Wednesday night means not much

I was challenged to 'woo' Colleen this week!  Not by her but by a younger friend of mine.  Why does it have to be so cold this week?  It just gives me one more excuse!

I think we will have to get ourselves reorganized as we prepare for 3 months in Taiwan and when we return.  We have had a pretty laid back, sit back summer and fall...............MOTIVATION

Oh here's a couple photos that may seem random but enjoy them.

I am managing to keep this cleared



If I remember right this is Marilyn, Barry and David with their mother Beulah
and Milford with his mother Hazel

This reminds me that this week Elizabeth showed me a 1922-23 Free Methodist Annual Report and a 1921 Treasurer's book for Saskatoon.  Neat to see the local history and the contributions from long ago

Some things DON'T get photographed

We had a 22 hour sleepover with Alex & Gaby!   playing, eating, puzzles, games, eating, stories, attempting early bedtime, waffles breakfast, cheesy noodles lunch, veggie snacks, Puke, PUKE, PUKE, clean, clean, clean, games, I'm hungry, snacks, puzzles, games.

REMEMBER  do not let a little girl with a sensitive gag reflex have stringy celery sticks!  Cough, cough and at least we were at the counter!  then wouldn't you know it big brother can't hold it back either.  AND ABOUT NOW SOME OF YOU MIGHT NOT EITHER.........one end of the counter getting covered and as the  flat Tupperware bowl gets half full......Gaby says wipe off my Grandpa's hand!  WIPE GRANDPA'S HAND!   How do you comfort one child while the other is spewing?   and then the next takes a turn?   And Grandma is trying to catch, clean and comfort!!!!!  All I can do is try to keep it all on the counter until we get a bigger bowl!    If your still reading it OK to laugh..............

A VERY MEMORABLE TIME  not all pleasant but still very memorable!

Their Dad and Auntie used to play this same board (Yogi & Boo Boo)

OBSTACLE COURSE

Who says the train needs a track!

We are booked

Flights to and from Taiwan, accommodations at IFH and I AM EXCITED.  It's a curious and almost strange feeling.   It will be 3 months of feeling at home and being away from home!  AND we get a 12 hour layover in San Francisco......midnight to noon will cut down on the activity list though.

This early retirement life has been SURREAL at times and very real as we adjust to climate and financial changes.  It was great to have July and August to be able to care for Alex & Gaby almost full time.  We are working toward developing business with Immunotec, nutritional supplements, so we have fully mobile business activity.

Well bedtime so more another time.

Some photos from the last few months

This last Saturday brought creative cookie making................

 Cooperative yard work and a Fantastic Grandma moment

 And some citified off roading!

OCTOBER brought a surprise from Baba Brenda.........sharing her treasure until Gemma and Guiness return

 And snack times......we sure could see their personalities develop as we spent more days together

SEPTEMBER also had our first trip to the Haugen Clan Cabin at Nemeiben Lake, I call it Wendell's even though that would be wwwrrrrong.  I contributed a bubble machine.  It will be there in the Spring.

 I enjoyed helping with the seasonal closing.  Oh for a winch........and warmth.

AUGUST was Melissa's visit, Jerrod & Shefalee's Wedding

Daily time with Alex & Gaby...the one parade day was rainy but we had a great time anyway.  Colleen DIDN'T get run over by the parade......

And Melissa's last day we got a quick photo!   We are still cautiously working on rebuilding the connection.

November 11, 2010

Remembrance Day, Veteran's Day, Colleen's Birthday  It is interesting how each passing year the balance of these three labels changes. 

Even though this is Colleen's 60th this is probably the least celebrated year for quite some time.  I can remember the 'younger' years when we would have so many people we might have TWO Angel food birthday cakes and about 20 cone cakes!  Today Colleen has received several phone calls.  THANKS TO EACH OF YOU.

My awareness of the meaning behind today; remembering our lost soldiers and honouring those still with us increases with each year.  Maybe THAT has to with being over 50 or 55..........and the perspective that comes with it.  Maybe it is also with recent and visible wars that remind us that it is our VERY young men and women that are standing up for us and our freedoms.  And I think the media is doing a better job of reminding us as well (of course they are also selling air time).  I think we are now past the less public and hushed Korean and Vietnam wars even though there is still controversy.  Bravery and service in the face of destruction and evil or peace deserves our homage. 

I know I'll miss some but THANK YOU...Dad, Gene, Bill, Fred, Eddie, Dean, Larry H, and Larry N, David M, David W, Darcy and Kristina .

Wow it's Labour Day weekend!!!

Facebook friends will know we have survived the August hosting and wedding and regular life....................AND we had Melissa visit for 10 days!!!!  I know I make this sound like work but it wasn't and isn't.......sure we had tired days but FILLED with love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Our days have been filled with activity, busy isn't quite the right word but spending the day with 5 and 2 year old treasures is,well, a focused effort.  We love Alex & Gaby so much and treasure each moment.  Gaby is a Grandpa's girl but last week when her brother pinched her finger (innocently) in the door latch she walked right past me to Colleen for comfort.  There are lots of ordinary and SPECIAL moments in each day.

One reason Melissa came home was for Jerrod and Shefalee's wedding, Colleen's youngest sister's son.  One of my Indian friends, oh this was a full blown Indian wedding with a Hindu marriage ceremony, said "Big Fat Geek Wedding " has nothing on Indians.   "We make it so much effort they NEVER want to get married again!"  There was something every day for a week.

All the activity has meant not much contemplation time..................we are usually up by 7 am and drop the kids off by 5 or so with many days involving close to 2 hours driving time.........we get to identify almost every Dodge, Chev, Ford, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Chevy, Mitsubishi, Ford Mustang, Dodge Ram, GMC and the occasional Audi, BMW, Saturn, Acura on the trips. Oh and bobcats, graders, steamrollers, dump trucks, semitrailers!

We are working on our Taiwan winter plans, days in Saskatoon activity and plans,  keeping in good contact with Colleen's mom here in Saskatoon as we continue through our RETIREMENT adjustments.  I finished that the University just over 2 years ago and we are beginning to appreciate how early that was!  We wouldn't trade a minute!  Life is real.  Life is good.  Life is ___________!

