Smores, Yum! - Thursday, April 15, 2010

We were actually chilly last night while sleeping. It was too cool for a sheet and a light bedspread, so we didn't sleep very soundly throughout the night. Tonight we will put another blanket on the bed because it hasn't warmed up much. We are surprised at how cold it turned all at once, but it probably won't stay this way for long. It's not that close to winter yet.

My whole morning was spent on medical matters. I had to check on some missionaries, called the doctor on another, updated my medical register, and emailed Sister Argyle with some information on some elders. It is a lot of work to keep up with the medical needs of 160+ missionaries. Some weeks we have dry spells, but other times it is constant. Maybe the new president's wife, Sister Gulbrandsen, will want to take it over in July when she comes since she will be getting it back from me when we leave anyway.

After I had that under control, I placed my Book of Mormon order for April. It has to be done by the 18th of the month, or we lose the opportunity to order until the next month rolls around. I had to send nine boxes to the south this month because they were almost out, then the rest I ordered for my supply room. I always order the maximum I can have and don't go over. We have to pay extra if we exceed what is allotted to our mission. I don't know how they come up with the number they give us each month, but it is different each time. It may have to do with the number of baptism we send in. Our allottment is usually around 1100 each month, mas o menos (more or less).

Elder Coria and Elder Peterson continued in the teaching and learning mode today, while Elder Hales is becoming a pro in talking to the landlords about switching to electronic transfer of rent money to their bank accounts. He has been firm and forceful in persuading them to comply or the alternative will be that we move out. They always want time to reconsider the proposal.

Elder Kroff prepared two checks to be signed by the President, helped Elder Hales with matters pertaining to the electronic transfers, plus other things in the area of finance. The office phone is on his desk so he answers most of the telephone calls and directs them to the proper person.

We all loved our after lunch activity. A few weeks ago, Elder Hales received a package from home with all the fixins for Smores. "Where's the campfire?" I asked. "Don't need one," he replied "We'll use the stovetop." But, then Elder Coria left the office for a week and he didn't want us to do them until he returned.

It was fun showing Elder Coria what a Smore was and how to make it. He had never had one, and totally approved after the first bite. Argentina doesn't have Graham Crackers, nor marshmellows, unless they are purchased at WalMart when and if they have them.

Browning them over the electric stovetop worked perfectly, even better than a flame. They were golden brown and before putting them between the graham crackers, the square of Hershey's Chocolate bar was slightly warmed in the microwave. What a good idea!! The chocolate was soft enough to mesh right in with the marshmellow to make the BEST Smores we have ever had, at least for Rich and me.

The four elders were in seventh heaven with this treat. And there is more for another time.

Gooey, chewy, and scrumptious!! They were the best. Microwaving the chocolate right on top of the graham cracker for a few seconds is the key. I can't wait for next time. And Elder Coria learned about an American favorite today. Thanks, Sister Hales!

The afternoon was more of the same, and the elders left at 4:00. The wind was blowing fall leaves all over, it was cold, but the sun was shining. Hopefully it wouldn't turn to more rain during the evening.

At home I put a load of white shirts in the washer and fixed some dinner, while Rich walked to Disco to pick up some bread, oranges, kleenex, and ready made puddings for his nightly treat.

Today marks a year since someone broke into our apartment and robbed us of expensive things and sentimental things. Nothing was recovered.

Tomorrow is Friday. Can't believe it!