just a few notes and a couple of pictures to let you see what is going on.
This past Friday, Aaron went through the temple. We had a wonderful time and many friends attended. It was a milestone in his life and one step closer to leaving on his mission. Only 7 days before we put him on the plane. There were people from Derry Ward and Lawrence Branch and other wards as well, all who wanted to be there with Aaron. He is a good young man and we will miss him while he serves two years teaching and proselyting in Arizona in Spanish.
On Saturday and Sunday we had he Exeter Stake Conference. What a wonderful opportunity to attend meetings and listen to Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve. Actually got to speak with him for a few minutes and he is such a warm and personable man. Before each meeting he was down in the congregation shaking hands with everyone. You really couldn't help but feel the spirit and his love for all of us. He spoke twice on Saturday and again on Sunday. His laugh, which shakes his whole body, is quite infectious and he has a wonderful sense of humor. Something you don't often see when he is addressing us at a General Conference.
The weather has been absolutely beautiful. Saturday was in the high 60s, Sunday was in the mid-70s (I took my nephew out for a short ride on the motorcycle) and today was predicted for 80. Unfortunately, I came down with some strange illness last night and was unable to go to work today. Luckily, I found that a strong breeze, blowing into my face made me feel much better. So, to increase my health - I took the bike out for a long ride. Aaron went out on his bike and Beth went with me, and a good friend, Skip Gove went along. We traveled out along Rt. 101 to Pack Monadnock - a small mountain near Keene, NH, and we were able to drive to the top. Then on to Keene for some lunch at Chicago Uno and back a different way to get home. A total of about 150 miles of beautiful country in the throes of Autumn. I have attached a few pictures so you can see what I am talking about.
Here is The Bike! I enjoy this machine so much. Acually this is a picture after we got home-need to wash it again (washed it this morning before we left.) Can't have too clean of a motorcycle.
Beth took pictures as we rode along. Here she captured my profile, along with Aaron and some local color - at about 50 mph! She is actually getting quite good with the camera.
Some of the colors were just gorgeous-and unfortunately some had gone by. But the smell of the leaves and the warm air...purrrfect.
Here I had the lead and Aaron and Skip were behind us. For those who know bikes-Skip drives a Bourgett. A fast and expensive bike. Skip, thanks for slowing down enough to ride with us.
Another shot of Aaron at about 45 mph.
We drove to the top of Pack Monadnock, a small mountain near Keene (okay, if you are from out west-it is a slight rise in the elevation, something westerners might step over on their way to their mountains!) Anyway, from Pack Monadnock you can see Mount Monadnock ( a little taller) - this is a picture. Mt. Monadnock is arguably the most climbed mountain in the world - rivaled only by Mt. Fuji in Japan.
Here are Beth and Aaron as we walked around on top of Pack Monadnock.
Another shot of Aaron - okay, okay, but he is leaving for two years.
A pretty lake we passed by outside of Dublin, NH.
Beth wanted to make sure you all knew she was there-so she took a picture of herself taking a picture of herself in the rearview mirror. Personally, I like the view in my rearview mirror very much!
One more of Aaron riding through the countryside.
Thought you might like to see Skip's bike.
While on Monadnock Beth wanted to take a picture of this huge rock outcropping on an adjacent mountain to show to Rob-our family geologist.
Aaron in the firetower on top of Pack Monadnock.
Hope you enjoyed the pictures. I am sorry they don't show the real majesty of New Hampshire in Autumn. It really is a sight to behold.
Hope all is well with everyone and we will post more in the days/weeks to come.
3 comments:
Wow, it looks absolutely gorgeous out there right now! Very jealous. I haven't taken Heather out on the bike for a fun ride in a while. I need to do that soon.
Skip has an awfully nice bike! Never seen it before.
I totally want to climb Mt. Monadnock now. Good memories. Like that time we forged a note from Aaron to Luisa and left it up there for her to find on her hike at girls camp. Oh yeah. Good times. If we had the money I'd fly out right now to be there for Aaron's farewell and to play in the fall leaves with JAmes. Poor kid. He doesn't get to throw leaves around. And we don't want to let him near the brown cacti. Miss you guys lots and for some reason this blog emphasized it. Love you!!
great post ken! great now i have to come up with three cause you are two ahead of me!!!!
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