Where did July go?

Can't fully recall......... Tuesday and Wednesdays were blessed with Alex and Gaby and the reminder of 7 am mornings!  Fridays we also went out and picked them up for a day of fun adventure learning and whatever came our way. 

It has been wonderful for Colleen to be able to take her grandchildren to the weekly Family Tea.  Alex is starting to get to know his cousins.  Gaby too but in a different way.

We made our annual pilgrimage to Crosby ND to celebrate birthdays with Louise Aalund and see Bill, my sister's husband.   It's curious how I've never lived there but there is sense of going home.............a lot like the going home to Liberal KS or Tyrone OK.  I at least lived near Liberal my first 2 years.  Some days I feel like a nomad even though I have lived in Saskatoon almost 40 years.

Melissa will be home for a visit in 10 days and then return to her home  in Kaohsiung Taiwan.  She has a new job teaching at a kindergarten and LOVES it.

Oh I get my first Canada Pension Plan cheque this  month.  So after all these years paying in I NOW start drawing it out.   How far will $649 go?

Oh and we host Alex and Gaby each weekday this month except the day we go to Regina for one part of Jerrod and Shefalee's wedding.   Then we are back in Saskatoon for their 3 days of wedding events.

AND I MANAGE TO DO A BIT OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING TOO  but I am not that heroic.

Wow...life has happened!!

Back in Canada
Back in Saskatoon
Back in regular life
Back in regular contact with Jay & Julie
Back into the exciting life of a grandparent
Back into the tired life of a grandparent
Back into the satisfied life of a grandparent

Today's lunch wisdom:  we were sitting at the kitchen island eating and Colleen was standing.  Alex:  Grandma, you could use the brown chair to sit on.  Grandma:   But I'm too lazy to go get it.  Alex:  Grandpa!!

Got to love a grandson looking after his Grandma............................

hmm, what to say................

I was going to a foot massage and got sidetracked by a university display at Kaohsiung Arena........LOTS of universities from southern Taiwan with various health and lifestyle things.  a couple kinds of drink, biodegradeable recylcleable material was made into a flowerbox but golf tees is one use, plastiwood(recycled wood and plastic), a couple soap things, a 3 wheeled scooter/bike thing, I got a hat and pen for trying it,  some graphic art things and a NEAT water conservation soil mix for living wall applications that doesn't erode with water flow.  sorry no photos on my camera but I will be in one from each booth....the eager foreigner!   wa ai Taiwan!

We went to Cijin Island yesterday.  AND got a bit too hot......................

You can see my interests are a bit different than Colleen and Melissa's

And maybe even the focus of the first fish and the grin of the following fish has a similarity to my lookin' and grinnin' way, here!   And the first fish is FOCUSSED not unhappy..............................I JUST NOTICED COLLEEN AND MELISSA IN THE BACKGROUND and I am taking a picture that some would think childish........hmmmmmm

Oh it was also another windy day even though it was hot which got me to reflecting on sounds and smells again.   I discovered that the heat and associated sweating results in those gas releases leaving sound tracks.......Usually the evidence is only audible!  MY MID TRAVELS MANY A STRANGE PATH

Close to the last week, VERY CLOSE

We fly our Monday May 17th so we are on our second last and last of many things.  As I wrote on one FB comment it brings a sad tear to my eye but God replaces it with HAPPY MEMORIES. 

We had a great youth evening and a good service today.  Then Melissa took Colleen to our favourite Brunch restaurant CasaLingua PASTA DELI, I tagged along.  Eggs Benny, mmmmmmm!  

We've been inside relaxing while Melissa is at  the dinner theater rehearsal, unfortunately they have had to move it down 2 weeks so we will miss it.  inside cause it's a sunny humid 31 degrees.  we are gonna freeze the first few days back!

OH I GOT TO MEET WITH GLENN TEAL WHEN HE WAS IN KAOHSIUNG THIS WEEK.  great to catch up in person instead of email and FB.  I think the last time I saw him was at Arlington Beach the summer he and Lee Barbour canoed part of the Missouri River system.  He, Nancy, Angela and her husband Jared will be at Arlington this summer for the 50th Anniversary.

Well that's about it for now.   Dinner in an hour, hmmmmmmm

BCC Women's Retreat 2010 Kenting

There were sun, wind, water, beaches, baptisms, fun, food and relaxation!

Herbal elixer, YUMMY

Chinese Name: "Chang" Modified Loquat Ointment
English Name: GEAWEPIPAKA
Performance: Antitussive, expectorant.
Indications: Cough, sore throat hoarse.

Fritillaria 26.6000 mg
Loquat 120.1000 mg
Citrus 26.6000 mg
Radix 26.6000 mg
Poria 26.6000 mg
Trichosanthes Seed 26.6000 mg
Polygalaceae 26.6000 mg
Lotus 26.6000 mg
Coltsfoot Flower 26.6000 mg
Campanulaceae 26.6000 mg
Pinellia 26.6000 mg
Ginger 13.3000 mg
Menthol 0.0800 mg
Bitter almond oil 1.0000 mg
Orange peel oil 0.0300 mg
Strawberry flavor 0.3300 mg
Pineapple flavor 0.1600 mg
Maltose 200.0000 mg
Sucrose 330.0000 mg
Honey 66.0000 mg
Distilled water added to 1000.0000 mg

Another week, oops 10 days.........

hmm managed to break my cellphone display which prompted Melissa to go ahead and get her Blackberry and now I'm using her old phone... I AM ADDICTED TO COMMUNICATION CAPABILITY. I don't use it all the time but GOTTA HAVE THE CAPABILITY!

I'm gonna check Computer Street tomorrow while Colleen and Melissa are at Women's retreat maybe I can get a good deal on a phone (BB), maybe not. I DO need to exchange a computer cable. Living in 2 different cellphone worlds, 3 if you count USA, has its implications and costs. ADDICTIONS ...................... Necessities ................. desires! Hmm, maybe my Electrical work simply funds my toys .................. and travels!

In three weeks we are home and looking at the Victoria Day long weekend, wait every weekend is a long weekend for us! So I guess we use some of the rest of the world's language even if we don't need it. Like the Tomb Sweeping holiday a few weeks ago that we obviously did not participate in. AND neither did a lot of other people judging by some of the crowds!

