My “Bucket List”

I’ve always wanted to visit  Normandy, France, and humbly pay my respects to the World War II heroes who “gave their last full measure of devotion”. Indeed, we honor all those who fought, so that you and I would not be required to speak German and or Japanese. How can I ever love and honor them enough?

In March, before we return to Arizona, that dream will become a reality. Our nephew Lea Adam Hunt and his wife Shanna, are coming to London for a nine day visit, and seeing Normandy is also one of Lea’s dream. We’ll take the Eurostar from London, through the Chunnel, and in less than 2 1/2 hours we’ll be in Paris. Then, we’ll take another train to Bayeux, where the Normandy tours start. The next day, we’ll spend 9 hours on a tour, and return to London via Paris the next day.

Saturday Play Day

29 January, Gerry and I, along with Ken and Cheryl Fugal, went sight seeing. Gerry and I have visited the British Museum multiple times, but we see great things every time we visit.
I really enjoy the Egyptian displays on two gigantic floors. If you’re into Mummies, the Brit Museum is the place for you! I also like  the Assyrian collection. Countless Greek statues and façades were saved by the British Ambassador to Greece, when he noticed that the Greeks were tearing down the “old stuff”. The Ambassador then sent the “junk” to London. Now, Greece wants it back, but London isn’t budging.
We then walked to Chipotle’s (the only one in the UK) for lunch and a Southwest fix. It never disappoints!
Harrods, or as we call it, “The Great and Spacious Building”, was next on the list, where I noted that I could buy a dog bed with a canopy, for a mere $1,000. I like Harrods’ tie collection, but $200 is a bit much for a something designed to cut off the blood to my brain and add some flash to my suit.

Harrods’ Egyptian Escalator feature is extensive, with displays on several floors. It features an Egyptian style statue that one would expect to be in the likeness of Pharaoh. But surprise, it’s the face of Mohamed Al-Fayed, Harrods’ owner until 2010. (Harrods is  now owned by Qatar Holdings).






After Princess Diana and boy friend Dodi Fayed (Mohamed’s son), were killed in a 1997 Paris car crash, Mohamed built a shrine to them in Harrods’ basement. A wine glass smudged with lipstick from Diana's last dinner and an engagement ring Dodi purchased the day before they died, are encased in an acrylic pyramid.

I Remember The Challenger Crew

At 11:38 a.m. EST, on January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Christa McAuliffe, a 37-year-old high school social studies teacher from New Hampshire, is prepared to teach students from space.

Seventy-three seconds later, hundreds on the ground, including many family members, stared in disbelief as the shuttle exploded in a forking plume of smoke and fire. Millions more watched on live television. There were no survivors.

The event is indelibly etched into my memory. I remember where I was standing in the Detroit Metro Airport Republic Airlines crew room when a Captain with a little personal TV, showed me the news.


FRONT: Michael J. Smith, Pilot, Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, Commander,  Ronald E. McNair, Mission Specialist, BACK: Ellison S. Onizuka, Mission Specialist, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Payload Specialist, Gregory B. Jarvis, Payload Specialist, Judith A. Resnik, Mission Specialist.

A New England

19th Century England did not have a great deal of religious tolerance. I am told by locals, that life for Mormons was difficult. Many lost their jobs for joining a strange religion, and if their humble homes were owned by the company, they lost those, too.

The Powell Family joined first in 1848, and when their daughters grew older, they all married men who had or would soon embrace the Gospel. Eventually, my Great-Great Grandparents, two daughters and their young families, determined to leave England in 1864 to seek a new life in Utah. They had nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Saturday, 22 January, I saw a young man of Chinese descent, sitting with the missionaries in the Stake Centre’s foyer. We were introduced, and then I asked Edison if he was a member, or an investigator. He smiled and told me that he was to be baptized in 30 minutes. Edison is a university student from Shanghai, China. As I congratulated him, I thought of my Great and Great-Great Grandparents, and the persecution they had endured. Perhaps the persecution was needed, to “gently encourage” them to immigrate to Utah. I’m so grateful that they did! Today, England has become a refuge and a nurturing place for those who cannot learn about the Gospel in their home countries. It’s a new and fortunately, a more tolerant England.

