The screen is repaired. No new damages today. My market guys greeted me with grins, smiles and a grand time. I got my watermelon and tomatoes and 3 dim sum pieces. The dim sum is at a different stall!
I managed to do a little painting of some metal bars that we'll use to change up some things in Melissa's garage for displaying brochures and maps. Oh and of course a bit of bike riding, exploring and a trip to Shao Bae for 3M stickers.
We wimped out and had Mc D's for lunch as Melissa met a friend for lunch to discuss wedding decoration plans. It will be a time squeeze in 10 days. Church til 12:30 wedding at 2 in the same space!
OH I see it warmed to -14C in Saskatoon!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Words and intentions..............
I was reminded this evening of the importance of words and feelings. Within the last couple weeks a Taiwanese friend commented about the harshness of Taiwanese family communications and I responded that it is not ONLY a Taiwanese or Asian issue.
The circumstance is not important nor are the actual words. My realization and contemplation of my reactions to the words is however. There was no ill intention in the words but at the moment my mind and heart needed to hear softness and kindness rather than bluntness. OH there are times when I need to be spoken to directly as I often am a tiny bit dense. I chose to not verbally respond and continue on my way with the balance of my task but the thought process of a 60 year old guy, prone to thinking rather than reacting, prompted this sharing.
I'm not sure there is much more to say or share........... when you speak try to include love, when you hear interpret with love and understanding.
The circumstance is not important nor are the actual words. My realization and contemplation of my reactions to the words is however. There was no ill intention in the words but at the moment my mind and heart needed to hear softness and kindness rather than bluntness. OH there are times when I need to be spoken to directly as I often am a tiny bit dense. I chose to not verbally respond and continue on my way with the balance of my task but the thought process of a 60 year old guy, prone to thinking rather than reacting, prompted this sharing.
I'm not sure there is much more to say or share........... when you speak try to include love, when you hear interpret with love and understanding.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Tuesday was break day-it's Wednesday in Taiwan!
Not long before Melissa came home for lunch I was emptying the coffee pot, flip flop, juggle CRASH...one less coffee mug and half a cup of coffee on the kitchen floor. Well it needed mopping anyway!
In the evening we were headed out and I needed to leave a note on the door so back by the phone for note paper and CRASH, hooked the cord with my foot and yanked the cord right out of the phone.......FIVE cords in Saskatoon and NO spares here........$20NT($0.65 CDN) later and all is fine....except for the frustration!
At least our Afternoon Market visit went well and I was able to give my watermelon guys their picture from last year! It is really gratifying when people recognize us from last year!
Now off to do a screen door repair...maybe that's the peak of today's list. the screen was dog usage damage NOT me......................
In the evening we were headed out and I needed to leave a note on the door so back by the phone for note paper and CRASH, hooked the cord with my foot and yanked the cord right out of the phone.......FIVE cords in Saskatoon and NO spares here........$20NT($0.65 CDN) later and all is fine....except for the frustration!
At least our Afternoon Market visit went well and I was able to give my watermelon guys their picture from last year! It is really gratifying when people recognize us from last year!
Now off to do a screen door repair...maybe that's the peak of today's list. the screen was dog usage damage NOT me......................
Monday, February 07, 2011
I must be part dog...........................
oooooo I LIKED the shoulder and head massage that comes with a Taiwanese hair wash. HA HA HA
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Vicarious Living
We met Australian and British parents this weekend. Both Davids! It seems parents have pretty similar concerns and desires for their children around the globe but some talk funny! I may be one of the unofficial Kaohsiung ambassadors which may be getting a bit annoying for the women in my life. well the two here......it seems the OTHER women in my life want me to say more via this blog!
We are reminded on a daily basis how BLESSED we are to have healthy independent children,
We are reminded on a daily basis how BLESSED we are to be in Kaohsiung with Melissa,
We are reminded on a daily basis how BLESSED we are to be healthy and happy,
We are reminded on a daily basis how BLESSED we are to have friends in Saskatoon and other parts of Canada and the U.S. that are interested in our lives.
Today a Pastor and his son from Nebraska checked in for a few days before returning home late this week. They have been here working with Free Methodist Missionary David Clemente at a winter church camp. Colleen toured parts of NE with the Aldersgate Trio in 1969, I went to Kindergarten in Sidney NE in ??? and I have an uncle and cousins that live in NE but not in the small towns Brian McGee pastors in........ I almost always have a connection within a few hours of Melissa's North American guests!!!! I think it is somewhere between amusing and annoying for her........
Sorry no new pictures today I didn't want to take away from the break in Saskatoon weather!
