walmart]. What would we do without Walmart?
Yesterday, Rudi and I went again to Burlington to a show and a little diversion. We also tried to make it to Iron and Lace to pick up my Christmas present but we were five minutes late. [ I wonder if Rudi planned that] you know how Rudi loves Christmas! Oh well there's always another day. I just hope they don't run out of these gorgeous Nativity sets.

Last night on our way to Bentonsport we saw the most beautiful sunset, the sun was so big and bright red. In about a half hour we saw a huge full moon. It was all worth it to see such stunning sights so close together. We also stopped and had dinner in Bonaport. It was such a cute little place and full of character and charm, too bad the food wasn't as charming. Maybe we're just spoiled on great Utah food restaurants.

Today was Sunday with sacrament at 8:00 a.m. sharp. It again was a wonderful quiet meeting. The topic was on apostasy. A sister who spoke said that there are about 73 or more sects that have broken off from the L.D.S. church. That really surprised me and made me think how lucky I am to still and forever belong to the only true church.

After our meeting we went to the Community of Christ Church[formerly the F.L.D.S. church]. O.K. that was really interesting. We sat near the back so we wouldn't be too noticeable since we had on our missionary badges. This church is real causally. Everyone in pants and levis with Tshirts, but so friendly. The pastor, who was a women in a muumuu type top with pants, asked us to stand and introduce ourselves to her congregation. We gave our names and told them we were Temple Missionaries at the Nauvoo Temple. They wanted to know how long we'd been in Nauvoo, where we lived, how long we'd be here and told us to feel free to come back any time, and just call them if we needed any help while in Nauvoo. Wow! Different but very accepting of us. It was so interesting how the meeting went. No person conducting, no person leading the music, a lot of standing up. They even passed the donation plate around for donations for the people in the Philippines. Rudi gave a very generous donation and passed the plate on. After the meeting a lot of people came up and introduce themselves and wanted to know more about us. I kept thinking, do they think we're investigating their church or are they just friendly people. After attending our Sacrament Meeting of about 300 people, they really could use some converts, there were only 25 people in their congregation.
After all that religion we came home and had two couples over for dinner. I fixed roast beef [sorry Jeff I know it's your favorite] potatoes and gravy, carrots, sweet potatoes, tossed salad, and hot rolls, with cherry cream cake for dessert. I was in my element, just like my usual Sunday dinners at home, just a few less people. We had a great time laughing and telling about our families. They seemed to love the food and cleaned up almost everything. Another fun filled Sunday. Now if I could be twinkled home to Tiffini's for my families early Thanksgiving Dinner, I'd say it was a perfect Sunday.

I guess I covered about all the week's activities and events. Oh forgot one thing, our St. George condo had a backup in the plumbing pipe behind the kitchen sink in our condo and the condo below us was damaged pretty bad. They don't know yet if it was the condo above us or ours but here we go again with damage repair. Troy and Kristin drove down yesterday to check out the damage and assess what needs to be done. What a great son we have to drop everything and go to our rescue. Thanks Troy and Kristin we owe you once again. I thought that while you're serving The Lord we would be blessed. We have been blessed in so many ways and I'm grateful for a family that supports us all the time. This is just a little test, we'll be fine and so will the condo. Condo's can be fixed!

One last thought to end on. "Happiness is found a long the way, not at the end of the road."
Hope you all have a great week. Looking forward to Traci arriving next Saturday for Thanksgiving.

With love to all,

Rudi and Kathy

 

 

This morning's sunrise in Nauvoo

 The Iowa side of the Mississippi River.

 More leaves for Rudi to rake up.

 Nauvoo Temple taken from the flats.

 Joseph and Hyrum leaving Nauvoo for the last time in front of the temple.

 Carthage Jail

 Eagle looking out over Nauvoo. Huge nest!

 Red cardinal sitting on our window sill. A little blurry because they fly away so fast with any movement.

 We woke up to this snow last Monday morning. Yuk, not snow yet!

 Birds at bird feeder. Finch, sparrow, and female cardinal, not as pretty as the male cardinal.

Pres. and Sister McArthur dressed for the winter cold. We just love their enthusiasm for the mission.

A Different Kind of Week!

Well another fun week in Nauvoo, but different than most. For two weeks the Nauvoo Temple is closed for maintenance work. Lucky Rudi had a full week of doing all the things they can't do when the temple workers and patrons are in the temple. Even luckier Kathy got to join Traci in Chicago for 5 days of fun and sight seeing. I took the Amtrak from Fort Madison to Union Station in downtown Chicago. That was an experience in itself. It took about 4 hours to get there. It was a smooth ride and only made 4 stops along the way. Traci had made reservations for us in the Holiday Inn where her convention was. I got to sit in on her presentation and I now know why she is so good at what she does. I couldn't understand half of what she was talking about. She's one sharp cookie!

While I was in Chicago we saw some very interesting sights. We went to a beautiful cathedral, so much wood, I kept thinking Troy would love this place with the intricate interior.