Well some plans are starting to take shape Gaby's 2nd BD yesterday, Crosby ND around July 18, Jerrod & Shefalee's wedding Aug 21, Alex's 5th BD Sept 27th, oops Melissa's in there, oh and mine too!

Well, that's enough excitement for now...................later

hmm, catching up

Wow this year compared to last year. Lingering on Facebook and making comments leaves non FBers uninformed. It has also changed the depth of my postings.

I haven't had the same angst in my thoughts but the contemplation times have certainly presented themselves. I have seen God in every aspect and dimension of our time here this year. Our new normal begins to take shape. University work is now almost 2 years history, expectation of developing our relationship with Jay & Julie replaces last year's uncertainty. The anticipation of Alex and Gaby's smiles and times together create such a joyful feeling. My extended time working with the youth group here will create a sadness that will be offset by rejoining Lakeview's youth program. We start to think about the return time for next year, maybe mid December to mid April which starts us on an alternating Christmas/Easter pattern. Did you know Easter 2012 is April 8th? 2011 is April 24th, I think.

Sliding back into our Canadian normal is only a month away! Family, friends, lawns, food they way we have always had it, being able to read ALL the signs, well most of them. We are TOTALLY comfortable here but there is the language effort that we feel at times. The natural comfort of home language and environment will bring a different type of relaxation even IF I have to get back to my Contracting work.

Oh here are some photos from the last week or so.

On our way to Sun Moon Lake. The typhoon damage also means we had a paved detour into the river bed below. Quite amazing.

View from our place near CingJing Farm, a lot with a Bavarian style...... Boy talk about switchbacks and quick turnarounds "oops that was our turn!"

Yes, on a mountain just an 8 minute walk from our hotel.

Melissa LOVES Starbucks as long as they have soymilk.....................

We also stopped in a small city Jiji that has a train history. Note the windmill, it reminds me of Kenmare ND

Wow, changes here!

The youth pastor and his family are returning to the United States in June so that will make next year different. 2 of Melissa's friends may take over leadership while having a baby in July and going to Seminary full time in September, Oh to be 30 again......... But here, I'm still having a great time helping with youth; there were 30 kids last night! I'll bring a couple new games back.

Melissa is the production manager for a dinner theatre so I am a volunteer set builder. It should be fun finding some new material sources YEAY. And building the sets and props too.

Wow it looks like 4 1/2 weeks to departure. Next weekend has Sun Moon Lake and CingJing Farm on the agenda. Ladies retreat April 30 and May 1. I may go snorkeling with friends while M&C retreat. Dinner Theater May 15th.

Ah,Life in the retired lane..........................

Happy Easter

Well one week earlier than last year and half a world away. We had 3 baptisms at church this Easter Sunday.

Saturday we went to Dream Mall with our 3 Australian guests and after dinner at TGIFriday's we went up on the roof and rode the ferris wheel. Melissa hasn't been on the Ferris Wheel yet!!

and my characteristic self photo that makes it look like I am in PAIN.

Facebook is my excuse

I was just thinking how this year in Kaohsiung compared to last year.

I have taught 4 days compared to 8 weeks. I haven't actually missed the schedule or the beetle nut stands!

We haven't had the some of the angst of 2009 but there are still concerns with the various dimensions of our Canadian lives.

We have stayed on island instead of 2 major trips which I think Colleen REALLY misses. We don't have FULL University salary this year like last so we aren't spending money quite as cavalierly. We certainly can more easily count our Taiwan expenses this year

Colleen had done a lot of reading, maybe similar to last year but I've been around to observe while I've played computer games or did small tasks here at Melissa's place.

I have become a bit restless with the amount of leisure time I have so hopefully I can translate that into time doing contracting work once we get back to Saskatoon. Maybe Jay and I will do some together, we'll see.

Curiously I think we have had as many friends or friends parent pass away this year as last........I guess it comes with the age................

OH NEXT YEAR WILL BE OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY AND WE ARE TALKING ABOUT GETTING A TAIWANESE WEDDING BOOK so we will need to assemble a few historical photos to go with the GLAMOUR shots they do here. Sorry I am NOT funding your travel to our celebration tea!

Well that does it for today. Love to all. Enjoy your Spring weather in North America. Enjoy your time with loved ones wherever you are.

10 days since the last blog post

we lived more life!

Jay's 33 on Tuesday! Wow!

We went to an outdoor Symphony presentation of the BBC Blue Planet. The Fine Arts Museum has a hillside that provides near perfect seating for such an event. And it only rained enough to cause them to pass out free raincoats (flimsy but effective), not to get soaked.......

A friend Ken Elder passed away...one more farewell gathering missed while in Taiwan.

We drove, well Melissa did, we rode, to Taichung to support a fundraiser and visit some friends that teach at Morrison Academy who Melissa went to Russia with in 1994. Yep THAT long ago!

About 2/3 of the way there Melissa's car overheated. We stopped at a rest stop. Store, gas station and restrooms. (90 urinals)! Once we added 2 liters of water and the engine cooled some off we went. WELL about 20 minutes later we pulled over and (short version) rode in the car on the back of a flat bed tow truck into the next city to get a new thermostat and radiator. Sunday morning no less! AND back on the road in 2 hours!

We had dinner at Ponderosa, there are 2 in Taichung, with the Robarts then went back to their apartment for a short visit before driving home. It sure was nice to NOT have the extra servicing stops! This time the rest stop only had about 60 urinals..........

It was like driving to Regina and back for the day. WE'D NEVER DO THAT! Well ALMOST, never!! Dogs and Monday morning hair appointments pressed the return decision.

This afternoon I was out walking and noticed one clinic 'UROLOGY AND DERMATOLOGY' A curious combination in my limited experience! My mind wondered........I'll let you do yours and keep mine to myself, thank you very much.........

Well that's about it!

Another Day more adventure

We went to the harbour to watch the Lantern Festival fireworks again! We were on the opposite side ot the river from last week and much closer so the video is different than my Facebook video. WE could feel the impact of the exploding!!!! and the kaboom was much more immediate.