We are meeting one of Melissa's friends at a salon for a HAIR WASH in 3 hours so we will grab some lunch. No stinky tofu or chicken butts today. or squid on a stick for that matter.
We are reminded on a daily basis how BLESSED we are to have healthy independent children,
We are reminded on a daily basis how BLESSED we are to be in Kaohsiung with Melissa,
We are reminded on a daily basis how BLESSED we are to be healthy and happy,
We are reminded on a daily basis how BLESSED we are to have friends in Saskatoon and other parts of Canada and the U.S. that are interested in our lives.
Today a Pastor and his son from Nebraska checked in for a few days before returning home late this week. They have been here working with Free Methodist Missionary David Clemente at a winter church camp. Colleen toured parts of NE with the Aldersgate Trio in 1969, I went to Kindergarten in Sidney NE in ??? and I have an uncle and cousins that live in NE but not in the small towns Brian McGee pastors in........ I almost always have a connection within a few hours of Melissa's North American guests!!!! I think it is somewhere between amusing and annoying for her........
Sorry no new pictures today I didn't want to take away from the break in Saskatoon weather!
We are meeting one of Melissa's friends at a salon for a HAIR WASH in 3 hours so we will grab some lunch. No stinky tofu or chicken butts today. or squid on a stick for that matter.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Photographic update
These are from the last THREE weekends, quite a variety of life and experiences. We are tremendously blessed to even be here in the same city with Melissa. We received an Anniversary cake and gift.
A bus trip with Melissa and some of her school staff
And a 2 family car trip that turned into a van trip because Melissa's car needs major repair that will likely turn into replacement..... It's much better travelling in one vehicle!!!
Donggang gates gold plated
And the boat that gets launched and burned every 3 years. Okay and rebuilt.
Zoom in to see all of us.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Is it Jet lag or something else
This morning I woke at 5:30! I laid there…………..then I thought why am I awake? I laid there and prayed for about 85 people that came to mind, yeah at least 85. And I laid there……. around 6:50 I got up, I know because Colleen asked is that a 6 or an 8? So I spent a couple hours working on various quiet things. At 8:30 Colleen came down…..Melissa was off to work about 8.
We had a light breakfast as we had plans to go the soft opening of K Town diner. It was pretty good but they have a fair bit of learning to cook eggs enough, either runny, runny or hard cooked to beyond hard.
We then went to Dollars to buy some groceries... Familiar but yet much unfamiliar. What is pork floss anyway? And all those little round balls! And those long thick mushrooms that look like, well, uh, never mind but tough and rubbery no matter how they are cooked. All mushrooms in Taiwan seem to be rubbery, hmm, palates sure differ.
This evening Melissa’s private lesson had to cancel so we walk to the MRT and bought our ICard so we don’t have to have cash on hand and then rode to the next stop with the new Shin Kong Mitsukoshi store, it opened only a few days before we left last spring. Very nice and some floors VERY exclusive names, Harrod’s, and other’s I don’t recognize but sure looks like big $$$$$$. Colleen and Melissa did manage to find some grocery items they couldn’t do without. There really isn’t anything you can’t find here except maybe particular brands and there always seems to be that hint of sweet in things……..
We had a light breakfast as we had plans to go the soft opening of K Town diner. It was pretty good but they have a fair bit of learning to cook eggs enough, either runny, runny or hard cooked to beyond hard.
We then went to Dollars to buy some groceries... Familiar but yet much unfamiliar. What is pork floss anyway? And all those little round balls! And those long thick mushrooms that look like, well, uh, never mind but tough and rubbery no matter how they are cooked. All mushrooms in Taiwan seem to be rubbery, hmm, palates sure differ.
This evening Melissa’s private lesson had to cancel so we walk to the MRT and bought our ICard so we don’t have to have cash on hand and then rode to the next stop with the new Shin Kong Mitsukoshi store, it opened only a few days before we left last spring. Very nice and some floors VERY exclusive names, Harrod’s, and other’s I don’t recognize but sure looks like big $$$$$$. Colleen and Melissa did manage to find some grocery items they couldn’t do without. There really isn’t anything you can’t find here except maybe particular brands and there always seems to be that hint of sweet in things……..
Monday, January 17, 2011
January 17 musings
Listening to the quiet rrrrRRRRRrrrr of a scooter approaching and passing and occasionally hearing one sound like it’s going to rattle apart before it passes. Hearing the clamouring or maybe it’s the clicking, clanking and clunking of cars, trucks, vans, scooters, wide and narrow steel overhead doors, bicycles, tools, pipes, hammers and shoes makes walking in Kaohsiung a strange symphony.
