Autumn in New York

Fall has definately arrived here.  School buses are back on the roads, goldenrod and the wild purple asters are everywhere, the trees are starting to don their fall colors, and in Fredonia, the grape harvest has begun.  We could tell last week-end that the harvest was getting close as we were out visiting in the Branch.  The aroma of concord grapes filled the air and was delightful.

Our Fredonia Branch lies in the heart of the grape belt in Chautauqua county, NY which is the largest grape producing area in the United States.  (The second largest area is the Yakima Valley in Washington.)  For 3 to 5 miles inland along the eastern shore of Lake Erie there are vinewards everywhere.  Lake Erie is a shallow lake and so the water warms up in the summer and freezes over in the winter.  This makes for ideal growing conditions for grapes.  The winds blowing inland from the lake in the fall are warmed by the water and prevent any early frosts from harming the grapes. In the spring, the winds blowing inland are cooled by the icy waters and those cold winds keep the vines from budding out too early.  Most of the grapes grown here are Concords.  60% are comitted to Welches which has a large juice processing plant about 15 miles south of Fredonia in Westfield.  There is another large plant in Dunkirk owned by Cott which processes juice for store brands, the main one being Kirkland for Costco.

This last Saturday after our teaching appointment, we saw our first grape harvester.  Pretty blue thing ready to start picking.

Grape Harvester

Here you can see right down the middle of the harvester which goes over the row of grape vines.  There are rows of paddles on each side which flop back and forth through the vines knocking the bunches of grapes off.  On the bottom are two rows of horizontal rotating discs which form a "floor" and move the grapes to the back of the harvester where they go on to a conveyor belt which moves them up to the top of the harvester and shoots them into the bin traveling along side in the next row. The discs are spring-loaded so that a post moving down the center can push the discs aside and then they spring back behind the post forming the floor again.

Down The Middle

 Here the harvester is starting at the beginning of the row.  Next to it drives a 2nd tractor towing the bin that the grapes are dumped into.  Notice the bin ready to be pulled into the next row.

Harvester with bin to the side

Here the harvester and bin are part way down the row.

Picking the Grapes

When the bin gets full, it is towed to a flat bed trailer that has 16 large crates on it.  The bin is hydraulically lifted and dumped into a crate.  Each bin and crate holds several tons of grapes.  When all the crates are full, the truck is off to the processing plant.  The trucks have to meet an appointment at the plant.  The grapes have to be processed within a few hours because the fermentation process will start if they stand too long.  The processing goes 24 hours a day, so the harvesters have to keep a well planned schedule to meet their appointments.  It also means they have to work all hours of the day and night. 

You might wonder how we know all this.  While we were parked by the side of the road taking pictures, the man in charge came over and invited us to come over and taste his grapes and was happy to explain it all to us.  As we were talking to him we noticed that his shirt had his company name on it with "Silver Creek, NY - Yakima, Wn" written underneath.  We asked him about it and he said that he also owned a vineyard in Prosser, Washington.  We told him that we had both been raised in the Yakima area.  He asked what brought us to NY and we told him about our mission to the Palmyra Temple and about how we spent our weekends in Fredonia.  He said that he had been to the Hill Cumorah Pageant years ago and that what impressed him the most was how good the people were.  All in all, we had a most enjoyable and informative visit with him and his grapes were sweet and delicious.

Susan filled up her 5 gal.collapsable jug with concord grape juice at a vineyard further down the road that sold the fresh pressed juice and took it home and bottled it on Monday.  We have juice to last the rest of our mission. 

Well, have a great week all of you.  Be sure and listen to all of conference.  What a blessing it is to hear from our prophets twice a year.  We just read the new Ensign.  What a great testimony of the Book of Mormon.  We love you all.

What a day!

   We were given a rare opportunity for service this Thursday.  Some of the communities in our temple district down along the Pennsylvania and New York border have been experiencing severe weather the last two week from the hurracane that hit the east coast and another severe storm right after it.  This caused the Susquahanna River to flood.  In Owego, NY, the river rose over 20 feet above its banks causing disastrous damages throughout the villiage and surrounding area.  Historically the river has flooded here about once in every 100 years.  However this is the 2nd major flood in 5 years.

   In response to the disaster, the Church is sending in the Mormon Helping Hands disaster recovery volunteers to help out.  President Sherwood offered the help of the temple missionaries and as a result all of the 20 couples who were able, were sent to Owego to help in the assessment phase.  The Church didn't want the senior missionaries doing the actual recovery work (They were afraid we might hurt ourselves) so they had us go door to door throughout the whole area talking to the people and filling out forms with requests for help.  Those forms will now be evaluated and the Helping Hands volunteers next week will be sent to the homes with the greatest needs.