New Missionaries

On 11 January, Elder Ken and Sister Cheryl Fugal (Orem, UT), arrived in London. They will replace Elder Bob and Sister Sherrie Harbrecht, who leave 3 February. Ken is a retired biochemist and Cherly is a retired educator.










On 18 January, Elder John and Sister Barbara Robertson (Orem, UT), arrived in London. They will replace Gerry and I.
John is a retired BYU professor of linguistics (Mayan languages), and has written two books on the subject. Barbara is a very experienced family historian, and has taught Scottish research, (her specialty).
Both couples will serve 18 months in the London Family History Centre.

I was able to help both couples, the day after they arrived. I led them to the bank of their choice, so they could open accounts. I then took them to the post office to apply for their Freedom Passes, and then to the Surgery (clinic), to sign up for the National Health Service. Paying Council Tax gives us residency and access to social benefits. Exceeding age 60 brings added goodies, like free travel on buses and subways – FREEDOM PASSES. National Health Service offers free medical care. Our old age qualifies us for free prescriptions. Of course, nothing is really FREE. Council tax is $200 each month per couple.

You cannot imagine how intimidating it is, to fly into Heathrow, take a nap in your new, strange bed, and then try to find your way around London. Just trying to find North and South is a challenge. What a wonderful opportunity it was for me, to serve these wonderful couples!

Sweet Assurance

Friday, 14 January, the Electric company sent us a bill. They do that every six months. I expected it to be a little high, perhaps $300 – it’s been a cold winter, but $2,250 is a little bit high. I soon discovered what had happened: The beginning service meter reading had been incorrectly recorded by the power company, but all the talking in the world wouldn’t change the mind of Sam in customer service.

Friday night, as I lay in bed, troubled by the matter, I fell to my knees to ask for comfort and guidance. I was impressed that I should write an email  to Sam, and appeal to his common sense. I also felt that I should email Don and Claudia Inskeep, the missionary couple who preceded us in this flat. I plead for their help. Did they have any records?

I returned to bed and felt a hand on my shoulder – a sweet feeling of assurance that things would be fine. I had placed the matter in the Lord’s hands, and I just needed to trust Him. With that, I went to sleep. Saturday afternoon, Don Inskeep responded with his final bill and meter reading. I also found the inventory with the correct meter reading (recorded by an independent agent). I sent another email to Sam and attached the documents.
Monday afternoon, Sam called. “Mr. Price, let’s fix that meter reading, and get that ridiculously high reading off your bill.”
When things look bleak and insurmountable, pray, and then act upon your impressions. After you have done all that you have been inspired to do – all you can possibly do - put the matter in the Lord’s hands and exercise FAITH. What’s the use of praying if you aren’t gong to trust the Lord?

The First Duke of Wellington

Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852), was his common name, but you may know him as “The Duke of Wellington”. In 1815, as the commander of the allied armies, he defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. He was thereafter hailed by Europe’s rulers as the man who saved Europe, (and their thrones).

Gerry had read a biography of Wellington, and grew to admire his honesty and integrity. He was a great man in politics, the military, and in the way he lived his life. Visiting his “little” home, Apsley House has been on our “bucket list” for quite a while. Saturday, 15 January, we ventured to Apsley House, located near the Duke’s statue, the Wellington Arch, and Hyde Park Corner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After WWII, the succeeding Duke of Wellington gave the house to the British Government. (It was too expensive to maintain). In exchange, the government allows the current Duke and family to live in selected rooms.

Wellington collected art, and the walls are covered with 200 great paintings. There’s a room to display his sword collection, plus the gifts he received from Europe’s monarchs. After Waterloo, he continued to serve his county’s government, and was twice Prime Minister.

Photography is not allowed in the home, but some interior photos are posted at the house’s official web site.

After Apsley House, we visited Covent Garden, a popular shopping and tourist site, with lots of street actors, jugglers, and magicians. We walked by a comedian who, as he spotted me, said, “Father! I thought I told you to stay in the car! Oh my, he’s drunk again.” I suppose that was meant to be funny.

Here’s Captain Jack Sparrow and Gerry. Judging by the gloves, and the look on Gerry’s face, I think the dental hygienist in her just can’t resist giving him a good cleaning. I don’t blame her – I remember Jack’s teeth!