Tonight Colleen made pan fried chicken breasts, broccoli with cheese sauce and salad so I got to clean up as Melissa stopped in after a full day of work as she went to her Chiropractor. Balancing the efforts and work!! Of course I was MSN chatting with a friend in Taipei while the cooking took place. Tomorrow Colleen may be ready for the afternoon market; today her brain was not quite ready to deal with the smells and sights. AND as we were walking back from the shopping center the girl from the (my) tea shop saw me and we exchanged recognizing smiles so I HAD to go get my iced tea even though it is a bit cool for it. Mmmmm and brr mixed together. She even asked if we were back from Canada. Well I’m pretty sure that was what she said……….
Tonight Colleen made pan fried chicken breasts, broccoli with cheese sauce and salad so I got to clean up as Melissa stopped in after a full day of work as she went to her Chiropractor. Balancing the efforts and work!! Of course I was MSN chatting with a friend in Taipei while the cooking took place. Tomorrow Colleen may be ready for the afternoon market; today her brain was not quite ready to deal with the smells and sights. AND as we were walking back from the shopping center the girl from the (my) tea shop saw me and we exchanged recognizing smiles so I HAD to go get my iced tea even though it is a bit cool for it. Mmmmm and brr mixed together. She even asked if we were back from Canada. Well I’m pretty sure that was what she said……….
Sunday, January 16, 2011
We are settling in
We had absolutely no catastrophes..........We arrived Friday night as scheduled.
We weren't able to see my nephew's wife in Denver because their little girl was sick. The Best Western in San Francisco was fantastic and we had a nice breakfast included. A funny thing was that the shuttle driver to the hotel was playing some Chinese music that sounded JUST LIKE one of the artists a Taiwanese friend sent me over this past year. I hummed and smiled all the way! We were only in SF for 12 hours so all we did was take the edge off the tiredness.
Oh the Taiwanese memories. When we got to the hotel in Taipei I discovered not my heart, but my sleep shorts, were left in San Francisco. A comfortable bed and a great breakfast were included, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, sausages, sliced ham, cooked cabbage, seasoned baby parsnips, toast and jam, Americano coffee (STRONG), and LOTS of mystery food.
We were honoured guests at a wedding banquet Sunday afternoon and even received a 40th Anniversary cake and marriage mugs. The handles are in the form of the Chinese character for Double happiness. Then in the evening Melissa treated us to an Anniversary supper at one of our favourite restaurants, The Bayou. We did have a nice day and it was cool to hear "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" playing on the radio as we were driving home from dinner. That was the song that played when I walked down the aisle. Cool, eh! Pictures will follow in a few days.
We are both feeling the travel weariness and Colleen is fighting her cough valiantly. A few more days and all should be good.
This morning we walked the the 3 blocks to McDonald's for breakfast because we didn't have coffee or want the iced coffee at the breakfast shop a block away. It is an interesting comfort to hear the onslaught of car, scooter and truck traffic sounds and the familiar but completely NOT understood sounds. And to get at the corner near the Hanshin Mall and remember (across the street, not at the door) it doesn't open for another hour! So 7-11 here we come. Eggs and bread so Colleen can craft Melissa's lunch! Melissa will be spoiled......
We weren't able to see my nephew's wife in Denver because their little girl was sick. The Best Western in San Francisco was fantastic and we had a nice breakfast included. A funny thing was that the shuttle driver to the hotel was playing some Chinese music that sounded JUST LIKE one of the artists a Taiwanese friend sent me over this past year. I hummed and smiled all the way! We were only in SF for 12 hours so all we did was take the edge off the tiredness.
Oh the Taiwanese memories. When we got to the hotel in Taipei I discovered not my heart, but my sleep shorts, were left in San Francisco. A comfortable bed and a great breakfast were included, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, sausages, sliced ham, cooked cabbage, seasoned baby parsnips, toast and jam, Americano coffee (STRONG), and LOTS of mystery food.
We were honoured guests at a wedding banquet Sunday afternoon and even received a 40th Anniversary cake and marriage mugs. The handles are in the form of the Chinese character for Double happiness. Then in the evening Melissa treated us to an Anniversary supper at one of our favourite restaurants, The Bayou. We did have a nice day and it was cool to hear "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" playing on the radio as we were driving home from dinner. That was the song that played when I walked down the aisle. Cool, eh! Pictures will follow in a few days.
We are both feeling the travel weariness and Colleen is fighting her cough valiantly. A few more days and all should be good.