  We left early Thursday morning for Owego prepared to spend Thursday and Friday doing the assessment for Helping Hands.  We arrived at the Stake Center in Owego about 9:30 am where we were trained, divided into groups of two couples each, given our assigned areas to work in and then sent out by 10:00 to begin working in our areas. 

The first area we were given was a neighborhood on the side of the valley.  They were significantly higher than the river.  While some had flooding in their basements from the heavy rains, none had any serious damage to their homes.  As we talked to them they expressed their concern for those in the other parts of the city, and we learned of their efforts to help others. 

The next area we were given was in the bottom of the valley, right next to the river.  What a disaster!  The damage to the homes, and the piles of debris were huge.  The water had not only flooded their basements, but in some areas was up to 3 or 4 feet above the main floor level.  All the furnishings had to be taken out.  All the dry wall that was wet has to be ripped out.  All the carpeting has to be torn out.  The flooring has to be ripped up.  We saw some homes where the foundations caved in and the yards were in the basements.  We saw two homes that had completely burned to the ground, probably due to electrical system failures.

No one can live in any of these homes currently.  There is no power, water and sewage.  They are just trying to get the homes emptied, repaired, and then ready for living in.  It has been a week since the last storm and some had help from family, friends and their churches already.  Many others however were just coming back to the disaster after having been evacuated.  Others had no help and were trying to do it on their own.  We were able to find some who would need the help of our Helping Hands volunteers who will be here next week.  They are expecting upwards of 300 members to be there.  This week the local stake is concentrating on helping their members. 

Here is the river that brought all the water.  It is now almost back to its normal level.

Beautiful Susquehanna River near Owego, NY

This is the neighboorhood we were canvassing.  People were just empting out their homes and putting it on the front of their property. 

Another load of someones possessions is dumped and hauled off.



This was a sign on a telephone post in our neighboorhood.  It marked the elevation of the flood in 1929.  Notice the spike just above the sign.  This flood was about the same height.

These next two pictures are of the same house.  Notice the gap under the front porch.  The foundation has caved in.  You are seeing into the basement.  In the following picture the front plantings are now in the basement.

Here is one of the homes that burned

The next two pictures are a sample of the mess in downtown Owego.  Piles of debris outside every building waiting to be scooped up by front loaders and hauled away by dump trucks..

We finished up our 2nd area about 4:00pm and went back to the stake center to turn in our assesment sheets.  We expected another assignment for the next morning, but were told that the assessing process was almost done and we wouldn't be needed on Friday.  We were to go home.  It appears that the "Temple Missionaries Team" accomplished in one day what they expected was going to take two.  It felt good to be a part of the bigger picture that will continue next week as the volunteers come in to help these people.  However, one side of me all day long wanted to quit this "assesment" and just dig in and help these people.

So what have we learned.  We were pleasantly amazed at people's concerns for each other.  Many said to us, "We have friends and family and we will have this house empty in two more days.  There are others that have no help.  Please go to them."  Many in the community are taking in those who no longer have a home.  Some have given up.  "We are getting what belongings we have and are leaving.  The bank can have the house."

Many expressed their gratitude that things weren't worse.  We are not aware of any serious injury or death.  One good man summed it up this way:  "The hardest thing I ever did was bury my daughter.  This doesn't even come close." 

As we looked at all the destruction and the possessions waiting to be hauled off, our hearts went out to these people.  And yet doesn't this put into persective our lives and what is important.  "Things" come today and are gone tomorrow.  None of that is really important.  What is important is our relationships to each other and to our Heavenly Father and his Son.  We need to strengthen those relationships.  Those relationships, especially with The Father are what will pull us through the trials/disasters that will come into our lives.

Fun Day Off

Last Monday we went to the 1000 Islands with the year around temple missionaries.  This is an area where the St. Lawrence Seaway leaves Lake Ontario.  There is supposedly around 1800 islands in this area that is about 30 miles long on the the seaway.  It is a famous area for summer vacations and tourists.

Hint: To be called an island it has to be out of the water year around, be at least 3 ft square, and have at least 1 tree and 1 other form of vegetation.  Most of the islands are on the Canadian half of the seaway.  Most of the larger islands are on the USA side making the land area about equal.  Many of the islands have homes on them.  It is amazing how small an island can have a home on it.  We saw one with about a 150 sq. ft. home on about a 160 sq. ft. island. 

We went on a boat tour of these islands.  We saw many islands with their homes but most of the time was spent on two islands looking at two "Castles".  One was Dark Island with Singer Castle.  The other Heart Island with Boldt Castle.  Both were build around 1900.   

Singer Castle



Singer Castle



Singer Castle was built by the 5th President of the Singer Sewing Machine Company.  He called it a "Hunting Lodge".  It has the feel of a medeval castle and is loaded with secret passageways for servants to use. 



