911 at night

Taking a Sunday night walk to downtown Manhattan...

View of the World Trade Center from the subway station under construction.

View of the World Trade Center from the grounds near the 'Survivor Tree'.

Across the street from the 9/11 Memorial is this fire station. It was about 11:00 pm and the fire truck was pulling out to answer a call.

We will miss not coming down to this memorial. There is a special feeling here as we see how the city has honored those who did not survive this tragic event.

One last walk across the Brooklyn Bridge!

We have been wanting to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at night for a long time.  Well, we realized we only have a couple of more opportunities to do this.  We are back on the evening shift at the temple (3:30-10:30pm) so the only night we could do this is Saturday evening because the shift ends at 7:30pm.  So we headed out with our friends and co-workers, Elder and Sister Rogers!

Taking the subway across the East River to Brooklyn, we first stopped at Juliana"s Pizza.  The Rogers have been dear friends to us here.  We look forward to seeing them for many years in Las Vegas when we all return home.

The pizza was OK but according to all the reviews and ratings in the city, this is the place to have pizza.  Well, Stan wasn't that impressed.

Once in Brooklyn, we started the 1.1 mile trek across the Brooklyn Bridge so we could walk back to Manhattan and see the lights of the city.  Behind us in the distance is the Empire State building.  Look hard to see it.  It's lit up in Red, White and Blue.

From the other direction, Manhattan and the One Freedom Tower standing out.  This is the area where we put our lock on bridge.  It was crowded tonight and we couldn't find it.  Stan saw it a couple of weeks ago while on a bike ride so we know it is still here.    

                This is one of my favorite views.  To come across this marvelous bridge and see this beautiful city.  There is nothing like being in New York City at night.  We will never be in this situation again.  So let's enjoy it.  That goes for serving in the Manhattan Temple and in the Jamaica 1st Ward as well.  We love New York City!!!!!!

Subway Dancers and Performers

We have ridden the subway COUNTLESS times in the few months we have lived in New York City. We are always amazed at some of the talent that gets on board.

Take for instance.....These three young men.

Pictures do not do them justice!

They were not only strong, talented and entertaining......

...but they were respectful as well. Of course, we had a few dollars for them!

Getting off the subway, there is even MORE talent awaiting us! You have to give this guy credit for originality! Truly, a colorful one-man-band!

The next day in the same spot another performer...only this guy was being filmed by a professional crew. He was no amateur himself as he belted out tune after tune on his trumpet. ONLY is New York City will you find talent like this every time you turn around! We love this place!

Day 2.....Biking in Central Park.

For the 2nd day in a row....(drum roll!)....I am out on my bike in Central Park.

This time, someone decided he needed to 'record it for posterity'!

So, I'll smile for the camera!

Racing ahead of Stan.....

...and telling him to put the camera away and keep up!

Note to kids:  Your dad (in all seriousness one day) said:  "I know we (the family!) tend to joke about your (lack of ) athleticism; but the truth of it is, you're probably tougher than all of us!" Remember that, my children!

Love love love this park!

Central Park bike riding

We leave in a week and a half and one thing on my 'bucket list' was to ride bikes in Central Park one more time.

We got ready to go....borrowed a bike and a helmet....no sense investing in anything!

This is to prove that we actually did it....together! Stan bikes EVERY DAY.  I went once about 4 months ago!

Stan dropped me off at this 'resting spot' with his phone to keep me entertained and he went and did the 'big loop' at Central Park. I was so ok with that!

Getting bored, I started to explore and found this bird's nest conveniently placed in a traffic light in the park.  Good choice, little bird, no one would ever dare bother you in Central Park! They have laws here protecting creatures like you!

Restoration Site Completed!

Around the first part of June, the temple missionaries took a field trip. Our destination...

...Harmony (now known as Oakland), Pennsylvania. The chapel above was near completion but we were not able to enter. Today it is completed (opened 2 days ago!) and sits on a hill for all to see as they drive down the road. President Russell M Nelson will be dedicating this Visitor's Center/Chapel the middle of this month.

Half of this building is a Visitor's Center dedicated to the Restoration of the Priesthood. The highlight being a 20 minute film depicting this event that will only be shown on this site. It was quite a moving experience....we viewed it twice.

There are many interactive displays  explaining such historical events as the beginning of the translation of the Book of Mormon which occurred at the home of Isaac and Elizabeth Hale (Joseph Smith's wife's  (Emma) parents.

Artwork depicting John the Baptist conferring the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey in a grove of trees near the Susquehanna River on May 15, 1829.

Another painting showing the return of Peter, James and John to confer the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Olivery Cowdery a short time later. Both of these paintings showing that the Priesthood in our Church comes directly from Jesus Christ himself.

And more interactive displays that explain the importance of ordinances and covenants.

All showing the importance of the Priesthood of God and how it blesses not only the members of the Church, but all mankind.

Truly, a 'Marvelous work' has come forth among the children of men with the restoration of the Priesthood of God upon the earth.

This chapel is also shared with the Susquehanna Branch...attended each week by 100-130 people. Something tells me they better be ready for many visitors come next summer!

Standing between the statues depicting the Restoration of the Aaronic and Melchezidek Priesthoods are Elder and Sister Hosac from Idaho and Elder and Sister Call from Colorado. We have the privilege of serving with both of these couples in the Manhattan Temple. It was a very nice P-Day!

Visitors from our days in Poland!

This week we had 2 young women come visit who became part of our lives in Poland...Aleks(center)-a Polish convert and Laurel(right)-one of the missionaries who taught her.

One of OUR favorite places to take visitors is 'Top of the Block'. Never heard of it? It's the view from the top of our building, 20 Lincoln Center. It's stunning in the day...

as well as in the night!

We also had a wonderful dinner at one of our favorite corner restaurants. We have met a Romania young man, a waiter there, who actually talked to missionaries in his native country. Aleks was able to talk to him in Romanian where she served a mission. Now they are social media friends!

Another highlight of their trip...Taking Laurel and Aleks to the Jamaica 1st Branch in Jamaica Queens.

It was a perfect Sunday to have them visit as it was Missionary Sunday! They were able to help role play in the combined meeting and share their testimonies in Primary. They were a great 'visual aide' in showing the blessings of being a missionary! Now it is off to JFK airport where they will go their separate ways...Laurel to San Francisco and Aleks back to BYU Provo. It was great having them here  and showing them this city we have grown to love and of course, the wonderful temple here.