Beautiful Summer!

I declare I need to get a post out!

Dear Family and Friends,
A few weeks ago we were at the Stake Center in Dublin for seminary graduation taking place later that evening. We happened to be in the Family History room. Gary was preparing an institute lesson and I was working on a blog. A member who was also waiting came in and began indexing. I felt prompted by the Spirit that I should be indexing too. I thought about it, than pulled up a page and began. It felt good. Indexing is a very spiritual work. Watch this video about one indexer's experience. The Voice What about you! Yes, anyone who may be reading this blog? (Bonnie and Allison) Have you indexed any documents lately? If you've never tried, it's easy to learn. Everyone's help is needed! This is such an important work! It could be part of your contribution to family history. Just to help you out here is the link.  Indexing site

Killarney National Park

July 5th - We had another amazing YSA adventure at Killarney National Park, in southwest Ireland. I always look forward to these excursions. It's so much fun to be with the young people and Brother and Sister Hale. While Elder Hale and several youth went hiking up Torq Mountain, the rest of us opted for a tour of the Muckross House and walks to Torq Falls and the Muckross Abbey, about 8 kilometres away.

The Muckross Abbey was established in 1488. The ruins of the Abbey are in remarkable shape. 

Sister Hale and I in front of Muckross Abbey

I thought this headstone was interesting - 

"This Stone Was Erected by Peter and Timoy Scannell of Roshalue for themsels and Posty. Dated May the 14th 1810." (The symbol at the bottom looks like scissors. What do you think?)

The "Y" after Timo & poste is called the English thorn. It represents the sound "th". So it would be Timoth. The next one is a mystery, I think they were trying to write posterity. 

Looking from inside the ruins to the surrounding cemetery.

We ate a hearty lunch before beginning our hikes. Upper right is the ruins of the abbey chapel. A central courtyard in the ruins has a Yew tree growing in the center. This particular variety of tree has a rippled surface, it is very unusual. It's the first time I've ever seen one. According to a plaque, Yew trees are found in most cemeteries and monastic sites in Ireland. 

Interesting fact: Ireland has an average yearly rainfall of 47 inches, raining 50% of the days. On a world-wide scale it ranks 80, New Guinea being first. Glad we're not there.

The Muckross house was built in 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife. With sixty-five rooms, it was built in the Tudor style. Extensive improvements were undertaken in the 1850s in preparation for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. She did come, but stayed only one night. It was later sold and turned into a hunting lodge. In 1932, the House and it's 11,000 acres became the first National Park in Ireland. We went on a tour of the house. It was amazing. 

This lovely garden is behind the Muckross house. Here the roses have been trained into trees. It was so beautiful. I have never seen such brilliant red roses. I would say they were Chinese red.

On the way to the falls we walked through some beautiful garden areas. YSA at the falls.

Horse, cart and driver - He's ready to take you where ere' ye fancy.

Proof that I made it to the Falls. I thought the tree on the right had such an interesting shape.

 On the way home the road passed through the town of Killarney. The whole place was chock-a-block with people. They were holding the annual "Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle." People from all over Ireland were there for the event.  I think you would agree, they had some interesting decorations. 
It was a 3-hour drive back to Galway. We were sure tuckered out by the time we pulled in, but it was a wonderful day! 

We love you all,

Elder and Sister Weber, Mom and Dad, Grammy and Gramps