HILL CUMORAH PAGEANT! (http://www.hillcumorah.org/Pageant/index.php) For several years, I've been trying to go to this. Ever since I moved to Rochester and discovered that Mormonism was founded here. IT IS AMAZING! It's ten stories from the Bible and Book of Mormon reenacted by over 800 cast and crew, with over 1,300 costumes, on a 10-level stage, with more special effects than a KISS concert. AND IT'S FREE!
Here's a shot of the stage. This is one of the rare moments I wish I had a high end telescopic camera. I couldn't tell you how many people are here. There's about 8,000 seats and tons of people sitting behind with their own lawn chairs and blankets. And, the costumed cast walk around before the show starts. Unfortunately, I didn't know about this and showed up too late to have my picture taken with anyone. There's more on wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_Cumorah_Pageant)
This is Nephi's vision of the tree of life. Honestly, I'm not sure about this part of the story. So, if you are interested you should visit the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) website at (http://www.lds.org). But, that blue is some kind of a water fountain with a light feature.
Too blurry. I could tell you this was a crown or what I had for dinner and you'd have to just take my word for it...
This is The Building of a Ship and The Voyage to Ancient America. Again, don't take my word for it. But the guy, Nephi, at the tree above was told by God to build a boat. Him and his family sail the ship and upset God, which causes him to create a storm and nearly drown them. They end up in America and Nephi writes part of the Book of Mormon. His brothers that upset God are still causing trouble, which leads to more trouble later on.
What's that glowing at the top of the set? It's JESUS! I really need to figure out how they got his outfit to glow like that. It's much more subtle in person, but still very noticeable.
I think this is a battle scene
I don't know what's going on here. But, I will tell you that a guy named Mormon wrote a history of his people on gold plates. He was killed and his son, Moroni finished his writing and buried the plates in Palmyra, New York (just outside of Rochester). In the 1820s, Moroni is now an angel and tells Joseph Smith where he buried the golden plates. Hint: they are in the hill where the play is taking place. So, Joseph Smith has the golden plates printed as the Book of Mormon. This is how the church started.
Just look at all the actors and actresses!
Again, please take what I say about this with a grain of salt. My expertise in Mormonism is limited to a couple of pamphlets and wikipedia. What I do have to say is this is a great show and I highly suggest going to it. You know me, I love seeing and doing things that are unique to a region and the only place you'll see this is Rochester. I just wish my photos could do it justice...
Here's some anti-Mormon protesters yelling about something. I'm not sure about what. They were very vocal though. And, they seemed to be hurling insults I didn't understand. The Pillsbury Doughboy seemed to upset one of them for some reason.
"Ask me why you deserve HELL." Geez, I can think of a dozen reasons without having to ask someone what else to add to the list...
OTHER BUSINESS:
The Big Bobber Floating Cooler. Dave and Alison really outdid themselves this time. I can't wait to get Dick the matching fishing pole.
This is Penny. This photo of her is way larger than her actual size.
A little birds nest in a hanging plant.
Mmmmmm... Sak's Thai Restaurant (http://saksthaicuisine.net/) in Perinton. This is the last place I'd expect to find a good Thai restaurant (on 31 between Pittsford and Palmyra). But, I got my curry fix before Hill Cumorah. What a great night.
Conceptual art? Perhaps we're trying to make our backyard more comfortable? Or, are we just cleaning the cushions of our couch? It's a mystery we may never know...
THERE BACK! Here's the doe with her two fawn playing in our backyard. I've never seen deer play like this before. The two fawns were darting all over the place chasing each other. I guess that partially explains why the grass is so matted down.
I admit I spend way too much time looking out my back windows to see if the deer are there. It's the first thing I do in the morning and I pretty much peek every time I walk by a window.
That's all for now. Gotta go get some dinner and buy a dehumidifier. Take care of a few things before Megan gets back from her conference. No big plans this week...
HAPPY 3RD ANNIVERSARY MEGAN! What better way to celebrate than a Chicago Omelette at the New Yorker Restaurant (165 W. Commercial St. E. Rochester, NY)?
Not to be outdone, got myself the Banana Nut Rum French Toast. We'll need the energy for the days next activity
KAYAKING DOWN THE ERIE CANAL!
Picked up a kayak at the Erie Canal Boat Company (http://www.eriecanalboatcompany.com/)
Don't know about the Erie Canal and why it's important? Don't worry, there's a wikipedia page for that: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erie_Canal
Luckily, this was the only sunny weather we've had in the last three weeks
Paddling back to Fairport from Macedon.
A Turtle. Saw quite a bit of wildlife: heron, hawks, fish and all sorts of stuff I wasn't quick enough to take pictures of...
We're back. Oddly enough, when we pulled up to the dock there was a lady with a still and video camera that wanted to interview us. There's a guy by the name of John Robinson that is biking the Erie Canal and making a documentary about it. Interesting story and I'm sure we'll end up on the cutting room floor. But, I suggest checking it out at Our Ability (http://www.ourability.com/)
Now to the serious business of getting ice cream
If you know Megan, you know she takes ice cream very seriously...
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream (before being committed). Moonlight Creamery (http://www.moonlightcreamery.com/) is one of the best and most interesting ice cream places I've ever been to. They're all about the environment. And, it's the first time I've ever had Kenyan Mango something or another and whatever the second scoop was. Highly recommended.
And, what better way can you end a day than dinner on the patio at Richardson's (http://www.richardsonscanalhouse.net/)?
Tree stump art along the canal at Richardson's. There's a lot to look at while having a few drinks along the canal: the lighthouse, log cabins, pine trees, and all sorts of little details. I will have to do some research on this.
GREAT ANNIVERSARY AND I LOVE YOU MEGAN!!!
Other pressing business: Penfield 4th of July fireworks on June 29th (what can I say, they don't procrastinate). Pretty impressive display and I have to wait until next year to experience the parade that passes my house.
Whoa man!
It seems this firework was about to attack my face...
Embers of my long dormant fire pit. When will it finally stop raining so we can have S'mores?
Our pet deer. They are not scared of us. They don't care about us. They may actually have the deed to our house.
This part is for Dee, the flower expert: What are these? This one is from our yard.
These are from our yard too (and not photoshopped either)
Not from our yard, but Megan would like them to be.
Glad Megan didn't see this guy floating past us in the Erie Canal...
Yotini's yogurt about to open up on July 10(ish). I guess this will be a new stop on our walk to the library and back.
Poor Athena can't get this monkey off her back...