On the way home I remarked how the variety of noises and odours make it pretty easy to FART walking along the sidewalk. Colleen said " I know" hmmmmm. enjoy the laugh!

Tomorrow we are going to the Fine Arts Musem to see the Pixar exhibit........confirming the bus connections for going to an outdoor concert of Blue Planet on Tuesday evening.

Wiggly Jiggly Waking

Hey the bed's shaking, REALLY SHAIKING Earthquake, get outta bed, near the wall, door frame. MELISSA are you up? Yeah, that's the biggest one I've had while here!!! Wow this is long............///////////:;;;""""""""""""!!!~~~~~~~~.

No real damage here, although the dog's water slopped out of the bowl! Heart rates are settling. Most on Facebook already know, but 6.4 about 40 km from here. The biggest in Kaohsiung County on 100 years! LUCKY US!!!!

More later Melissa back from teaching off to Carrefour.

Why am I writing at 4 AM?

mind wandering, mind processing, feet twitching, hey where'd that mosquito come from! thinking of family, contrasting this year and last year. WHY UNTIL 4 AM

Two days ago Melissa and I attended the memorial service for one of the high school kids here who lost his battle with cancer. But he has his eternal home! Prayer for his healing appears to be unanswered to the human mind. Ian's mother died when he was 4, his father when he was 7 was , four years in an orphanage and 11 years with his new family. During the recessional the adoptive father brought Ian's house mother over to help escort his ashes out. BIG EMOTION, BIG RECOGNITION. God's ways are so far beyond ours that it leaves me in awe. maybe a little puzzled............

Life continues for us at an easy pace. Plenty warm, plenty of food, good friends here and THERE!

Ah, I guess I needed to get my words about Ian down. sleeping........................

Yep it's Winter

shorts mid morning to late afternoon and then back to jeans and a sweatshirt!

I know cry you a river..........................

We had a good Lunar New Year trip last week to the east coast area around Taitung and Yuli. It took 14 hours to get there and about 3 to get home. Why? well just try moving a few million people along a 4 lane highway! Chinese New Year vacation is 3 days for most and of course we drove on one of them! The SAME direction everybody wanted to go! One stretch took 3 hours to go 14 km! once we got past the intersection in a small town with the cross traffic to the hot springs the pace picked right up again. GLADLY, WHEW!!

While in Taitung and Yuli it rained enough to out a real damper on things especially when our friends have 3 small children (under 4)! This was one of the clear hours we had!

It must have been a quiet week

It's Thursday evening in Ktown and the breathing's easy. Or was that feelings? Oh well I never said I was a singer.

We've had some more nice easy days which might be why the last 2 nights I haven't been able to go to sleep until 3 am.

We made another trip to the neighbourhood market this afternoon. It's like Saskatoon Farmer's Market TIMES 5 adding fresh fish, chicken, stinky tofu, soup vendors and an occasional smell that resembles an open sewer. Oh and clothes and games too.

Saturday afternoon we are going to the Amway cruise ship that is visiting Kaohsiung.

Keep having fun everybody.

Oh this week we learned of the passing of a long time friend Jack Walrath and the arrival of a new baby Graisyn Ross.

Learning from Kids

This week was pretty easy, fun, warm but not too warm, I got to do a couple small creative projects and help with the Junior High and Senior High Saturday night.

The youth are quite similar in Kaohsiung as Lakeview although there is a distinct behavioural difference between the kids that are from North American homes, many attend Morrison Academy Kaohsiung, those with mixed heritage and those from Chinese homes. Some of that is language based and some is culture. I LOVE IT. Oh I hope the Sunday morning change for Zou goes well. PLEASE ENCOURAGE MY KIDS......and their LEADERS

We can have fun with games as a distraction but then the reality of these devastating events in young lives SCREAMS BACK TO LIFE. One of the youth has been fighting cancer for a couple years and recently discovered the cancer was misdiagnosed and so he,and his family, has endured treatment for a cancer that is considered untreatable. There is always room for God's miracles but medically he has about 1 year remaining. To see the response and extended prayer initiated by the youth was heartwarming and amazing. It also brought memories surrounding my sister's and others death process. Very sobering and almost brings tears. God meets each of us as we need to be met. Where and how we need Him. Last week I prayed with one youth whose mother and brother are dealing with cancer. This weeks news compounds for him.

Please partner with me to pray for Kevin's strength and encouragement. And for Ian and his family as they deal with this new reality.

IKEA for Arilee

A Taiwanese shot MUST have a scooter in it!

AND JUST A LITTLE CLOSER FOR MELISSA'S RECOMMENDED SHOT



and here's MY preferred shot

Kaohsiung daily life

Hmm, if I was in Saskatoon I wouldn't likely take note but here it seems so much more appropriate.

Up late get out of bed late.............breakfast of eggs, ham, chinese sausage, no not made out of chinese, toast and coffee. Not so unusal but when cooked over a 2 burner gas stove IT IS. It's so different than electric that I dare not ask a question or something is burned!

Then a few tasks before Melissa heads off to teach, 2-6 today, her other 6:30-8 lesson cancelled. Hang a cupboard in her bathroom that we bought at B&Q a few days ago. It didn't take long to assemble but a few days to coordinate hanging it! I WAS NOT GOING TO MOVE HER TOILETRIES....... Reorganizing the second floor common area, changing four lamps to some new lamp shades that ,of course, mount differently and the adapter is just a BIT to small, get out the knife, trim the opening bigger, ALWAYS KEEPING FINGERS, ARMS AND BELLY out of the knife's path. I didn't think it needed that much trimming, so we are meeting Melissa at SHAOU BAE to see about other adapters, a coat tree, and a toilet seat cover (I am NOT telling that story, tee hee) SHAO BAE is a 24 hour cross between Canadian Tire, Walmart and Dollarama!

We contiune to do our part to maintain IKEA profitability. A kitchen cart, 3 new stools for our last year table which will become the IFH kitchen table. IKEA sure engineers their stuff so all you have to do is follow the pictures. And BELIEVE ME it is a lot simpler to follow their flow than to take stuff apart to get the shelves in place!!! They even show a picture of the 2 lengths of screws with a BIG X across the wrong length! I don't want the pointy screw sticking up through my chair!!! or the table top either!

