Memorial Day in Pasa Robles

I did miss visiting cemeteries in Bear Lake this year, or having a family gathering.  Elder Mecham and I decided to head north and do some apartment inspections in one of the farthest areas of the mission, Pasa Robles.  By coincidence, that is where Al and Elaine Kreamer live.  So this was a great excuse to go see them!  Elaine is Grandpa George's daughter.  Al and Elaine are very lovely people.  The first time I met Elaine, I felt that we were "kindred spirits."  I'm not sure why, because we are quite different.  For instance, she has a sewing room that is totally awesome -- I know it is -- even though I wouldn't have the slightest idea what to do with all the cool stuff she has there (a big sewing room and two closets full of "stuff."  She also had a quilt out she is making that is amazing!  So many hours and hours of work! ~~  But you know how it is with some people, we just hit it off and I have always enjoyed Elaine's company, even though we see very little of each other. 

Al has battled cancer now for several years.  A couple of years ago, he had his bladder removed and a new one "built" for him. It was a long and painful road, but he fought hard and eventually received a clean bill of health.  Just a couple weeks ago, he learned he again has cancer -- a tumor on the back (or perhaps kidney) and in the liver.  He is awaiting radiation treatments and a liver biopsy.

Al and Elaine have a lovely home in Pasa Robles.

We had a very pleasant visit and they took us to lunch at a golf course.  It was a beautiful day.  We enjoyed our visit with each other as well as the delicious food.  We will definitely be getting back up there again, and we hope and pray they will be able to get down to Oxnard to visit after Al's treatments.  Please keep them in your prayers!  And put Al's name in the temple when you go.  Thanks!

We did inspect three apartments and visited with eight elders.  Elder Mecham was more interested in the needs of each apartment (such as couches, chairs, lamps, matresses, etc.) than in how clean they had them.  I must say, the elders had done a pretty good job of cleaning :)  It was fun to see them on their P day and listen to them interact with each other.  Great missionaires! 

Elders Marquez, Crapo, Wood, and Lifungula

Elder Lifungula and Elder Hallstrom

We thought we'd get back home by 6 p.m.  Wrong!  Holiday traffic was ridiculous past Santa Barbara.  It took us an hour and a half to go 18 miles.  Ah well, we had no deadlines -- opened the sun roof on Lucy, enjoyed the view of the ocean, and took it all in stride :)

Sad that my pictures aren't better :(