More Friends!

Sister Johnson makes new friends everywhere!  This is her with Sister Cheryl Wilson (counselor in West Point Branch Relief Sociery).  They have a lovely home that's about 8 miles directly north of where we live.  They have several acres, fruit and nut trees, chickens, a swimming pool, pool house, shop - what a great place.  Br. Cary Wilson is the 2nd counselor in the WP branch presidency.  The Wilson's have invited us out several times, including last Friday.  This time, their blueberries were ripening, and we picked several small tubs, as you can see.  They are delicious, but a little tart.  Today, I made a small barch of quick jam from a few that I was able to poach from Sr. Johnson's stash of fresh berries.

The Wilsons have a very nice and sizeable garden, and Sis. Cheryl is very adept at using and preserving the bounty that they raise.  Note the white tube enclosure in the background - this is actually a mobile chicken pen.  They put a few chickens in it, then move it strategically around their grass for the chickens to eat fresh greens, and of course deposit their fertilizer - very clever.

The Wilson's are special people, but so typical of the Church members we have here - dedicated, loving, and very willing to serve and help.  They have made us feel very welcome.

This is Sister Johnson, and another of her friends, Br. Jack Redwine.  He's the "patriarch" of the West Point branch.  He and his wife joined the LDS church about 38 years ago.  His dear wife Betty Jo passed away about a year and a half ago.  Br. Jack is now in his 80's, but still quite active, and raises a big garden.  Note the supersize tomato cages Sister Johnson has her hand on.  He makes these from concrete reinforcing mesh, and they are much larger and sturdier than the typical store-bought tomato cages.  He groups and stacks them for cucumbers, very clever.

Br. Jack is still quite lively, and is a great support to us as the Branch Mission Leader.  He's been a Bishop in years past, has served on the Stake High Council some time ago, and has given much dedication and service to the Church ever since he became a member. 

He also owns a very fantastic hydraulic wood splitter!!  This wonderful machine is a lifesaver in our woodcutting projects.  It's got 27 tons of power, and sometimes it takes all of that to split some of the stubborn oak we've cut down.