I have a couple IKEA pictures for Arilee that will follow another day.

Well 5 o'clock better grab a nap before meeting Melissa in an hour to get parts for the evening activty!

Alexander is our TV star!!

Jay and Julie took Alex and Gaby to Spectrum at the University and besides having a fantastic time Alex was interviewed by Global TV. It's about 3 seconds of what I'm sure was a 10 minute discussion with Alex... Oh he's the second boy since many of you won't recognize him. He was 4 in September. No camera jitters or brain freeze for that boy!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalsaskatoon.com%2Fvideo%2Findex.html%3FreleasePID%3DOFkJoqhvto_db_u9YnIakndP1rBwVHQM&h=4f6ab6514a8c9ed96543097807201a00

I'm glad I found this because it also lets me get a different view on Sasakatoon news while we are away. The SP is a bit slanted for my taste.........

On a different note, even though Melissa's visa has been approved but she's still waiting to have the REAL DEAL in her hands! red tape takes time..........

The pressure releases, VISA APPROVED

It will take a few more days to have documents in hand but Melissa got word midafternoon that her visa renewal has been approved!

The questions and delay have created major stress and strain for her. Now a few days for sighing relief and contemplating plans.

Please continue to pray for smooth processing. AND PRAY FOR OTHERS WE KNOW AT HOME WITH MAJOR ISSUES THAT DRAW ON THEIR ENERGY. Those close know details others can pray in support and caring.

We made our first Costco trip today fortunately we had the cash in hand. Costco here only accepts Costco branded credit cards and foreigners CANNOT get a credit card. Hmm I wonder what would have happened if I had a Costco branded American Express............it reminds me of the days when Canadian Tire made more profit from their credit card than the retail sales.

Hello from home even though we are far from home.

Think of that place you have been or return to that puts a pleased, satisfied smile in your heart……we are there!

We are still waiting for news about Melissa’s visa renewal and we are NOT pushing red tape, as if a person actually could. Our plans will develop beyond day by day when Melissa gets word.

The smells, odours, fragrances, noises, sounds, sights, traffic and people are strangely familiar and comforting. Not even 3 days yet and we’ve made breakfast, gone out to a few previous places and a few new places. Supper last night was $195! We each had similar meals probably 2 cups of rice with a curry vegetable and meat including a soft drink. It would have been about $6.50 CDN and that was for ALL THREE meals.

This afternoon we went for a hair wash………about a 20 minute shoulder massage and another 20 minutes head wash and massage. Ahhh the life, it was about $7 cdn each! That’s no hair cutting though, just relaxation and pleasure!

Oh right, THE TRIP. Our flight from Saskatoon to Vancouver was delayed long enough that almost all connecting flights would be missed so we were rebooked and arrived in Vancouver 2 hours after our flight left for Taipei!

Westjet was very good though and provided a meal voucher in Saskatoon (not much available after 7 pm except Tim’s). We ended up buying a can of English Toffee Cappuccino to use the voucher value. Melissa’s favourite. We had a nice room in Vancouver at a Sandman about 5 minutes from the airport and $40 meal vouchers.

We went for breakfast at the attached Moxie’s but alas they don’t serve breakfast until noon during the week. Yeah noon’s a bit late BUT HEY, WE GOT IN AT 2AM which was Saskatoon 4 am. We are settled into our new time zone. We had decided to check out of the hotel late but not so late we had extra charges which left us with 4 hours before we could check in for our China Air flight. Then there were STILL 3 hours before departure! That’s when we really appreciated the delayed flight and the night in a bed.

We left YVR on time but I think we had tired seat butts before we got off the runway. The night’s rest was good but just didn’t offset narrow, firm airplane seats. The flight was uneventful, a regular flight. God provided protection, food, lodging and safety for those 2 days of travel. What more could we ask? Oh right, being greeted by Melissa……we were eventually………….it was funny she was delayed but then we got free parking instead of her waiting a long time.

We waited maybe 10 minutes. The familiarity with our surroundings and the comfort in our knowledge of how to get to her place from either Kaohsiung or Taipei are fantastic.

Oops too it’s late for the Jr. and Sr. High program tonight, maybe next week. Tomorrow is church. Melissa sings at both services so we are there for 8:45. We will reacquaint with many friends and have lunch with Larry & Michelle and their 3 children.

It has been great to spend some unscheduled time with Melissa yet a bit frustrating to need to wait on her ARC approval before any of us make substantial plans. We all ask for your prayers over these next few days as the anxiousness and uncertainty continue.

Oh and lest any of you think we aren’t missing you……we are and especially Jay, Julie, Alex and Gaby. There are SO MANY things a Grandpa wants to buy and send back!!!!!!! I’m surrounded by all kinds of candy and noisemakers which will stay in the stores……………. Toys, games, puzzles, paints and coloured pencils abound!

January 2010 Contrasts

Well I am about 40 degrees colder than last January.

We were around about 249,993 fewer people this year that last!

We are expecting a visit from our kids and grand kids tomorrow afternoon. last year we could not see our way to form even an expectation.

In THREE days we return to Kaohsiung where we were last year.

I am connected with MANY cousins and a year ago we hardly KNEW what Facebook was......

This past year I have had at least 2 friends lose BOTH mother and father!

I am going to miss Jay, Julie, Alex and Gabriella the next 4 months................but will rejoice in time with Melissa!

This is a year of renewal: relationships, discipline, adventure, uncertainty, love, family, plans, expectancy not expectations.

Oops did it again-no Colleen images

Grandma doing her favourite thing!

Colleen and me Christmas dinner

Christmas 2009 a 4 Scene play

We have Christmas because God loved us so much He presented Himself as a baby who then as an adult died on a cross for those things we are not able to atone for. This is also a time for great celebrations, joy and family time. I am reminded of people that are in stages of life or that have lost loved ones that make this a painful time. Grief and loss are such personal experiences. My thoughts and prayers are for support, encouragement and good recollections to gradually fill the absence.

Scene 1
Now on the lighter side the extended Meeds family connection in Saskatoon gathered on the 23rd and of course there was food and singing.

