Creation and the human mind

"...all things denote there is a God"



Just happened to catch the sky in a very rare moment for this time of the year.  It's been pretty gloomy for the past several weeks and we've seen precipitation in the form of rain and fog almost every day. The two photos were taken only moments between and the colors as you can imagine aren't really captured.  Nevertheless, God is good and His creations are a manifestation of His love for each of us. 








We took a little drive on P-Day to a couple of Monasteries just outside of Iasi.  They never disappoint. 



The branch insisted that they have our Christmas lunch before transfers, in which Elder Taylor (back ginger) would be going home.  He has served in Iasi for several months and the members loved him.  Also, Sister Morrison (front right) and Elder Bennett (back center) were also transferred and are also loved and will be missed.  Sister Genoveva and sister Maria insisted that we let them prepare the meal this time.  We were glad they did as they prepared Sarmale (afore mentioned cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice) and Salata de Boeuf (potato salad, with add-ins) and of course vegetables.










P-Day again took us on the adventure we've been waiting for.  Because of transfers, it was moved to Tuesday, and we were able to go the Palace of Culture which is closed on Monday's.  This building has a rich history and is now the home of four museums (among other things), Museum of History of Moldova, Art Museum, Ethnographic Museum of Moldova and the Museum of Science and Technology.  We spent a few hours and were able to see most everything.  Fascinating place, a lot of cool old stuff.  Of course, I couldn't resist the old surveying equipment.


The piano is an Orchestrion with piano and 3 violins.  The Hupfeld Phonoliszt Violina Model B from 1918 is a rare, sophisticated German orchestrion (automatic musical instrument) by Ludwig Hupfeld A.G., combining a player piano with three mechanical violins, each using a single string and a spinning circular bow for realistic sound, all controlled by perforated paper music rolls and electric motor, making it a complex marvel of its era designed for upscale venues.


We heard commotion outside the apartment and at first, I thought it was a jackhammer.  After further inspection it was discovered that it was drummers.  Apparently, it is common this time of year and the dancers dress in animal hides and the songs and chants are the equivalent of carols.  When we ask one of our members what it was all about, she explained and said, "don't be scared."



The next day.


As usual things never cease to amaze here.  The gentleman herder taking his cows home for the night accompanied by his "herd goat".  Ya that's right, not a dog but a goat.  I'm not sure it was trained but it was walking behind and directing the cow's home.

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