These piles of timber are everywhere, evidence of the destruction from bark beetles. From what I've learned, it seems that a tree's sap keeps the beetles from infesting and destroying it. But with years of drought, the sap dries up, leaving the perfect opportunity for bark beetles to move in. They lay their eggs, which then hatch into young that feed there and destroy the tree from the inside out. By the time land owners are aware of their presence, the original beetles are long gone... destroying more trees. So tragic.
We understand the lumber yards just have no more room for more loads, so some are even being shipped to China! It's just so sad to see the dried, orange remains of so many beautiful pines!
Okay, now fast forward to this year, when they've had record rainfall here and Don Pedro Lake is full to brimming. The water level is at ninety-one percent, before the Spring run off! Good news? Yes, until the excess causes problems on the other side!! Hence, the photo below:
This is the latest picture of Highway 120 in Yosemite Park. It comes right through Groveland and is the 'life blood' of the community with the tourist traffic it brings!! Last year over one million cars came through here to the North entrance of the Park. Well, this 'main road' began to erode almost a month ago with a mudslide, then a sink hole. Let me just say, the news has just gone from bad to worse with each report, until the original three foot drop (100 ft long) has grown to a depth of 100 feet and a length of 200 feet. This week they had to bring in another excavator to pull the first excavator out after it began sinking as it was working.
Until they can figure how to repair this road, the situation in our sweet Groveland is looking very frightening, economically. The main businesses can probably ride out the loss of the season, but several wonderful little boutiques and specialty shops will never be able to make it.
Okay, on the brighter side of mission life here, we just had some great news. This young couple is expecting their first child! Will and Kiersten are our ONLY young duo, so they've been rather 'adopted' by all the grandparents here.
Will is a guide for a private firm that works in Yosemite. Between 'hikes' they made this trip with us to the Fresno temple. It is a sweet temple! One of the 'small' ones. And in case I forget how blessed we are to have so many close temples around Layton, remind me that we drove almost three hours to Fresno, which they said was so much easier than going to Oakland because of the horrendous traffic.
And speaking of distance,...
We continue to visit the wonderful members of Groveland branch. We loved the time with this great couple who live about an hour from the church. And I am not talking city driving. I'm saying this man in his 80's traverses the winding narrow mountain roads every Sunday. Even though their hearing losses make it lucky if they get half of what is said, they are there every week. You've just got to love Groveland branch.
By the way, did I give you a picture of our chapel? This was a recent 'add on' to the original building. I love it because it is new and beautiful and clean,...and just 'shortened'. You really are seeing the last row of seats before the back doors.
Our building also houses a font, Relief Society and Primary rooms, and a Family History Center (well, room). It is manned by this Sister who stays two hours every week following our meetings and again Wednesday evenings to allow people to come and use their resources.
Pam holds a Family History training class during Sunday School, too. She knows her stuff. And speaking of Genealogy, Fred has also sniffed out a Genealogy group that meets monthly at the library. He turned in his dues and attended the first gathering today.
And what goes on at home? Welllll..... twice a week we make a couple of batches of cookies; bread making is once a week. We take everyone we visit a small plate of goodies, which we were told opens doors!
And the triumph in this life style? The fact that we have not put on weight! The main reason, I'm thinking, is that we have been walking every morning. Even on rainy days, it seems to hold off long enough for me to do about 1.6 miles and Fred to go on for another mile. And these continue to be our friends on most walks:
We also have turkeys trotting pretty regularly through the yard, and one cute grey squirrel that likes our back deck!
Oh, and I always love when the weather breaks long enough to enjoy a balmy evening outside. The Daltons invited a few of us over to their beautiful newly built patio for the first hamburgers of the season! There's nothing better than that first juicy burger... the promise of summer!
Well, once again, it's hard to end a post. But next time I'll tell you about our volunteer efforts! We have finally found a couple of places where we can be of service! So until next time, I'll give you one more view of my favorite companion in one of his favorite rooms at the chapel. hahaha You've got to love that man's dedication. He's going to get those records whipped right into shape! We love this branch. We love all of you. We love the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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