Scene 2

Then on the 24th we celebrated Jay, Julie, Alexander and Gabriella. Chinese food, well Vietnamese actually, and some gifts for the kids.

Note the wheels big enough to be outdoors at their acreage. And the doll and carriage that are already making their way around their living room.

Yes we are also assembling the Lego tow truck

Scene 3

Then Colleen's Mom joined us for Christmas morning brunch and an evening turkey feast.

Scene 4

My Facebook friends will know that about 2 hours later I then spent some time ejecting my turkey dinner. IT WAS EXCELLENT ON THE WAY IN but as I kneeled there it was not enjoyable at all! Thankfully it only affected me and was short lived and doesn't seem to be the flu. Lay low today and I'll be ready for an Alex & Gaby sleepover tomorrow afternoon!

Where do I begin.......

Only 5 days to Christmas
Wow 16 days to Kaohsiung
Relishing 1 month rebuilding relationship with Jay and Julie
Enjoyed several visits with Alexander and Gabriella
Celebrated supper with J, J, A & G
Savoured 1 sleepover with Alex and Gaby
Waiting and praying for Melissa's resident visa approval
Dreaming wildly and then using the realism brush
Thankful for a person to live in our house while we are away
Delighted in countless, I love you Grandma, I love you Grandpa
Thinking of friends who have lost loved ones this year
Praying for friends whose loss is refreshed this time of year.
Warmed by friendships new, old and refreshed
Excited by opportunities with Jay
Dreaming wildly and then using the realism brush

This is COOL- no text needed

November 24, 2009

Building relationships

I have been giving relationships a LOT of thought this past week. Relationships with other volunteers, other Christians, other family members near and far, past and present and immediate and extended.

The last few years I have finally realized the relationship I have had with my son was substantially flawed. So much so that it has taken virtually 2 years of almost no contact between us for him to feel we can begin to rebuild. What did I do wrong? Did he do anything wrong? Did anybody DO anything WRONG. What I am evaluating as a conclusion is that in most relationships NOBODY intends to do wrong but still does. Since wrong is often in the perception of the offended then in reality it is very easy for each person to wrong the other person and not even know it. And to complicate it the offense is so obvious to the offended that it is almost impossible to think the offender wasn't deliberate. And thus it grows and compounds.

Okay, that is a bit deep, convoluted and perhaps even confusing.

Bottom line....be loving, be careful, be cautious, be caring, make sure you are understood as caring, be understanding, be slow to be offended.

Middle line.....if you are offended, discuss it with the offender, work with the offender, try to understand your reaction.

Top line.....Life is long for most of us, relationships make it worthwhile and enjoyable.

HALLELUJAH

The last time I started my post this way it was the day after my sister died. Well today is much happier. Jay came by for a couple hours with Alex & Gaby.
My HEART IS FULL. Thanks, Jay! Today is the first of many more joyous and happy times.

Colleen was behind the camera!

Ponderings and Expressions

Yesterday we learned of a friend's mother passing away. Colleen noted that this is the second person who has died whose spouse we saw at a funeral 2 weeks ago. [now don't get paranoid] Ron Bader died from injuries in a fall and Delia Rodine-Alexander has passed after a number of years of declining health. Both are now rejoicing in Heaven while those of us here deal with missing them yet comforted by the eternal hope.

Where is your spiritual home? I am not only thinking of Heaven but also where you feel your spiritual roots are set. Mine is the Lakeview congregation. I guess since almost ALL adult life has been here it is no surprise.

This week I was thinking about the various ups, downs, highs, lows, mountains and valleys we have seen at Lakeview over the years. I wondered which of these helped people build a spiritual root and which stunted, ripped out or killed those roots. I believe it is very easy to forget we, the church, have a spiritual responsibility to each other. It is very easy to be self focused. After all, God created us with a self preservation dimension. Now to try to display some of His selfless love..................

November Ponderings

Today I asked myself if I live on the edge just beside depression. I know from some friends and family how much of a challenge and struggle it is and I don't have THAT degree of challenge. I wonder how many people are living close to the edge fearing depression but actually are in a real tough season in life. And sure some are in a very long season................

One year ago we were days away from our Taiwan winter adventure and we have 8 more weeks of Saskatchewan winter before our planned departure. Some Birks work and some Electrical Contacting work will finish our cold days for this year.

Oh, how do I complain about my Mother-in-law's driving without getting in trouble or giving too much detail? Too late probably in trouble. Well not with some people but I am trying to reason if she is a risk to herself and others or just to our sanity!

She did manage to get drive from her apartment in Saskatoon to a friends funeral in PA! The challenge was getting back through Saskatoon to her apartment. I CANNOT figure how she gets to where she does in Saskatoon and am not patient enough to ask enough of the right questions to figure it out. She managed to get on BOTH sides of the river at least TWICE on the way home and ended up at our house! ARGH.

Well at least it takes our minds off the lack of communication with Jay & Julie. I ache for the relationship to return. or even begin to be something............I wish I could get a hint of what to do...........

What a week!!!

Please be praying for God's grace and wisdom for Lakeview Church. We are in a very challenging time. God is supreme. God is soveriegn! All we need to do is to follow.

God is good, life is good COMMENTARY

Today warmed to 16 degrees it was glorious and as much as I talked about it with Zou kids last night I realize I did not have a conscious thought toward how I could see God through the activity of the day.... How is it that some days it is easy to perceive God and others it is easy to avoid those thoughts? I guess I was relaxing more than being deliberate in my day....Except during the Riders game dueling with Lesley!

Today I reaffirmed I am a peace lover! I was part of a Facebook encounter and I wanted to run SCARED!!!!!!!!!!! The written word, emotion, humour, spirit, loyalty can work together in a beautiful way but can also be so easily misinterpreted. I am a pretty passionate person and often wear the safe mask when in public view, don't I. Oh wait, my blog is one place I don't always wear the 'safe mask'. I do try to be aware, smart, considered while being open. I try to show vulnerability without being vulnerable to abuse or attack.

My thoughts are kind of empty or racing or flowing or not connected or wandering so this is it for today.

