The Sun is Setting.....

                   The Ship is Preparing to Sail.....

.....The Old Sailors are Manning Their Posts..

                                (If The Can Only Find Them)
 Saturday marks the opening night of the Sunset on the Mississippi production.  Fortunately for the Sara Granger Cast we don't have to perform until next Tuesday.  I think the other casts are in the same boat as us.....we know we are going to sail......we know the destination....we just can't figure out all of the new course changes as they are implemented.  We have been practicing for two months now and just about the time you feel comfortable our ship is rocked with a course change.  New words, new places, your in....your out.....wear your hat...don't wear your hat....stand here....no...there....we're not doing this part.....dazed looks on most.....thrilled excitement on a few.

    So to summarize in the above pictures: 

           We learned to salute and obey orders

           We learned that we were easily confused by those changing orders we tried to obey

           We learned to put our shoulder to the wheel.....even if it wasn't attached to anything

                                                and seemingly going nowhere.

           The teamsters learned to keep their ropes moving and focus on the bull...it's great for laughs!!

     It is really a great show and I hope that we are up to the task to make it great. 

     When you consider the talent, enthusiasm, and energy of the Young Performing Missionaries

and seeing what they do it is a cinch to be a great show.  I have the honor of carrying the Army flag as we pay tribute to our veterans at the opening of the show.  Other's carry the flags of the Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force.  There is a YPM who stands behind me as we move into the Air Force Anthem.   Her voice and enthusiasm are so stunning and motivating......it's a wonder I do not go off "into the wild blue yonder" because I am flying high!!!

The Sun is Setting.....
           The Band is Playing.....
              We are Running to our Places......

      Friday night brought our first night of the year that we performed two shows for Rendezvous.  It will be the norm for the majority of the summer.  We staggered in at 9:30 and dropped in place. 

It also marked the introduction of YPM's performing Jimmy and Marie.  What excitement and pure talent they bring to the show.  They fly across the stage, spin around on chairs, act and sing masterfully and bring our complete cast numbers up to 55.  It was congested in the winter with 30.  The closing "Streets" number reminds me of the old Kingston Trio Song, Zombie Jamboree....."Back to Back, Belly to Belly!!!  At least we know the words in Rendezvous.

      

    

   

It's a Priceless Gem to See!!

.....It is Only a Matter of Time.......

              ....Before we Remember Where to Go

      We Are Honored to Serve........

                    .....In Sara Granger Kimball's Home
     Upon our arrival here we joined the Sara Granger Kimball cast for Rendezvous and Sunset.  Until now we have never had the opportunity to serve in the home and tell those who visit  of her life, leadership, and testimony.  The really sad part of this house is it's original location.  It sits near the FM facilities and is blocks away from any other sites....and yet it is one of the most beautiful settings and landscaping.  It sit's far away from the street.  It reminds me of my courting days with Sister Gibson.  I used to joke to my friends that it was so far out of the way I needed to take a lunch to visit here....but, as with the Sara Granger Home,  there was a beauty and inspiration that rewarded those few willing to make the journey.  We were blessed to testify and explain as  several of the missionaries had family and brought them by to visit this special place on our day to serve.

Rendezvous Lights Up.....

    



Sister Gibson has added to her repertoire of skills as she now controls the lights the shows she is not the Relief Society President.  The stage is more confusing without her presence as she was the driving force in getting the chairs removed from the stage after the Relief Society scene.  The sisters will soon adapt.....if they can only remember when she isn't there.
    Meanwhile her cheery voice and smile  disappear into the console as she masterfully manipulates three important switches.....new glasses clarify it!!

She is a light unto herself.


                    




       ...With Sister Gibson at the Controls!

 Projects Abound........

              .....You Just Don't Know.....What
                  .....Which?....When?.....Really??
     The week in FM was filled with new fun projects and finally led back to old ones.  Now that's a surprise!!

Trailing the Past Takes us to Keosaqua....

                                          .....And Beyond