It is not Africa but we do have great alligators here.

Today we had a chance to go to the alligator lake. It is called "Chevron Pier" and I got some great shots. Two alligators, maybe a mom or papa and offspring. They fought over the marshmallows but they were fairly playful about it. We had a blast but we didn't stay long. It was 97 degrees with a heat index of about 110. We are trying to get used to this heat but it is even a record for here. Our air conditioning is weak and we have called 5 times to get it fixed. I guess we "spuds" will just have to buck up and deal with it. It should get fixed for good soon. Be sure to click on this and enlarge it if you want to get a good look of the gators in the wild.  We were back a ways on the pier but thanks to a nice camera, I can zoomn in on them with the computer.  even more.

The tombs are usually placed above ground here. During Katrina, many bodies came up and they had to be identified and placed back to rest. Some did not get named. This is just a little cemetary in Slidell. Quite interesting.

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

This short video can change your life.

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

Pioneer Days in Mississippi

Gulport Stake Pioneer Days was so much fun.  I was asked to be the official photographer so I had a blast doing it.  Great people, great planning, great work, great fun

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Baton Rouge Temple

We finallly got to go to the Baton Rouge Temple again and celebrate our 51st Anniversary.  We arrived early so I had plenty of time to take some pictures

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Some Very Important People

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Toni

Toni Chimento was born with Spina Bifida, Scouts. Named Young Hero in 2005

Toni Chimento was born with Spina Bifida

which has left her a paraplegic with a wide range of other physical problems. Despite her physical problems, she is an excellent student, a member of the Salmen High Sunshine Generation, serves as team manager for the girl’s basketball team and has been an active participant in the Girl Scouts.

 She continued to manage and keep score at the Ladies Basketball games in her University.

In 2010 Toni Graduated from College with a Bachelor's degree in a computer related field.

She recently blessed us with her presence in our Career Workshop. Here she is having her mock interview and with her certificate.

This is what I am making today. We often are given left over bananas from the bishop's Storehouse because they have to order them by the box and sometimes have a lot left over at the end of the week.  Friday is often "Banana Day".

Banana Pudding Recipe

Banana Pudding Recipe

Elder Smith

What a fine young missioary Elder Smith is.  We wish him the best in

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Biloxi.

Sister Wright

We grow to love these young missionaries and will miss them when they transfer on. We treasure the moments we had with each of t

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hem. Sister Wright is an exceptional young missionary.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms grow here in Louisiana at the drop of a hat!  Maybe I should say rain drop!  It must only take about 3 days to get a good crop.  These were right on the lawn of the building across the street.  The largest one is almost as big as a dinner plate.  I do not know if they are edible.  I wouldn't try it.  I don't like mushrooms anyway.  I do like to look at them.  I think they are fabulous. 

Today I sent out about 300 e-mails to our stake and ward leaders in our region.  That is one of responsibilities to compose the e-mail and send it.  It is a huge task to get the addresses right and keep them up to date.  Thanks to the other missionaries who help with that I was able to get them all out today without one hiccup.

These e-mails are full of tips and encouragement to help leaders with the new ldsjobs website and to give them other ideas to help the people who are unemployed or under employed.  I send three or four a month.

Four of us missionaries are writing a lesson on self-reliance.  We are anxious to see how far it goes and it actually is used for teaching in the church.  It is short like a "Preach My Gospel Lesson" and in that format.  I will share it when it is ready to go. 

It has rained like crazy today.  Off and on and very heavy.  Flash flood warnings.  The people on the bayous may get water under their houses but most of them are on stilts.

On The Bayou

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Celebrating Independence Day-

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