Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Coming up 50 years!

We took the sister missionaries to the temple for the early a.m. session. They can go to the temple with a ward member as long as they are back "on the job" by 10 a.m.

It was fun to drive to the temple and point out all the unique things we don't even think about unless a tourist (or missionary) is in the car! The Wrigley Mansion, California's oldest freeway, the cluster of Victorian Houses, the Lummis House (what is the Lummis House? Polly says it's quite interesting.), Dodger Stadium, China Town (we took a "short cut"), the Mormon Battalion Monument, the Shrine Auditorium, ad infinitum. It was foggy, so the temple was pretty close when we saw it - missed the drama of seeing it from afar!

It is nice to go early in the morning to the temple - no lines, no rush, every worker eager to help you (they are usually eager, but we were their first patrons of the day) - about 35 or 40 in the session. Moved along nicely - there were several elders and 2 other sisters from the Arcadia Mission.

It was nice to see things through other eyes. To talk about being there 50 years ago for the open house and dedication, shaking President McKay's hand. The spiral staircase as imposing as ever but we're so used to it now. Showing them the room where we were married (we got engaged 38 years ago this Thursday!!)

It was nice to come out after - still foggy and cool - taking pix in front, admiring the flowers - you know, the temple wasn't always awash in bright, colorful flowers. It used to be lots of bushes and hedges - flowers in yards were not in vogue - I guess you didn't realize that there's a landscape equivalent to avocado green appliances and shag carpet!

Your dad had to go to Beverly Hills to drop off plans - so we cruised the ville - Rodeo Drive, lovely mansions, sculpted yards, Jewish schools, Koreatown, San Vicente Blvd - traffic - good thing your dad knows the shortcuts.

And got back to Monrovia at 9:58 a.m. - can't beat that with a stick.

5 comments:

bonny with a Y said...

that's true about the landscaping. although i think it's mostly because we've elevated everything in our lives to a more complicated level - even temple grounds.

and i love l.a. - it really is diverse and very interesting. nothing like driving sunset blvd from pch to downtown to get a picture of what l.a. is all about. it's a good mini tour for visiting friends and relatives.

Eliza said...

I love L.A. too. And I love the L.A. temple--isn't it closing soon? When is that?

I'm impressed you got all that done before 10 a.m. Very impressed. I barely get anything done before 10 a.m., and I've been at work for 2 hours by then!

grannybabs said...

There is something about getting up early - I don't usually unless there is a reason - like meeting someone or picking someone up to go to the temple! It's closing from Nov. 8 to April 3rd.

hanner said...

Why is it closing?

grannybabs said...

When you are coming up on your 50th b-day - as the LA Temple is - you need to get some work done so you'll look good for the celebration! (A/C, electrical, plumbing, etc.)