Singer Castle with boathouse

Singer Castle Breakfast Room

This was Susan's favorite room.  Magnificant arched windows on three sides of the room looked out over the water. 

Singer Castle Light Sweat Cabinet

This was their version of a tanning bed.  Notice the light bulbs all around the sides and bare wiring that you could touch and get burned or shocked.  This would be an OSHA nightmare.  You sat on the stool and closed the doors.  The mirrors all around reflected the light onto your body.  Your head stuck up out of the hole on the top.  This was located in the massage room.



Hidden Passageway behind bookcase

Servants were looking out from these secret passageways ready to step out and provide whatever service was needed such as refilling a glass, etc.  They would then quickly dissappear again.  The only exception was in the ladies lounge area where his wife did not want anybody to observe them.  Servants could only come when they were called for.
Boldt Castle

Boldt Castle

Boldt Castle was built by some guy named Boldt who was building it for a summer home for his wife.  He was the proprieter for the Walsorf-Astoria hotel in NYC.  His wife died before it was finished and he stopped all work on it.  It remained vacant for over 50 years, and had much vandalism.  It is now owned by the St. Lawrence Seaway authority.  They are constantly trying to finish the original design but have committed to never finish it completely.  Boldt said his wife didn't get to see it completed so no one will.  The first floor is now completed and furnished.  The families bedrooms on the 2nd floor are completed.  Nothing has been done yet on the 3rd and 4th floors.

Boldt Castle Power House

This was on one end of the island and was to contain the large generators that would provide electricity to the island.

Boldt Castle grand staircase and balcony

Boldt Castle above the grand staircase

This is a view of the ceiling 4 levels above the main floor showing the stain glass sky light. You can see there was balconies all round overlooking the grand staircase.

Boldt Castle Master Bedroom

This bedroom on the 2nd floor is a rounded room in a corner.  Even the windows and glass were curved.




Boldt Castle Children's Playhouse and Tower

 

This was the children's playhouse and tower.  They are working on it so it is blocked off.  You can see the workman on top.  Can you imagine having a playhouse like this when you were a kid?  You could really feel like a knight or a princess.

 Other Islands

These are some other islands.






Boldt Castle Boathouse on Wellesley Island

 








Three Sisters Lighthouse

 

This is actually three islands connected by stone walkways. The lighthouse was actually in use.




This is a small island with a home on it.

 We had a delightfull day with the other missionaries.  We are not going to say anything about the sunburns we had the next day.  We should have know better then to spend the day on the water without sunscreen or hats. 

Have a great week.  We love you all.

Staying Within The Lines

Remember when you were a little kid and were learning how to color, everyone told you to stay within the lines.  It made a good picture instead of a messy one.  14 years later you learned about how a car needs to stay within the lines.  It makes for good driving instead of going off the cliff on the right side or a head on collision on the left side. 

Today in our Sunday School lesson we talked about this.  The Lord also wants us to stay within the lines that he has set.  He has set these lines to bless our lives.  He wants to help us avoid disastrous consequences in our lives.  They help us to be successful in this great plan of happiness he has given us.

In the ancient church we read about the apostles and prophets and 70's guiding the church.  Paul especially sent letters to the churches telling them of the lines they were crossing, and what the results would be.  He warned them of immorality, of being unified within the church, and of following the counsel from the prophets.  They were not only ignored but were killed.  Within 100 years there were no more apostles and prophets.  The church and world fell into a long period of darkness called the dark ages.

Our testimony to you is that the Lord is again speaking through apostles and prophets because he has restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth.  It will not be lost again.  There are now 15 apostles and prophets, hundreds of 70's, thousands of stake presidents, ten's of thousands of bishops.  They will not be all killed off.  Within our lifetime there will be thousands of 70's, ten's of thousands of stake presidents, hundred's of thousands of bishops.  They will not be lost because the world is ready to listen to them.  The question is "Are We".

These great prophets to us in this day are warning us about lines that we must not cross over.  They are some of the same warnings given by the prophets of old but are specifically directed at the problems we face.  Immorality, seeking for the things of the world, debt, selfishness. 

There are plenty of people out there who are messing up their lives and experiencing misery because they cross the lines.  We do not need to be a part of them.  We will have enough of our own problems because we are a part of this mortal earth.  We don't need to add to our struggles because we cross the lines.  Crossing the lines never brings freedom, as some people seem to think.  Staying within the lines gives us the freedom to enjoy all of the blessings Heavenly Father has for us.  So be happy.  Be free and seek for the joys of eternity.  Stay well within the lines.

Love to you all.  Have a good week. 

Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words

Our weekend in the branch started Saturday morning in the temple baptistry.  Our stake had a temple day and we signed up to help in the baptistry.  When we got there there were lots of people who wanted to help but few who wanted to be baptized.  They had brought a lot of family file to do but had no youth.  We decided to be "guests" or patrons and to be baptized and confirmed.  Our Branch President did almost all the baptisms.  His wife was also a "guest".  When it was finally our turn at the end, He baptized Paul and then Paul baptized him and Susan.  It was special to be able to be guests in the baptistry.  Susan hadn't been in a font in years.

We taught our young girl who has autism later in the afternoon.  On Sunday we taught our youth Sunday School class.  It was nice to be able to bear our testimonies.  We just hope that we are making a difference in their lives.

As we have been visiting with the less active members in the branch, we are beginning to notice a trend or a theme.  Many of them have quit coming over the years because they have been criticized about their dress or appearance.  Why is it that we feel a need to correct people when we see they are not applying a principle that we live in our lives? 

This is something that we have been talking about in our temple preparation meetings for our whole mission.  The presidency is trying to teach us as workers to not correct each other or the guests who come.  It is almost always a sign of pride.  We think we understand and live a principle so we want to correct those who don't.  The minute we "correct" the spirit leaves and hard feelings result.  It is so much better when we teach correct principles and let each person learn and correct themselves.  We need to just love people and set a good example.   

This is so true in all our relationships, especially at home.  We pray that we might all have patience and love with each other.  Let us care about each other, encourage each other, teach good principles, praise the good things that are being learned, and avoid pointing out the things that have not yet been applied.

We love you all and proud of how well you are doing in your families.  We have loved looking at the pictures from the reunion and feeling the spirit that we have heard.  Thank you Sandy and Kurt for organizing it.  It couldn't have been better.  (except if we could have been there).

Branch Service Project

What a good weekend we had in Fredonia.  We met a lady and her daughter that we can help.  Her daughter is a 19 year old with cerebral palsy.  She is taken by bus each day to a school where she can learn and work.  They are not going to be able to continue to bus her if they do not get a ramp for the wheelchair at their home.  She has become too tall and gangly for the assistants to carry down the front porch steps.  We have worked with the Branch council and are going to be able to build this ramp for her.  We also met a man who grew up in the church but has not been active for years.  He is experienced in construction and wants to help us.  He is in the middle of doing a complete remodel of his own home, but is excited to be able to help someone else.  There is a 3rd brother in the branch who is going to help us also.  He is an experienced handyman and has a pickup and tools including a gas powered posthole digger which we need for the ramp.  He just moved in to the Branch 2 months ago.  He bought an old vacant house that he is trying to make livable.  Paul spent all day today designing the ramp and now we need to get the permit and start building it in a week or two.  It was amazing that our visits this week built on each other.  In the first one we recognized the need and in the 2nd one we found a brother to help us meet the need.  The next day we met with the branch counsel and got the 3rd brother from that meeting.   We feel that working together with these two men will open the door for us to be able to help them with their homes, lives and testimonies.  The Lord has orchestrated this one beautifully.  We are excited.

We were pretty discouraged last week end.  Out of 10 families that we tried to find and visit, we only were able to get in and visit with 1.  This week end we were determined to try them again and had five good visits out of five.  When you keep trying even when you are discouraged, the Lord really blesses your efforts.  We love it here!

We hear that the family reunion was a great success and everyone had a good time.  Although we hated to miss it and missed being with all of our kids and grandkids terribly, it was a very sweet and satisfying feeling to know that great things happened without us. That prayers and devotionals were planned and attended to without our being there to prompt or remind.  We weren't needed at all!  The baton has been successfully passed and the next lap is being run strongly and winningly well. Well done!  We are so proud of you all!
Don gave us a copy of all of the testimonies that went into Mike's scriptures.  What a treasure!  Thank you all!  We love you all so very much and we are so pleased with how much love you show each other.

Have a great week!

Pageant weeks are over.  We survived.  Your mom only fainted once.  We had two weeks of getting up at 5:00am every morning, except for one day, when we got up at 4:00am.  Most of the days were filled with lots if people in all the various sessions.  That part was very nice.  It was just the early mornings that got old.  It will be so great to be on our normal year around schedule starting tomorrow. 

Your mom got some kind of bug that kept her down for two days and feeling punky for a week.  She thinks she is over it now.  The first indication of anything wrong was when she fainted in initiatory.  That was embarrassing.  Luckily the bug didn't hit hard til Saturday night so she only missed Monday from the temple.  We also didn't go to the branch for the weekend.  By Monday night she was fine again.

They said this was the first year in the history of the pageant when there was no rain at all.  The days have also been fairly moderate.  It has been beautiful.  The problem is the farmers are all complaining.  The corn is all late coming because of no rain.  Thunderstorms are scheduled for this week so maybe that will get better.

We are so excited to hear from all of you at the reunion next week.  Thank you to Sandy and Kurt for planning it and to all who will help.

We love you all.