Heat Wave!

 I was up at 6:30 to get the chicken in the oven for chicken croissant sandwiches.  I am not sure if I just tried to do too much or if I am ridiculously slow, but from then until 11:30, I was in the kitchen preparing four kinds of sandwiches, and putting together 2 large bags of sandwiches, chips (known as crisps here), lemon bars and a few goodies.  According to government regulations - as of today, up to six people can meet together outside.  

Our young adult rep told everyone to come and join us briefly for lunch and visiting. She always puts those things on the Oxford Young Adult feed.  Going in to today, we had only seven who said they would be attending.  We had purchased all the supplies we needed yesterday, and so I thought I was ready with what would be simple.  

I ended up making 20 sandwiches because of the open invitation for one and all to join us.  I would have been thrilled if 20 had showed up, but concerned that we would not have enough food if indeed, twenty showed up, I decided to go for the gusto.  I made chicken salad croissants, chicken/bacon/tomato sandwiches, vegetarian sandwiches, ham and cheese wraps and two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

I know, it was ridiculous.  And by the time we got to the picnic, I was ready to go back to bed.  But three extra people showed up and we ate pretty much everything - except I sent a few home with several young people, who did not seem unhappy at all to take them.

It was a drop-dead gorgeous day in Oxford and we (along with a great many Oxfordians - I think I made that up) had a grand time outdoors....all reminding me of lizards out sunning on a bright day.  (Not real complimentary, but not meant as an insult.))  Seventy-one degrees!!!!  So lovely.  I hope it is not a sign of things to come.  I could live with days exactly like today.  We stayed with them for nearly 3 hours.

After eating, they threw a frisbee around for awhile, came back to sit down and relax and chat, and then we all said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.  It was so very enjoyable.

Both SK and I sat with Emma from time to time, on a lovely bench.  That's why you don't see us out on the grass having our picnic.  In the first place, it would be a violation of the six rule, and in the second, I can't sit on the ground anymore....my knees would never let me get up!

I came home and tuned in to the zone conference to see how everything went with the film.  I watched as the other senior couple did a lovely job.  They started the film and I intended to leave to do other things, but I couldn't drag myself away.  I didn't even want to leave for a minute....I love that production!  I watched from beginning to end.

When it was over, the APs put two questions on the screen:  "What did you learn today?" and "What did you feel today?"  Then the screen went to music from the tabernacle choir for 15 minutes for all the missionaries to write in their journals.  At the end of fifteen minutes a young missionary said the closing prayer and it was over.  I was disappointed that I have no way to know how they reacted.  I hope they adored it!

We just signed off our Tuesday Mission Zoom call.  At the end of the call, Deb spoke about The Lamb of God, how magnificent it is and that it is a gift from the mission to the missionaries."  She said it is astounding and that the talent is incredible.  She was very enthusiastic about it.  Apparently some of the young missionaries have asked if they could possibly download the music, and Deb got permission, so they will have access to it.  I guess the reaction has been what I had hoped for.

One more thing....they have been given permission to show it again Friday evening for people they are teaching, or for newly baptized members.  We have at least two that fall into that category.

I will see it again on Thursday with the zone conference and I think I may have to watch again on Friday evening with Angie.

No complaints!