Taking a boat ride on the Chicago River was delightful and very informative. Our guide told us all about the fire in the late 1800's that destroyed a lot of the downtown buildings. Luckily they rebuilt new buildings that were even more magnificent than the ones that burned down.

Our next adventure was the huge Shedd Aquarium. I think it's the largest indoor aquarium in U.S. We loved it and couldn't believe all the exhibits with so many strange sea creatures. We kept saying Ellie would've loved this place since she is interested in becoming a marine biologist.

We also went to the Willis Tower [formerly the Sears Tower]. It's 103 stories high. We got to look out over the entire city and the Michigan Lake area. It was so amazing! We even stepped out on the glass cube that made you feel like you were stepping off the building. I hate heights but enjoyed the view and the experience.

Of course we didn't forget the most important part of the trip, trying all the delicious food! Traci and I agree that going to fun new restaurants is part of any vacation. No McDonald's, [sorry Margarete, I know its your favorite place] or any place that you can go to at home.

We also rode in lots of taxi cabs because the weather was a bit brisk with the famous Chicago wind and distances were a bit too far.

The best part of all was spending time with my daughter. We had so much fun talking and catching up on people and home things that I hated to say good-by again to her. Thank you Traci for a great week and providing me with great accommodations. Lets do it again soon!

Another highlight of the trip was having dinner with Jack Friend Jr. It was so good to see him again and catch up on his life. He's moved back to Illinois again. He lives about an hour outside the city so he took a train in to meet us. We had a great Italian dinner and just talked and enjoyed getting to know all about his life and what he's going thru. Thanks Jack for caring enough to spend some time with us! I hope to keep in touch with him.

Today in Sacrament Meeting one of the speakers mentioned about her senior body and senior mind. Some days I can really relate to that feeling. In Chicago I felt like my senior body just wouldn't go fast enough to keep up with Traci's young, in great shape body. I also think my senior mind can't memorize like it use to. But on the other hand I'm grateful I can still walk and slowly can remember all I need to know in the temple.

Another speaker mentioned about a picture of Christ on the Sea of Galilee with the wind and the waves crashing against the boat with the caption below it stating; Sometimes He calms the waters and sometimes He calms our hearts. I'm so grateful to have that calming spirit that all is well at home with my dear family and friends.

Many of you have mentioned that we seem to do nothing but party and have fun. Well it is a fun mission and outside the temple we have a lot of activities and get togethers. I promise we work at the temple. Not so much hard labor but a lot of mental labor for me, but physical labor for Rudi which he loves much more than the mental labor.

The apartment across the street is now completely empty. Our dear friends the Heils left yesterday for Colorado. We feel a little abandoned, But it will be filled again at the end of the week with three couples who are changing apartments [I guess everyone wants to be closer to the party cottage] Haha!

The weather here is still crisp but nice. We're suppose to get snow sometime this week. Yuk!!!!

I (Rudi) had a great week working on stuff at the temple which we can't do while it is open. Thursday afternoon I had a real nice visit with Phil (Hugo's son). Saw some of the sights around here and had a great meal in Hotel Nauvoo. Thanks Phil, it was a delight visiting with you and catching up about your family.

Well time to say good bye until next week. I love Sundays not just for church but a time to spend chatting with family and friends. Hope to hear from you all soon.

I hope you all realize these emails are our journal, so if I get a little lengthy its because I want to remember everything about this wonderful place, The City of Joseph.

Keep smiling!

With love always,

Rudi and Kathy [Elder and Sister]

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALLIE! Hope your 10 year birthday is great. We love you and miss being there for your special day.

 Kathy in Chicago. Beautiful decorations for fall everywhere.

 Traci enjoying the sights with her mom.

 Love the neat buildings.

 Cathedral in downtown Chicago.

 Really cool organ loaf.

 On a boat tour of the city and the unique buildings.

 This is where we stayed in Chicago.

 Merchandize Mart Building, largest building space in America before the Pentagon. Kennedy's once owned this building.

 Sky line of Chicago.

So many beautiful buildings. Notice the rain on the lens. Yep it rained!

 Love how tall the Willis Tower [was the Sears Tower]. Its the one in the center. Couldn't see the top because of the clouds. 103 stories tall. Tallest in America.

 Traci on the tour boat. Love being with her and sharing all this beauty.

 The fall leaves were even in downtown Chicago.

 More leaves and buildings and my sweet daughter Traci.

 The shape of this building really caught my eye.

 Notice the reflection of the buildings on each other.

These two buildings are called the corncobs, I wonder why?

 The old buildings right next to the new ones.

 Rudi's favorite job. Check out the happy smiling face! He loves all the trees, NOT!

Rudi and I right after church today. I think he likes church better than trees.

Some more pictures of Halloween...

How can you not love Nauvoo?

