Just Me and Mary Poppins

It has rained on and off all day.  When I awakened, I walked out into the living area and opened the blinds (one of the first orders of business on any given day!).  Even before I opened them, I could sense the hush of a drizzly day.  With the slats widened to let in the maximum light, the contrasts were subdued and colors were muted.  It makes for a cozy feeling....cuddling up under a beautiful quilt, reading by the dim light of the window and the rhythm of the rain.

SK left for the temple and I puttered around here for awhile, and then set out for the center.  I timed it.  It took 22 minutes.  That is a great walk.  I wisely took the Mary Poppins umbrella and opened it as soon as I stepped outside the door.

Don't you love to walk under an umbrella in the rain?  It was a gentle rain as it pitter-pattered on the surface of that wonderful companion.  There were others out walking - with umbrellas, and some disgruntled individuals wrapped up and dripping wet - without.  The sounds all around as I walked just made it a joy.

Tivoli was lit up and ready for business but not yet open.  I passed the town square with some sort of fair - tents all set up and speakers blaring happy music.  As I turned down the street to the center, sounds from the busy square quieted and were replaced my murmured conversations from passers-by.

Then I saw across the street, going about 2 blocks in length, a garage sale!  Well...OK a sidewalk sale.  It looked like the tenants from a small apartment building decided to have a rummage sale, and there were a bunch of people rummaging.  I stopped for a moment and considered it, but realized I had no cash and pressed forward.

I was alone in the center as I cleaned.  It really is lovely, and I was wondering if I could possibly transport that lovely kitchen to Gilbert.  I spent a couple of hours there...until SK came to get me.  Before we left, we wandered through the sidewalk sale, but found nothing.  I just love to look!

Yes....this is the mighty CRUD table, covered and ready to serve from.

All views of the main classroom....when set up the chairs number 60.  The CRUD table is on the opposite side, the three large windows down the left side.

Looking down the hall from the front door.

Small but lovely kitchen.

View out the kitchen window into the courtyard.

There has been a little more time to read and study.  I have been reading a wonderful book that has opened some scriptures for me and given me a greater understanding of the power of prayer in our lives.  I know that prayer is one of the greatest gifts we have.

SK has been working on some remembrances of his father....it has made him nostalgic and emotional.  His father was an incredible individual, and it has been a sweet experience for him to remember.

Later in the day we braved the rain again - with Mary Poppins - to shop.  We both are almost like children - just to be out in it is a joy.

It is nearing 10 now.  I am sitting by the open window and listening to the bells chime somewhere in the night and the light fall of rain.  Occasionally there are voices ...people out walking the lake path...in the rain.  I guess we are not the only ones who love it,