Odds and Ends till the Time Runs Out!!

This angel belongs with other pictures down below--isn't she something?

In order to get pictures "tied up" before we leave Germany, I'm just going to throw some in and not worry about order or meaning. So, here goes: As I've said before, in Germany "Dogs Rule"! It's true. As far as the population in general is concerned, dogs are the most beloved creature on the planet as far as we can tell, and this is just a simple example of the treatment they get. Just outside of this window at Ikea sit two doggie bowls, kept filled and fresh all day long so IF (and I emphasize IF) the dog doesn't go into a store with its owner, it can have refreshment while it waits outdoors!! Most stores have dogs walking through all the time, or at least in the owners' arms. "Dogs Rule"

This is on our way home from a district meeting in Bamberg, and Elder Webber (brand new from Ohio) and

Elder Hobbs (New Mexico) just couldn't make it all the way without a nap. They're such great elders!

And this is our district just before last transfer (the week before Elder Webber arrived). I wish I really had a picture of the TV that our cameras were sitting on--stacked two high with three of the elders holding their fingers down on the various "timer" buttons before they FLEW to the sofa for the picture. It worked!

Remember, Matt, how you always threatened to send a box home every month or so from Japan filled with beautiful Japanese kids? Well, these are my first choice so far--be looking for some parcels!! They belong to our Second Counselor and his wife, the Pinders, and they are sooooo fun! While waiting for their dad and Hank to get out of a meeting last Sunday, I just snapped and snapped and snapped pictures--couldn't help myself! Aren't they something? Bro. Pinder is from the Bahamas, thus the coloring, and he speaks perfect English, and their mom is German, served a mission in London, and speaks perfect English. Stalwarts of the ward. They also have a tiny baby boy.

And this is just one of the ancient brick barns that dot the countryside everywhere. Reminds me of the Daines.