Parque Tomasini and Integration Night

Pair of white doves in tree by church

April 2  Thursday

We woke to a beautiful, sunny day, what we would call an Indian summer day at home.  It felt so good to just stand outside and let the sunshine soak in - very healing.

Ann started laundry early - a perfect day for it.  We attended a District Missionary meeting in Canela at 9:00 a.m.  A decision had been made to have each of the four Districts meet separately in their own cities. (I assume to reduce travel time and costs.)  As the Zone Leaders are here in Canela, their meeting was changed to Thursday so they can split and go to two other District meetings.  We have four Districts that make up the zone.

Flower at Parque Tomasini

On our walk home, Merl and I stopped at the Papelaria loja to purchase supplies for SF de Paula library organization.  At least we have a few things to start a library there - and hopefully it will grow.

The Copas picked us up at 11:15 a.m. to go to the Parque Tomasini just outside of Gramado.   It is a beautiful property with many things to see and do.  http://www.parquetomasini.com.br/

We started with a Lunch buffet; as we arrived before noon, we had the restaurant almost all to ourselves.  The staff were very friendly and food was plentiful and muito bom.   There are always gift shops associated with the attractions, and we like to check out the local wares.  Ann and I bought shirts; Merl bought a few Gãucho figurines for our travel tree.

My plate - I tried a spoonful of
each hot dish, some interesting

Included in the lunch price was a tour of the mine that replicated  a mine that harvested amethyst geodes found in this area of Brazil.  The size, beauty, and variety of crystals was amazing.  There was also an underground museum/collection of gems, minerals, crystals, etc. from around the world. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zyegy_p9Pw  (a good representative video)

I wanted to purchase a crystal to take home and have put into a ring.  We looked at several possibilities and
picked out a small topaz azul.  We drove back to Gramado and visited our Emporium bead store one more time - this time purchasing wind chimes made from slices of geodes.  Then Copas drove us home.  We are grateful for their companionship - and their car.  It has made it possible to see and do many things we would not normally have had access to.

After arriving home, I took a short nap while Merl worked on month-end finances.  Ann went to the church for piano lessons, and I don't know what David did (I was sleeping).  David later went to the church to set up the electronic equipment for Integration night.  They will be watching the whole "Meet the Mormons" video.  Merl and I arrived at the appointed time, and David started the meeting.  A little bit later, the missionaries arrived and wanted to hook up the Infocus machine to show the video on the big screen, to much avail.  After 20 minutes, David took over and put everything back the way he had it, and we watched the movie on the flat screen TV.  Worked fine.

Dinner was served after the movie:  a glass of Guarana and cachorra quente (dog hot), the go-to fast food dinner here.  It is chopped up hot dog in a seasoned tomato sauce with corn and peas added, served on a crispy bun.  Similar to a sloppy joe, but not as juicy.  They love them here.

We had a beautiful walk home under the stars.  Upon arriving, David found an email from Pres. Anderson announcing a special District meeting concerning reorganization of the District presidency on April 12 at 3:00 p.m.