Oh wait, a cousin's daughter and family are going to serve in Mexico for 6 months leaving winter behind with a trailer and 3 kids sounds FUN! see I am strange. A friend's father passed away, not unexpected but still sooner than expected. Her mother passed away in the last 6 months too. Melissa has a new job that will help with cash and permanent residency processes. Still no word from Jay and Julie, SIGH, silent tear, hmmmmmm. Church was good connection time, 2 missions service teams talked about Mulenga and their experience there this summer. They spoke of a family feeling that we can identify with from our time in Kaohsiung. Now to see who God has for our house this year while we are in Taiwan.

No witty retort

it's been 3 weeks since i expounded anywhere but Facebook. I need to spend more pondering time.

I've been trying to rationalize Facebook and blogging. I can pretty easily dismiss twitter and regularly use email for specific person to person communication. I even use the phone occassionally.

A good friend is now out of the hospital after repair of a broken femur. Now the hard part begins for him, PATIENCE. And it will take a while for their famuily routine to return to normal.

Life here is pretty normal...Colleen works 10-4 3 day a week, I'm doing a variety of electrical work: replacing ballasts and fluorscent tubes, wiring some basements and a garage. I think I dislocated my shoulder holding ballasts in place on tuesday! Well OK not dislocated but it sure hurts, whiney, whiney........ My chiropractor treatment tomorrow should help. Then I can do some wiring and see if it is fixed or hurt............

I grieved for a while today!

Buying a birthday card and children's gift wrap didn't bring the excitement and joy it should.

I'm not sure what I grieved more: expecting to miss another of our grandson's birthdays, missing another day of relationship with our son, missing another day of relationship with Jay's wife Julie, missing another day of relationship with our granddaughter or just being grumpy.

And then the work I was going to do didn't happen so grumble, gripe, feel sad, try to NOT feel mad! Oh well, I am not on the way to the hospital nor do I have anyone in the hospital that I know of. Unfortunately one of my dear friends/relatives' father is in the last stages of cancer that was only recently discovered. Hmmm, we identify a young child without parents as an orphan; when you are in your 30's or 60's it can seem just as real!

Well I don't feel as low as I did the last half of the morning so I can now put the thoughts into words and contemplate for a few days.

I miss my mommy!

this doesn't have the same effect when I have to repost it due to IE issues!

Yep even at 59 I miss my mommy some days. Mom died in 1988 and strangely since Colleen's mom has moved here to Saskatoon I more frequently think of and miss my mother. They are not at all similar but this isn't about similarity. I even find myself wanting to drop in and visit mom after dropping Colleen at work but often she is not up and around by then.......and later she is involved in the many activities organized by the Resident's Association at her apartment. Poor me, right!

It has been a beautiful day here.....mid 20's so I was able to do the small amount of weeding in the front bed area. Now I am giving the birch tree its Fall watering.

Tomorrow is another chapter change. The PA church is having a farewell lunch and presentation for Mom after church. She has been a member there for probably 70 years! well OK maybe not quite that long but close. This is the first time she will be returning to Prince Albert and not be staying at her own home. It sold in 2 days with 2 weeks possession! Whew, 3 months ago she had just barely seen some of the apartments here!

Have a great day and weekend and week.

Brief thoughts.......

God sustains me but I still have to put in the effort each day! I have had 32 years of responding to an employer's schedule and now am learning how to develop the responsibility and discipline for my own scheduling. I look forward to following your adventure!

Time FLIES, well at least keeps moving along

It seems like lurking on Facebook keeps me from reading blogs and then sharing more of the depth of my life. Hmmm.

There is certainly more opportunity to share in the surface dimensions of people's lives via FB but there is a personal depth that I prefer to share through Blogging. I think it might be because I want to unload and unwind to a smaller audience. Oh and also so it doesn't FORCE someone to join something to be able to access the info.

Having said all that the last few weeks seem to have been fairly full. Colleen's Mom's house was listed Sept 1 and sold Sept 3rd! Fantastic and yet PANIC with a Sept 15th possession date! It feels like I did that 90 mile trip every 3 days since them! Today finished the last things, I thought I had the last trip 3 times!!!) This is the end of an era! Mom has a great 2 bedroom apartment that overlooks the river and the city.

Other aspects of life continue much as they have. No contact with Jay & Julie due to Jay's "Please do not come here uninvited" [sigh] Melissa continues to do well but permanent resident status continues to elude her. It is exciting and a bit frustrating for her to wait to see what God unfolds.

Christmas is in 3 months and 10 days!! We will be heading back to Taiwan before New Years. Melissa might be here for Christmas.

Lloyd Colborne thoughts

Some of these thoughts are pondering that have been percolating for a while but brought to the surface with the Memorial Service for Lloyd Colborne. Each of his children and grandchildren had written a note to Pastor Dean so he could incorporate it into the eulogy. Unfortunately I cannot recall them. When asked why he thought God called him so directly Lloyd had said "so my family could know Him" I trust that strikes a chord with many of us!! Lloyd has 1 wife, 2 sons, 2 daughter in laws, 4 grandchildren and one grandchild, oh and a couple grandchildren in law (if there is such a label) I don't know if all have accepted Christ but I know many have! THAT'S QUITE A MARK FOR US TO HOLD BEFORE US

I know there are times I have failed my wife and children. I also know there are times I have succeeded. So how do I go from here? What do I do for Melissa? What do I do for Jay? What do I do for Julie? What do I do for Alex? What do I do for Gaby? What do I do for Colleen? What do I do for YOU? HELP ME, TELL ME. Some days I think I know, some days I find out I didn't! Some days I find out I was wrong! Some days I can't undo the wrong...........

I keep looking for answers or ways to fix my mistakes.............................some days I can't no matter how hard I try.

Keep you eyes on your fries!

Today's sermon focused on Psalm 37 concluding with thoughts on living life with expectancy. We all have expectations but that is different than living with an expectancy of what God will do in and through our lives.

Each of us have expectations of ourselves and those in our lives and fortunately for most of us these do not adversely affect relationships. I know I have expectations for my children even now that they are adults in their 30's. I also now suspect those expectations have not always been the supportive undergirding I have hoped for. Am I being hard on myself, no, just pondering.

