St Jacob's Market and the Amish - 2nd Visit

The first Saturday in October, we took Elder and Sister Donnelly to St. Jacob's Market in Amish country.  We had a great time with so much more to see than the first time we went in the spring.  There were the usual indoor vendors and so many more outdoor vendors.The quilt shop was open and there were some gorgeous quilts for sale. 

While we were there, we took a horse and wagon trip to a Mennonite Farm.  It was a very informative trip.  We learned a lot about the Mennonites.  In this area of Ontario, there are about 30 different groups.  They basically fall into three categories:  Old Order or Amish, the Conservative Mennonites, and the Progressive Mennonites.  We saw their apple orchard that still had many apples on the trees.  They also have a large maple grove.  It takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup.  We also saw their different buggies in their buggy barn.  Malls in the areas also have buggy barn for them to park in while they are shopping.  We got to go into their store in their home and make a few purchases.

October was busy with transfers.  Monday, October 9th, we had a new group of missionaries arrive - great Thanksgiving to get these new enthusiastic elders and sisters.  Wednesday, October 11, we said goodbye to some awesome missionaries.

This is the going home group.  We miss them already.

Mid October and the flowers and fountains at the temple are still beautiful.

Near the end of October we had a new office couple arrive, Elder and Sister Anderson.  They are taking over for the Wolfleys, who left on October 30th.

Elder Anderson is in charge of finances, apartments and phones.  Sister Anderson is in charge of referrals, baptisms and supplies.

Andersons are on the left and Wolfleys are on the right.  Elder Anderson is the older brother of Ray Anderson who used to live in the Richmond Ward with his wife, Jane, and their family.  He was the bishop for many years.

This is the new office staff - Andersons, Donnellys, Wofleys (gone home) and the Swendsens.

We love serving with these wonderful senior couples.

October - a Beautiful, Warm Fall in Ontario

October 1st, in between Conference Sessions, we went for a lovely stroll through Chinguacousy Park.  Beautiful flowers still blooming every where.  The huge wading pool was still being used by many children like it was a summer day.  It was still very warm.

In September, a lot of places dug up their still blooming summer flowers and planted fall flowers.  Weird concept to us from Alberta.

Fall here, in Ontario, is quite pretty.  We haven't had as many reds in the trees this year as there hasn't been a light frost yet.