Another wonderful week in Nauvoo. I must admit I'm finally getting a little less homesick, but still thinking about my family and friends a lot.
The weeks are starting to move along a little faster and I seem to be able to feel better about all the memorizing for the temple. Rudi finally knows why I've been so stressed lately now that he's working one day a week doing ordinance work in the temple. He wants to know how he's ever going to get all the parts down. I keep telling him to just eat the elephant one bite at a time. When things get slow in engineering he goes on a session. He has gone everyday this week. What a hero!
This week our dearly loved and sweet Pres. and Sis. Condie left for home. I'll never forget them and the tremendous kindness they showed us when we arrived. They will be so missed! I'm so glad they live in South Jordon so we can see them again when we get home. Their open house was so wonderful. All the temple and site missionaries were there to wish them well. I still can't believe how organized and beautiful the whole open house was. You saw in the pictures the table decorations. They are always first class in everything they do here.
Wednesday our new temple president and matron arrived from St. George. We all were a little nervous wondering what they would be like. Well we didn't need to stress at all. They are so warm and fuzzy, and very humble. Neither one of them has worked in a temple before. So guess what, I finally found someone GREENER than I am. Their names are Pres. and Sister McArthur. Sister McArthur and I have already made a connection with each other since we both have residents in St. George. I think they'll be tremendous and a nice addition to the Nauvoo Temple.
This week we started the new winter schedule, since 40 couples went home last week. We now run the temple with only 20 couples and a lot of help from the district missionaries. We all work Tues. thru Fri. and only have one shift a day. Everyone has p-day on Mon. On Saturday there are two shifts. The temple is open from 8 to 6, Saturday only and 6 hours a day every other day.
It's kind of nice to be able to sleep in on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but we work real late on Friday nights to accommodate some of the wards who have ward temple night later.
I'll keep saying I've never met so many wonderful and kind brothers and sisters who work and come to the temple. Everyday I realize more and more what a special opportunity it is serve in Joseph's Temple. The spirit is so strong here! I can't wait to show my family and friends around this special place. Please come anyone and everyone, we'd love to see you and give you a taste of what we love so much.
Last week Traci, my daughter, called and invited me to meet her in Chicago on November 4th thru the 8th. She has a convention there and has a little free time to spend with me. I was delighted and so excited to go. The next two weeks the temple is closed so it works out perfectly. Rudi is unable to go because this close down is his busiest time. I'm taking the Amtrax from Fort Madison which is only 15 minutes away from Nauvoo. It takes about 4 hours to get there by train and goes right to Union Station in downtown Chicago. It's a big adventure for me, but I'll have my trusty cell phone incase I get lost. I'm so excited to see someone from home. I'm also looking forward to checking out the sights in Chicago. Maybe we'll get to see Jack Friend my nephew. I hear he's moved back there again. I just hope I can keep up with Traci, she's a mover, I've been on trips with her before!
I hope Rudi doesn't starve while I'm gone. I'll try and leave enough goodies to hold him over.
Today we're hosting a group of six people for the break the fast get together. Our cottage seems to be the happening place lately for dinners on Sunday. I'm doing Hawaiian Hay Stacks. Nice and easy and fun to serve.
Another couple is bringing the dessert. Should be fun and tasty, I hope!
It seems like every other day we get some new assignment outside the temple. They've asked us to head up the live nativity scene on Dec. 6th in the Old Cultural Hall. It involves music, narrative, and lots of costumes. I have no idea what this is all about since I've never been here to witness it but I guess we'll learn real fast. Like I said a week or so ago in my email, they just ask you and assume you'll do it, and guess what we do.
They also asked me to help with the Dec. family home evening lesson. I also just found out yesterday that I'll start training to be a follower in the temple when we get back from break. Just keep stretching and growing Rudi and Kathy, it's what a mission is all about.
I guess I better close and get the dinner on the table. The party never stops!

We love and miss you all. Hey grandkids don't forget to email us or call we'd love to hear from you more.

Love always,

Elder and Sister Diederich [mom and dad] [grandpa and grandma]

Rudi and I with his boss, President Church, Stake President.

Elder and Sister Henderson, Leo Henderson's twin brother. They are coming today to our house to break the fast.

President and Sister Condie, at their farewell open house.

Check out the decorations and the good looking clean up man.

Music being played at the open house. The lady in the background is Sister Jensen, Diane Smith Jensen's mother-in-law.

 President and Sister Jensen, 2nd counselor in the temple presidency and
our next door neighbors.

 Elder and Sister Heil our next door neighbors and eating out buddies.

 More Halloween pictures. Everyone helping to draw, crave and gut out 1,000 pumpkins for the Pumpkin Walk.

 Temple missionaries carving more pumpkins.

Some of the finished pumpkins.

 

Another beautiful picture of the Nauvoo Temple.

 More fall leaves along a road in the flats of Nauvoo. This is what we see everyday. Lucky Us!

A boat dock along the water in Nauvoo.

A home in the flats of Nauvoo. The leaves are just about finished falling.

A Blue Herron on the Mississippi River.

 Red wagon on the Main Street in Old Nauvoo.

One last pumpkin and probably the best from the pumpkin walk.