Another week of life

Some working, some playing, some helping others that bordered on play and work.

As with most weeks a mixture !

Lloyd Colborne passing at the age of 88. I have not known him well but the last several years I have known him as a prayer warrior praying consistently for leaders and regular folk daily, weekly or whatever they needed. Some in simple support and others in times of crisis or significant events.

A facebook chat with one of my aunts who is dealing with separation from her son too. We have covenanted to pray for each other's sons understanding. I think she has had more catastrophic events on her trail but that does not make the separation pain any less for either of us. I do know that we each have said we would do anything to renew the connection if we only knew what to do to bring change.

Farmer's Market was a GONG SHOW for us. I'm sure it was a very successful day for most with twice as many people as we have seen! Parking was impossible within 3 blocks or 45 minutes but I enjoyed watching people as I drove around........ Of course that meant Colleen's expectations were DASHED AND SMASHED especially after I called her cellphone 4 times and it was on silent mode, argh. Hear me fume and try to be lovingly calm? I failed! She still loves me but like was not at the top of her list.

Tomorrow is Church BBQ day and in a few weeks we will get the fall season kicked off. WOW FALL STARTUP!?

Now to finish a couple electrical jobs I'm doing and get to some houses in PA that need smoke detectors........

Does Facebook membership displace blogging?

it sure has for me.......or maybe I am in a place where I am not as filled with words of angst. Maybe Facebook allows the brief spurts of thought and wit a release so the blog urgency takes longer to build. Kind of like being on a liquid diet!!!! HA HA

Melissa has only had moderate impact from the typhoon that has devastated many areas of Taiwan. Although she has had a few days without water due to system shutdowns. I suspect the amount of debris and silt overload filtration systems but we will never get a clear explanation............you can't say systems are inadequate, can you!

I survived the 2 day yard sale at Colleen's Moms' house in PA, Wendell and Odette did a gargantuan job preparing for it. Josh and Cordell and Yvonne have helped tremendously too. We sold EVERYTHING that was ready for the decision. EVEN THE OLD DEEP FREEZE! Only the floor area of the 2 upstairs bedrooms is left. Now for a few kitchen cupboards and the bedrooms........................you can only process so much at a time and keep processing!

Oh, please keep praying for insight and open hearts and minds regarding Jay & Julie. We don't know what to do and Jay has expressly asked me to 'respect his privacy and not come there uninvited' hmmmm, argh, SIGH, whimper..............

Finally third warm day in a row!

I am NOT COMPLAINING. we don't get overheated.........but it does make it a bit tricky to plan outdoor play!

Colleen is working 3 days a week back at Birks so that means we have to get up early once in a while. We had a nice time in Crosby ND last weekend to celebrate my and Louise Aalund's birthdays. And had a MARVELOUS dinner with Susan, Suhky and Nicole in Regina on the way back. We sure enjoy travelling in the PT and it's decent on gas too.

My electrical work is flowing fairly smoothly but I now realize I need to formalize more things like liability and worker's comp insurance! I think I'm going to have to up my rates just to keep even!

Oh and not a lot of angst filled pondering even though we have not seen or heard from Jay & Julie except an occasional FB comment they leave for a mutual friend. Please pray for wisdom and peace.

Yes, still around just not getting to the BLOG

I knew it had been a while but 3 weeks! Life seems ordinary, but let's see.....getting myself going doing some electrical contracting while trying to not get too busy either. Getting Colleen's mom along the path of setting up her apartment at Riverside Terrace will be an ADVENTURE with many dimensions, hopefully I can keep my mouth quiet and face properly tuned!

Still now word on Melissa's permanent residency, just one more place to demonstrate patience. the next 2 weeks she will be very busy with the World Games. I'm sure there will be some good stories from it.

My current electrical job is a basement suite with some existing walls. Working with my hands and arms inside them makes it look like I was attacked by a cat!

Today we were greeted with 8 degrees and promise of rain.........................my feet are cold! I refuse socks!

Another Tuesday, another emotion

Well my blogging hasn't been very frequent lately.....................Colleen and I went to The Soloist with Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx ( not WITH, you know what I mean). Very Good! The character portrayals were good. But MAN, or as my cousins might say DANG IT, I didn't need the thought processing that the relationships, homelessness and mental health are generating! Whew! It consumes most of my emotional margin!!! I thought I had more margin............. Oh well it tires me enough I will sleep soundly tonight!

I went past the point of The Soloist being based on a book and saw the misguided cleaning up of an area populated by Homeless people, homeless being portrayed as having major mental health issues and the care/attention needed in relationships. Of course I can reign myself in enough to see the dynamics of the primary relationship as the purpose and nature of it evolves, enjoy the music and acting. I particularly liked the scene where Jamie is listening to the Orchestra practise and it switched to a swirling and pulsing of light colours to match the music! Kind of like that thing that happens when I am in the bright sun and kick back, close my eyes relax and let my brain register what happens. COOL

Well this has let my emotional margin refresh a bit.............................only a bit though. I'll need a couple days to get back to my tough exterior. Ok, not so tough but at least stronger.

Pondering ...........................

Tell me....why is it so easy to share joyful news but I protect the dissapointing stuff?

Melissa made the Taipei Times!

http://www.taipeitimes.com/images/2009/06/16/TT-980616-P04-IB.pdf

And here's her diplomatic comment at http://accesskaohsiung.blogspot.com/2009/06/taipei-times-article.html:

Taipei Times article
Check out today's (6/16) "Community Compass" in Taipei Times:http://www.taipeitimes.com/images/2009/06/16/TT-980616-P04-IB.pdfI think the article was well written, but maybe lays more blame on Kaohsiung City Government than they are actually responsible for. Unfortunately, a project at the bureau took the i-center building out of their hands and it was the management company that would not get the center re-opened. Different vision led to a lot of confusion and broken relationships. We had a good run of about 2 years initially about 4 years ago but was at a standstill for over a year.I'm excited about the possibilities of developing International Friendship House and the benefit it can be to the foreign community of Kaohsiung City and area.Thanks for all your support!Check out http://internationalfriendshiphouse.blogspot.com for more information about upcoming activities.
Posted by Access Kaohsiung Community Services/ International Friendship House