This morning we walked the the 3 blocks to McDonald's for breakfast because we didn't have coffee or want the iced coffee at the breakfast shop a block away. It is an interesting comfort to hear the onslaught of car, scooter and truck traffic sounds and the familiar but completely NOT understood sounds. And to get at the corner near the Hanshin Mall and remember (across the street, not at the door) it doesn't open for another hour! So 7-11 here we come. Eggs and bread so Colleen can craft Melissa's lunch! Melissa will be spoiled......
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Travelling
It was with sadness we left Jay, Julie, Alex and Gaby in Saskatoon but we are EXCITED to see Melissa. Flights have been on time but we had to wrestle our bags to the hotel in San Francisco overnight. My grandniece in Denver was sick so we didn't get to meet her and her mom. The Best Western Grosvenor was nice and we had a great hot breakfast. too bad we were in the hotel less than 8 hours!
Colleen is fighting her sinus cold so we will have an early DR visit in Kaohsiung.....
So I have accessed wifi in Saskatoon, Denver, San Francisco and since we have almost 4 hours in Tokyo likely there too. We are meeting Chester/Chris at the Taipei airport to pass along BABA gifts.
We board in about 20 minutes. OH I see it has warmed a degree in Taipei.......it looks like it will be rainy and 17......................info only not GLOATING
All for now!!
Colleen is fighting her sinus cold so we will have an early DR visit in Kaohsiung.....
So I have accessed wifi in Saskatoon, Denver, San Francisco and since we have almost 4 hours in Tokyo likely there too. We are meeting Chester/Chris at the Taipei airport to pass along BABA gifts.
We board in about 20 minutes. OH I see it has warmed a degree in Taipei.......it looks like it will be rainy and 17......................info only not GLOATING
All for now!!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
whaaaaah I'm sick
OK I know I am SICK, but this is a cold! at least it isn't a COLD...... I am so seldom sick or ill feeling that I don't know how to suck it up and keep going. All the years of good health benefits and now no REAL schedule enable my whimpering and lounging. I am getting better because the Jacuzzi just didn't have the restorative draw that the 2 hours did yesterday!!
Four weeks from RIGHT NOW we will be 12 hours from seeing Melissa in Taipei! We will have seen family in Denver and spent midnight to noon in San Francisco. I'll blog about THAT.
Waaah, my eyes burn....................
Four weeks from RIGHT NOW we will be 12 hours from seeing Melissa in Taipei! We will have seen family in Denver and spent midnight to noon in San Francisco. I'll blog about THAT.
Waaah, my eyes burn....................
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Grieving ................
I just got word of a friend's passing after a long battle with cancer. It brings sadness and tears and broken voice and happiness that her suffering is passed. I think it brings back those little pieces of grief from all those I have lost over the years. AND an increased understanding of my own grieving process. God is stronger and our fullest hope is in Heaven and eternity with Him. All our lives have a limit so we do our best to deal with it when it happens.
It hurts to be involved in people's lives and then lose them!!! It is also a TREMENDOUS JOY. I will continue to welcome people into my life because the pain is far less than the joy and happiness it brings.
My life will continue pretty much the same until Friday arrives and we say another farewell. My heart aches for her young daughter as I have known her best through my youth group work. Joyelle prayed every day for the several months my sister suffered with cancer before she died and now she is grieving the loss of her mother! My voice quivers and my eyes weep because she is so much a part of my heart.
I will be OK. I have been OK through other loss and heartache so I will endure and persevere. And after all tears and broken voices are what make us who we are.
It hurts to be involved in people's lives and then lose them!!! It is also a TREMENDOUS JOY. I will continue to welcome people into my life because the pain is far less than the joy and happiness it brings.
My life will continue pretty much the same until Friday arrives and we say another farewell. My heart aches for her young daughter as I have known her best through my youth group work. Joyelle prayed every day for the several months my sister suffered with cancer before she died and now she is grieving the loss of her mother! My voice quivers and my eyes weep because she is so much a part of my heart.
I will be OK. I have been OK through other loss and heartache so I will endure and persevere. And after all tears and broken voices are what make us who we are.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
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
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
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.
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| I am managing to keep this cleared |
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| If I remember right this is Marilyn, Barry and David with their mother Beulah and Milford with his mother Hazel |
Saturday, November 20, 2010
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!
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!
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| Their Dad and Auntie used to play this same board (Yogi & Boo Boo) |
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| OBSTACLE COURSE |
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| Who says the train needs a track! |
Friday, November 19, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Some photos from the last few months
This last Saturday brought creative cookie making................
OCTOBER brought a surprise from Baba Brenda.........sharing her treasure until Gemma and Guiness return
AUGUST was Melissa's visit, Jerrod & Shefalee's Wedding
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 .
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 .
Sunday, September 05, 2010
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 ___________!
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 ___________!
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, June 28, 2010
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............................
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............................
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